What do rabbits eat?
Rabbit diets vary depending on what the purpose of the rabbit is. Rabbits raised for meat are usually fed a diet of strictly pelleted feed, show rabbits are fed a special diet to help condition them for show, and some pet owners swear by an all veggie diet.
Regardless of what you're keeping rabbits for, I am of the opinion that a strict pellet diet and/or a strict veggie diet will not suffice. In my opinion, a varied diet of a good quality pellet and hay is best for any rabbit.
Pellets
It is very important to find a good quality rabbit pellet. For Hollands, it is often suggested that you get a feed that is lower in protein and higher in fiber (18% or more). Make sure the pellets are fresh. Pellets can be stored for 6 weeks if it is stored in a cool, dry place.
The general rule of thumb for feeding rabbits is about 1/2 cup of pellets per day per 5 lbs. of rabbit. So, a Holland Lop will only need 1/4-1/2 cup of pellets daily.
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Hay
Hay is actually the most important part of a rabbit's diet, although it is often overlooked by rabbit owners. A good grass hay provides something to chew on and wear down those (constantly growing) teeth, and is an awesome preventative of fur block. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves by licking their fur. However, unlike cats, rabbits cannot get rid of the ingested fur by coughing up a furball. Therefore, that ingested fur has to pass through their whole system. Grass hay keeps their digestive system working properly. My rabbits are fed a handful of hay daily and I've never lost one to fur block, which can be fatal if left untreated.
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Water
Like all pets, rabbits need fresh, cool water daily. Your rabbit should never be without water, as they can get dehydrated easily. Rinse the bottle/crock daily and clean it frequently to prevent algae from growing in the water and harming your rabbits.
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Extra Treats







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