A Balanced Diet for a Rabbit
As for every animal, an adequate diet is essential for rabbits to stay healthy, fit and satisfied.
An optimal diet contains all the necessary nutrients, supports the digestive system and contributes to a healthy abrasion of the teeth. The following feed list concentrates on important components of a balanced rabbit diet, detailed information on quantities, nutrients and effects can be found in selected specialist literature.
Water must always be present, fresh and free from contamination
Rabbits need an amount of water that accounts for about 10% of their body weight in order for their physiological body functions to function normally!
An ideal diet will contain:
Hay / Grass
- must be available at all times
- should account for at least 80% of the diet
Tip: The greener the hay, the more nutrients it contains!
Green fodder
- weed
- basil
- nettle
- chamomile
- watercress
- marigolds
- peppermint leaves
- dandelion
- cornflowers
- sow thistle
- hogweed
- wild carrot
- clover
- daisies
- gout
- hibiscus
- dill
- plantain
- peppermint leaves
- yarrow
- chickweed
Tip: Green fodder comes closest to the natural diet of rabbits!
Vegetables
- cucumbers
- pumpkin
- paprika
- asparagus
- turnip
- beetroot
- celery
- curly kale
- spinach
- courgette
- chard
- cucumber herb
- watercress
- basil
- chicory
- endive salad
- dandelion
Tip: Leafy vegetables should account for about 75% of fresh food!
Fruit
- apples
- strawberries
- rose hips
- kiwi
- cranberries
- pears
- currants
- grapes
- bananas
Tip: Care should be taken with fruit in particular. It may be offered only in small quantities and partly also only now and then to the rabbits. Too much can lead to diarrhoea, an increase in blood sugar levels and irritation of the skin!
Branches
- apple tree
- currant bush
- hazel bush
- pear tree
- poplar
- alder
- lime tree
Tip: Branches can usually be offered with the leaves and flowers.