While it might seem ok to let your rabbit indulge in cat food, it’s ultimately quite dangerous for them to snack on cat or dog food. Cat and dog foods are designed for carnivores, not for herbivores. They are high in protein and fat as well as carbohydrates in the form of grains and while it might not appear to cause any harm at first, disastrous effects can take place over time.
Do not give your rabbit cat food. Cat food is high in protein and fat as well as carbohydrates in the form of grains. Excessive levels of protein can lead to kidney damage and excessive levels of fat and grain-based carbohydrates can lead to obesity.
Sometimes rabbits will snack on cat food if it’s around, but rabbits will munch on nearly anything so don’t think it’s ok if the rabbit likes it. It’s up to you to make sure they aren’t ingesting too much of what they shouldn’t be.
A rabbit’s diet should be made up of good quality fresh hay (timothy hay, oat hay, or other grass hays), fresh vegetables, pellets, and plenty of clean and fresh water. Anything beyond that is a “treat” and should be given infrequently and in limited quantities if at all.
Here you can find the right fruits for your rabbits. Also, learn more about the right amount of dried fruits you can give to your rabbit. Here is a list of good vegetables for rabbits.
Hay 80%
- essential to a rabbit’s good health providing roughage which reduces the danger of hairballs and other blockages.
- should be available 24hrs a day
- Timothy or other grass hays, oat, coastal, brome, Bahia or wheat.
- avoid alfalfa or clover hays as they are too high in calories and protein
Veggies 10 - 15%
- dark leafy veggies and root vegetables
- avoid beans and rhubarb
- introduce new vegetables slowly
Pellets 5 - 10%
- should be fresh and at least 20% fibre
- alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits
- don’t buy too much at once as they can go bad
Show your bunny how much you love them by providing them with a healthy diet. Just like kids, they usually won’t avoid eating too much of foods that aren’t good for their health so your loving, your knowledge and your care are key.
