Home Page

Articles

Burns Rabbit Food

Changing Food

Digestive System

Fruit and Vegetables

House rabbits

Health Issues

Links

Neutering

Preventing Boredom

Shopping online

Contact Burns

Cereal based foods

Commercial cereal based products are usually too high in protein and carbohydrates and too low in fibre. A rabbit fed on a low fibre diet will often suffer digestive and dental problems.

Commercial cereal based diets were originally developed for ‘fattening’ rabbits for the meat industry and even today obesity is a big problem if they are fed too much of these diets.

If gradually weaning out cereal based food altogether is not an option (we recommend consulting your vet before doing so) then feeding the dried food sparingly is important.

The main two factors to look for when selecting a rabbit food are:

• Avoid bright coloured mixed foods as these can encourage selective feeding leading to deficiencies in some nutrients.
• Look for a high fibre diet (18-20%+), which is low in protein and fat. The high fibre pellets should be uniform in shape and size so the rabbit cannot pick out its favourite pieces.

A rabbit fed on a balanced diet should not need any salt or mineral licks or supplements.

Young rabbits and pregnant/nursing rabbits may need higher levels of protein and fat in the diet.

With the correct balance of hay, vegetables, wild plants and herbs it is possible to feed your rabbit without the need for any cereal based foods at all.

Subscribe to our email newsletter (monthly UK subscriber draw)