Can rabbit just be fed on hay???

Question

Hi everyone i have heard on some web sites that bunnies can just be fed on hay(summer) is this true? Because all of my bunnies love hay, i just wasn't sure if that ALL they can eat?! And it would be good meadow hay as i live in the UK so i can't get timothy hay. Thanks. :)

Answer 1

Rabbits are grass/hay eaters. Their entire digestive system is designed to eat grass (hay is dried grass). Feeding them too much fruit, vegetables and pellets is actually bad for them (as someone above already pointed out, pellets were designed to fatten them up quickly for eating, not for feeding long term pets).

Rabbits need the long fibers in grass & hay to aid digestion. Without it they can develop serious gastric problems that can lead to death. While pellets contain some hay, the fine processed particles in pellets lack the long fibers.

Hay should be free fed and available 24 hours a day. Pellets, fruits and vegetables should be limited. Hay should make up 80/90% of their diet. Anyone who says otherwise is wrong and is giving bad advice. Don't believe me? Find a Rabbit vet in your area and ask.

There are many types of hay, but the best for rabbits is Timothy hay. It has the right combination of nutrients and fibers. However, it's fine to occasionally offer other types of hay for some variety. I also feed my bunny fresh grass too. He loves the stuff and it meets his digestive needs.