Balanced Bunny Diet

A bunny's diet should consist mainly of hay. They should be fed (in the case of Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs) 1/4 cup of plain brown pellets in addition to unlimited timothy hay. Treats and veggies can be fed sparingly - about 1 tablespoon of treats a day is enough. However, be mindful - a tablespoon of oats can be too much and stop up their digestion, while a tablespoon of carrots could give them gas. Be mindful of the treats you feel your bunnies! Veggies can be fed after the bunny is 6 months old, and even then, they should be introduced slowly so the delicate balance of the gut isn't disturbed.

Hay - We use Dumor timothy hay from Tractor Supply. If this is not available to you, we recommend using 1st or 2nd cutting timothy hay from a supplier near you. Orchard grass is also a great alternative! NEVER use alfalfa hay, as bunny pellets are also alfalfa, and too much alfalfa can cause death or serious harm to your bunny!

Pellets - We use Country Road pellets and Mazuri pellets. Any plain brown pellets will work, but try to steer clear of pellets containing soy and corn. Some great brand recommendations are Oxbow and Sherwood pellets. At the bottom of this article is a helpful guide with the preferred balance of nutrients for pelleted food. Never, ever feed your bunbun 'party mix' or anything with brightly colored pieces, as these can be harmful and even fatal (even if advertised for bunnies!)

Treats - Our go-to treats are BOSS (black oil sunflower seeds) and oats. Oats can cause diarrhea in bunnies, so feed sparingly. Do not feed any seeds besides BOSS to bunnies.

Bunny-safe veggies (not an extensive list, so do your research on what is safe!) -

Romaine lettuce

Carrots

Cilantro

Arugula

Basil

Kale

Dandelion greens

Hazardous veggies (not an extensive list, so do your research on what is safe!) -

Potatoes

Corn

Rhubarb

Mushrooms

Iceberg lettuce

Broad/kidney beans

Proper Percentages of Nutrients for Pelleted Food

"Including all treats and supplements given, a pet rabbit’s feed should contain 14-16% protein, approximately 4% fat, and at least 18% fiber, with more being preferred. Pregnant and nursing females can use a slightly higher protein content, but an 18%+ protein content is too rich for many small rabbits."

Sources: thenaturetrail.com