Too much fiber a possible problem?

[Jenk]

Has anyone heard the advice/theory that some, if not most, rabbits do better on a diet that doesn't contain a sky-high amount of fiber?

I could swear that someone on RO once said that some rabbits can suffer digestive issues from too much fiber. Tonight, I heard that theory again fromsomeone who raised rabbits as ateen. He was advised byrabbit judges and breeders that many rabbits tend to haveless issues on a diet with a moderate-fiber content.

Our three rabbits have hadnumerous digestive glitches, in spite of me following the advice of rabbit-savvy vets. (Two of our girls have genetic issues that don't help matters.) Ourone male--in spite of eating1st-cut timothy hay, Oxbow BB/T pellets and greens--has been suffering frequent gas episodes; I'm starting to believe that greens are the problem and am considering slightly increasing his pellet intake while weaning him off of greens.

Thank you,

Jenk

 

[Mrs. PBJ]

I am by no means a NB mod but from personal experience. Storm can not handle veggies. I would rule out teeth problem and Intestinal worms first.

Which we where able to do in one vet visit with Storm. I slowly took him off Veggies over a period of time and he has not had a unexplained bought with gas sense.

I hope this helps a more experienced person will come along soon. The forum is pretty dead at night.


Kat:bunnydance:

 

[pamnock]

Excessive amounts of fiber can result in rabbits eating less nutritious foods as they fill up on hay (and become pot-bellied from lack of protein).

Excessive fiber can also cause food to move move quickly through the digestive system, resulting in less nutrients being absorbed in the intestines.

Nutritionists have known for years that rabbits require moderate amounts of fiber in their diets (which can come from many sources) - however the diet must be nutritionally balanced. There's no benefit to excess fiber in the diet.

 

[Jenk]

Mrs. PBJ wrote:

Storm can not handle veggies. I would rule out teeth problem and Intestinal worms first.

During his last vet visit, the vet commented that two of his teeth--more toward the back, I believe--have grown rather long. She also also noted that they still "meet up."

I should mention that our boy'sgas issues have occurredfor some time; I don't think his teeth are the cause, or at least weren't the start.Nowadays, he seems to get them if he eats a big plate of greens--the amount that so many people seem to push for a rabbit his size: 8.5 lbs.

Oh, yeah, he's tested negative for intestinal parasites--more than once.

I slowly took him off Veggies over a period of time and he has not had a unexplained bought with gas sense.

At this point, Idon't think that I can wean our guy off of veggies as slowly as I'd like. I've alreadydiscovered thatwhen he gets more of a "treat" amount of them--i.e., a very small amount for his size--he at least has more vim and vinegar afterward. So, at this point, I'm still feeding him greens but have drastically cut the amount.

 

[Jenk]

pamnock wrote:

Excessive amounts of fiber can result in rabbits eating less nutritious foods as they fill up on hay (and become pot-bellied from lack of protein).

Our guy was receiving a 4-Tbsp. pellet rationand a large plateful of greensat night. Of course, he also ate his 1st-cut timothy hay in between those two feedings.

At this point, I'm decreasing our boy's greens content and am considering increasing his pellet content. (Note:A 4 Tbsp. ration may seem small for an 8.5 bun, but I've read that a 1 Tbsp. "dose" should be given for a 1-2.5 lb. bun.)

Excessive fiber can also cause food to move move quickly through the digestive system, resulting in less nutrients being absorbed in the intestines.

Ironically, our guy seemed to have some digestive issues from softer-cut hay at times--specifically sweet meadow hay. So I'm a bit leery to even change the cut of his hay.

Nutritionists have known for years that rabbits require moderate amounts of fiber in their diets (which can come from many sources) - however the diet must be nutritionally balanced. There's no benefit to excess fiber in the diet.

In other words, I still need to find the balance that works for our guy.