Basic Diet for Outdoor Rabbits

Your outdoor rabbits require a well-balanced diet that primarily comprises hay, which should make up about 80% of their total diet. Timothy hay is an excellent choice, providing the roughage needed to aid their digestion and maintain good dental health.

In addition to hay, fresh vegetables should form a part of their daily intake. Here is a list of suitable vegetables for your rabbit:

• Leafy Greens: such as romaine lettuce, kale, and spinach.
• Root Vegetables: including carrots and carrot tops, in moderation.
• Herbs: like basil, cilantro, and parsley.

Remember to always introduce new vegetables slowly to avoid digestive issues.

Rabbits also enjoy fruit, but due to the high sugar content, you should offer it sparingly as a treat. Suitable fruits include:

• Apples (without seeds)
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

Ensure that all fresh produce is thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides or harmful substances.

Your rabbit's diet can be supplemented with a small amount of specially formulated rabbit pellets which provide additional nutrients. A general guideline is:

Rabbit Weight	Daily Pellet Amount
Up to 5 lbs	1/4 cup
5-10 lbs	1/2 cup
10+ lbs	3/4 cup

Fresh water must be available at all times. Use a heavy bowl to prevent tipping or opt for a bottle with a sipper tube, cleaning and refilling it daily.

Types of Hay

Outdoor rabbits have specific dietary needs, and hay is an essential part of their diet. It provides the necessary fiber for their digestive systems and helps wear down their constantly growing teeth.

Timothy Hay
The gold standard for your rabbit's diet, Timothy hay is high in fiber and low in protein and calcium, which is ideal for adult rabbits.

Alfalfa Hay
Despite being rich in protein and calcium, Alfalfa hay is generally recommended for younger rabbits. Be cautious, as it's not suitable for long-term feeding in adults due to potential urinary issues and obesity.

• Meadow Hay
  Equally nutritious, Meadow hay varies in texture and composition based on the plants available in the meadow where it's harvested.

• Oat Hay
  With a good fiber content, Oat hay includes seed heads that provide a variety and encourage foraging. It's crunchy and good for dental health.

• Orchard Grass Hay
  Softer and with a sweet smell, Orchard grass hay is a favorite for many rabbits and is a good alternative for those who may be allergic to Timothy hay.

To maintain variety and prevent boredom, you can offer your rabbit a mix of these hays. Always ensure that the hay is fresh and dry to avoid the growth of mold, which can be harmful to your rabbit's health.

Fresh Vegetables Selection

When it comes to feeding your outdoor rabbits, incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables into their diet is vital for their health. Leafy greens should make up a substantial part of their vegetable intake. Below is a table of safe options you can provide.

Safe Leafy Greens for Rabbits	Frequency of Feeding
Romaine Lettuce	Daily in small amounts
Bok Choy	Daily in small amounts
Basil	Occasionally
Carrot Tops	Sparingly, due to calcium
Dandelion Greens	Daily in small amounts

In addition to leafy greens, you may offer a variety of other vegetables, but it's crucial to do so sparingly to prevent digestive problems.

• Bell peppers (any color, without seeds) can be fed a few times a week.
• Carrots should be given as a treat due to their high sugar content.
• Cucumber can be provided a couple of times per week.

Remember to introduce new vegetables gradually and in small portions to observe how your rabbit tolerates them. If you notice any changes in their digestion or behavior, eliminate the new vegetable from their diet and consult a veterinarian.

Your rabbit's fresh vegetable intake should complement a balanced diet of hay, some pellets, and occasional fruits. Clean water must always be available. Rinse all vegetables to remove pesticides and cut them into manageable pieces to prevent choking.

Suitable Fruits

Outdoor rabbits can enjoy a variety of fruits as part of a balanced diet. However, fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content—think of them as a treat for your rabbit. Typically, one to two tablespoons of fruit per five pounds of body weight is an appropriate serving size.

Apples (without seeds): Apples are a favorite among rabbits. Ensure you remove the seeds, as they can be harmful.

Bananas: Due to their higher sugar content, bananas should be given sparingly. A small piece once a week is ample.

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all safe for rabbits, but feed these in moderation.

Melon: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew offer hydration and vitamins, just remove the seeds and serve in small pieces.

Pears: Pears are another sweet treat for rabbits. Make sure to core them and serve in small chunks.

Here's a quick reference table for fruit serving sizes:

Fruit	Serving Size	Notes
Apples	1-2 small slices	Remove seeds
Bananas	1-2 small pieces	High in sugar
Berries	1-2 tablespoons	Variety of types acceptable
Melon	1-2 small pieces	Remove seeds
Pears	1-2 small slices	Core and remove seeds

Remember, fruits are treats and should not replace a rabbit's primary diet of hay, leafy greens, and pellets. Introduce any new food slowly to prevent digestive upset. Always provide fresh water.

Incorporating Pellets

When caring for outdoor rabbits, pellets serve as an important component of their diet. They provide a concentrated source of nutrients that might be less abundant in their natural forage.

Choosing the Right Pellets:

• Look for high-fiber, low-protein pellets, with fiber content often above 18%.
• Make sure the pellets are specific to rabbits as other animals have different nutritional requirements.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Young rabbits can have unlimited pellets, as they need more nutrients to grow.
• Adult rabbits should have restricted amounts; a guideline is 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily.
• Always measure the pellets to avoid overfeeding.

Tips for a Balanced Diet:

• Gradually incorporate pellets into your rabbit's diet to prevent digestive issues.
• Complement pellets with fresh hay, which should be the bulk of their diet.
• Rotate and include fresh vegetables for additional nutrients and variety.
• Maintain a regular feeding schedule to support digestive health.

