Rabbit diet help!

[Lois south]

Hi guys
I have no idea if I'm feeding my rabbit correctly. I have read a lot online and sometimes sources don't agree. I went to my vet and they literally said they know nothing about rabbit nutrition (they are incredibly trash and I'm currently looking for a new vet). He is 4 month old mini lop around 1.3 kg he gets unlimited hay and water, some veggies in the morning with a tiny bit of pellets and in the evening he gets 2 tablespoons of the burgess junior pellets. Where am I going wrong? Please help

 

[Cute Alice bunnies]

I think that his current diet sounds really nice

 

[neophytical]

That sounds really similar to how I feed my little guy, I'd say you're doing a great job

 

[zuppa]

Hi, it sounds all good to me, what vegetables do you feed him?

 

[Lois south]

I think that his current diet sounds really nice

Thanks thats actually a relief to know

 

[Lois south]

That sounds really similar to how I feed my little guy, I'd say you're doing a great job

Thank you I've been stressing about it for so long. Thought that I might be slowly killing him

 

[Lois south]

Hi, it sounds all good to me, what vegetables do you feed him?

I like to give him a variety at least 5 kinds. This morning he's getting radicchio, endive, spinach, romaine, dill, Savoy cabbage, watercress and a touch of dill and basil

 

[Imbrium]

https://rabbit.org/faq-diet/ and https://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/ are my recommended reading for anyone with diet questions. That said, it sounds like you've got him on a great diet (in line with the recommendations on the HRS site).

The main critique I have about what you're feeding is that the vegetable selection is heavy on cruciferous veggies - radicchio, savoy cabbage and watercress all fall into that category. Also, the cabbage actually counts as a "non-leafy-green" vegetable and should be limited to 1 tbsp per 2 lbs body weight daily. Cruciferous veggies can cause gas, which rabbits have trouble dealing with and which can lead to GI stasis (some rabbits are more prone to gas issues than others). I recommend limiting it to one cruciferous veggie per day and not giving a whole lot of it. If your bunny ever does seem to have tummy troubles after eating cruciferous veggies (reduced appetite, hunched over or looking uncomfortable, less active than usual) the first thing to try is simethicone (in the form of (liquid) infant gas medication, which can be bought at any pharmacy or grocery store) - it's very safe and effective. Some good options to add to his veggie selection would be cilantro (dirt cheap and beloved by the vast majority of rabbits) and turnip/collard greens.

Technically, you can gradually increase his pellet ration a bit due to his age... but this is a choice rather than a necessity. If he seems to be eating lots of hay, growing well and maintaining an appropriate weight then my advice would be to stick with what's working for him (particularly since growth rates start slowing down around the 4 month mark anyway). All in all, he sounds wonderfully spoiled! Keep up the good work .

 

[Imbrium]

Whoops, strike that about collard and turnip greens... I forgot that those are on the cruciferous list too! I do feed those and kale pretty often, though - around 2-3 big leaves shouldn't cause a problem as long as your rabbit isn't particularly sensitive.