Freshness and Storage:

• Store pellets in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
• Check pellets for any signs of mold or deterioration regularly.
• Purchase pellets in quantities that can be used while still fresh; ideally within 6 months.

By following these steps, you'll ensure your outdoor rabbit has a nutritious diet that fulfills their dietary needs while contributing to their overall wellness.

Water Supply Importance

Water is as crucial to your outdoor rabbits' diet as it is to their overall health. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining their digestive functions and regulating body temperature.

• Digestive Health: Water aids in the digestion of fibrous plants.
• Temperature Regulation: Keeping cool, especially in warmer climates, depends on adequate water intake.

Ensure your rabbits have continuous access to clean water. Check frequently to replenish and clean the water containers to prevent the growth of harmful algae or bacteria. An average rabbit drinks approximately 50-150 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day.

Seasonal Changes:

• Summer: Rabbits require more water.
• Winter: Prevent water sources from freezing.

Consider these options for water delivery:

Method	Advantages	Considerations
Bowl	Easy to use	Can be tipped over
Bottle	Less spillage	Requires training
Automatic	Constant supply	Needs regular check

Regularly check the water temperature; it should be cool, not cold or hot. Monitor your rabbits' water intake to quickly identify any changes that might indicate health issues. Remember, a well-hydrated rabbit is a happy and healthy rabbit.

Unsafe Foods to Avoid

When feeding your outdoor rabbit, it's crucial to know which foods are harmful. Here's a list of foods to avoid:

• Chocolate and Candy: Dangerous due to theobromine and high sugar content.
• Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to rabbits.
• Potatoes and Tomato Leaves: These nightshades can be poisonous to your rabbit.

Food Type	Why to Avoid
Dairy Products	Rabbits are lactose intolerant and cannot digest them.
Meat	Being obligate herbivores, meat can seriously harm their digestive system.
Onions and Garlic	These can cause blood abnormalities and digestive issues.

*Avoid feeding your rabbit any types of beans or nuts, as these can lead to digestive problems and potential obesity due to their high fat content.

Finally, while some houseplants may seem harmless, many are toxic to rabbits. Keep your rabbit away from plants such as rhubarb leaves, lilies, and amaryllis. Always ensure that your rabbit has access to fresh hay, clean water, and a variety of safe, rabbit-friendly vegetables and fruits to maintain their health.

Frequency and Amount of Feeding

When feeding outdoor rabbits, it's important to regulate the frequency and amount of feed. Your rabbits should have constant access to hay, which serves as the main component of their diet and is crucial for their digestive health.

Daily fresh greens are also a must; provide a handful per 2 pounds of your rabbit's body weight. Rotate the greens to ensure a variety of nutrients. Vegetables like romaine lettuce, kale, and spinach are beneficial.

Feeding Schedule:

• Morning: Fresh greens and a small serving of rabbit pellets; typically 1/4 cup per 5 pounds of body weight.
• Throughout the day: Unlimited access to a clean supply of hay.
• Evening: A second serving of fresh greens.

Avoid overfeeding pellets as it can lead to obesity. Fine-tune the pellet quantity based on your rabbit's age, health, and breed. Young, active, or nursing rabbits may require more.

Treats like fruits or carrots should be given sparingly, no more than 1-2 tablespoons per day, due to high sugar content.

Be mindful of the signs of proper feeding:

• Consistent weight: Your rabbit should maintain a steady weight; fluctuations could be a sign of improper feeding.
• Healthy teeth: Hay helps wear down teeth evenly.
• Good digestion: Regular, well-formed droppings indicate a well-balanced diet.

Maintain clean water availability at all times, replenishing it daily. Regularly check and clean food dishes and hay racks to keep the feeding area hygienic.

Dietary Variation by Season

In spring, your outdoor rabbits will graze on a variety of emerging vegetation. They'll enjoy:

• Fresh grasses
• Clover
• Young weeds
• Some flowering plants

During summer, these rabbits have the widest variety of foods to choose from. Their diet mainly includes:

1. Leafy greens
2. Wildflowers
3. Garden vegetables (if accessible)
4. Fruits (in moderation)

Autumn brings a change in available plant life. Rabbits will shift their diet to:

• Dried grasses
• Late-blooming plants
• Twigs and bark, as vegetation becomes scarce

Winter challenges rabbits with sparse food sources. They survive on:

• Tougher plant materials
• Deciduous tree bark
• Evergreen needles
• Remaining dried grasses

It's important to ensure that during these leaner months, your rabbits might need supplementary feedings of hay or pellets to maintain proper nutrition. Nutritional needs may vary with the local climate and available wild flora, so observe and adjust as necessary.

Treats and Supplements

While your outdoor rabbit's main diet comprises hay, fresh greens, and water, treats and supplements can add variety and additional nutrients to their diet. It's essential to use these sparingly to avoid upsetting your rabbit's digestive system.

Treats:
Fresh fruits and veggies can be offered occasionally as treats. Here's a list of safe options:

• Fruits (should be given in moderation due to high sugar content):

  • Apple (seedless)
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries

• Vegetables:

  • Carrot tops
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumber

Ensure that all treats are washed and free from pesticides before serving. Limit fruit treats to 1-2 tablespoons per 5 pounds of body weight per day.

Supplements:
Supplements are not typically necessary for rabbits with a balanced diet. However, in some cases, a vet might recommend them. Potential supplements might include:

Supplement	Purpose
Vitamin D	For bone health and if your rabbit has limited sunlight exposure.
Probiotics	To support gut health, especially after antibiotic use or digestive upset.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	For coat health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Before adding any supplements to your rabbit's diet, consult with a veterinarian to ensure they're necessary and to establish the correct dosage. Over-supplementing can lead to health problems.