What We Use & Recommend
Rabbits have a sensitive digestive system and their diet should consist mostly of hay, high quality rabbit pellet food and fresh or dried veggies/fruits. It's essential that your rabbits get the proper nutrients and water daily. Poorly feeding your rabbit can lead to being under or overweight, dental issues, illness and even death. The digestive system of rabbits is much more sensitive than that of a dog or cat. Rabbits are herbivores which means their diet is plant based and they don't eat meat or animal biproducts.
Water
It's essential that your rabbit has access to unlimited fresh water all the time. There are several ways to go about this and it'll depend on your preferences and what your rabbit's preferences are.
Most rabbits will drink water from just about anything; bowls, water drippers that hook/attach to the side of their home, and water fountains built for animals.
We use bowls and water fountains for our rabbits and they love this method the most. The fountains have filters and it gives a more natural "stream" effect for them to drink from. For us personally, I like that they hold a lot of water (2.5 liters!) The fountains continuously filter the water (so it's not standing and stagnant at any time), it gives a source of stimulation and it's high enough off the ground that the water stays relatively clean all the time. The rabbits can't poop or pee in the water by accident and babies loves to explore the water.
There are quite a few quality animal water fountains out there. We recommend a fountain that has filters (that you can replace or clean), that can be opened easily and cleaned/refilled regularly, and most importantly cannot be tipped over!
We use and recommend:
Most rabbits will drink water from just about anything; bowls, water drippers that hook/attach to the side of their home, and water fountains built for animals.
We use bowls and water fountains for our rabbits and they love this method the most. The fountains have filters and it gives a more natural "stream" effect for them to drink from. For us personally, I like that they hold a lot of water (2.5 liters!) The fountains continuously filter the water (so it's not standing and stagnant at any time), it gives a source of stimulation and it's high enough off the ground that the water stays relatively clean all the time. The rabbits can't poop or pee in the water by accident and babies loves to explore the water.
There are quite a few quality animal water fountains out there. We recommend a fountain that has filters (that you can replace or clean), that can be opened easily and cleaned/refilled regularly, and most importantly cannot be tipped over!
We use and recommend:
- Veken Pet Fountain (84oz/2.5L) we don't use the silicone mat because it can be easily chewed. We haven't had an issue with any of our rabbits chewing on the fountain itself, although they are plastic. There are metal water fountains out on the market if chewing is an issue for your bun. Replacement pumps can be purchased as well, here. Making sure to cover/hide the cord so that your rabbit can't chew on it. We use Alex Tech Cord Protector Loom Tubing Split sleeves. You can buy as many feet as you need to cover cords in your house.
- A great, non leaking water bottle is the Lixit Heavy Duty BPA Free Water Bottle (32oz). We like the hook on this one and it stays in place. I find it has minimal leaking if any.
- A smaller water bottle that we love for travel is the Chco Nose H128 No Drip water Bottle (11.2oz). It really doesn't leak! I wish it came in a bigger size. The attachment is fantastic and easy to take off and put back on.
- A lovely bowel that doesn't tip over is the Full Ceramic Round Bowl with wood stand (28oz). There are single and double bowl variations.
- A lightweight travel/crate/wall connected bowl is the Stainless Steal Food/Water Bowl with clamp. It comes in various sizes.
Hay
Your rabbit's diet should be mostly hay. As it's the main source of food for them. Hay should always be available for your rabbit and a quality hay is essential. Your rabbit's digestive track is sensitive. We give our rabbits variety and often mix their hay with several choices appropriate for their age and needs.
Rabbits up to 6 months of age need a high protein and calcium diet. They should be fed alfalfa hay or a mixture of alfalfa and another hay type is recommended. Rabbits 6 months+ can transition to varieties of hay. You can mix in other types of hay and cuttings of hays like oat, orchard grass and meadow grass. Sometimes rabbits prefer a certain hay. Some rabbits can be 'picky' but it's typically that they have preferences. There's not a single perfect hay. As long as they're eating hay, that is ideal.
Rabbits that are sick, under weight, pregnant, nursing or have other health issues may need adjustments to their hay type in order to meet their needs.
We offer three Organic Hay types in the Rabbit Savvy Loaf Shop. Our hay is locally sources from organic small family farms, and we hand pack your hay per order. Which means your hay is fresh and quality checked.
We no longer recommend commercial hay due to ongoing quality issues and their increasing prices for less quantity. It's not worth it.
Rabbits up to 6 months of age need a high protein and calcium diet. They should be fed alfalfa hay or a mixture of alfalfa and another hay type is recommended. Rabbits 6 months+ can transition to varieties of hay. You can mix in other types of hay and cuttings of hays like oat, orchard grass and meadow grass. Sometimes rabbits prefer a certain hay. Some rabbits can be 'picky' but it's typically that they have preferences. There's not a single perfect hay. As long as they're eating hay, that is ideal.
Rabbits that are sick, under weight, pregnant, nursing or have other health issues may need adjustments to their hay type in order to meet their needs.
We offer three Organic Hay types in the Rabbit Savvy Loaf Shop. Our hay is locally sources from organic small family farms, and we hand pack your hay per order. Which means your hay is fresh and quality checked.
We no longer recommend commercial hay due to ongoing quality issues and their increasing prices for less quantity. It's not worth it.
Pellet Feed
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We no longer recommend commercial pellet food due to the ongoing quality issues and the increased fillers used in rabbit food.
A few years ago we decided to start making our own pellet food to meet the needs of our rabbits. We decided to make it available to the public as an alternative to the foods on the market now. You can read about and purchase Shady Grove's Happy Loaf Pellet Food - Rabbit - All Life Stages here. Pellet food is a small portion of a rabbit's diet but it can be the make or break of your rabbit's optimal gut biome health. Pellet food is a component to add micronutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are essential to a robust and healthy digestive track. As well as, Keeping your rabbit from getting poopy butt issues, GI Stasis and other critical health issues. |
Fresh Fruit, Vegetables & Herbs
Fruits are full of sugars so they're treats! Rabbits love fruits... they go crazy for a banana. You can't give in. Give fruits (and even some veggies, like carrots) sparingly to any age rabbit. They will give you the cute eyes, don't do it. Like any parent, you have to say no sometimes. Too much sugar/fruits in their diet can lead to soft poop and even Gi Stasis. Messy poopy butt is what you'll get. If you find your rabbit's poop is too soft (not cecotropes) give only hay, pellets and water and reintroduce after you see firm but not dry round, even poops.
Rabbits 0-6 months of age should not be given fruit of any kind and very minimally (if any!) veggies or herbs. You can introduce these items slowly, one item at a time in tiny, tiny amounts. If your rabbit is under 6 months of age I would not recommend starting with vegetables and start with dry flowers/herbs. After 6 month of age you can transition to giving your rabbit a variety of veggies/herbs at about 1 cup total for every 4lbs of weight daily. Since our bunnies are all dwarf breeds between 2-5lbs. Typically we limit to 1/4-1/2 cup total for adults over 8 months of age.
Fresh veggies & herbs are an important part of your rabbits diet. Although it is a smaller part, it should be noted that some things are better or worse (illness & death can occur) for your rabbit. Many rabbits also have preferences.
We have created a guide for feeding these items. You can print or download our guide.
Rabbits 0-6 months of age should not be given fruit of any kind and very minimally (if any!) veggies or herbs. You can introduce these items slowly, one item at a time in tiny, tiny amounts. If your rabbit is under 6 months of age I would not recommend starting with vegetables and start with dry flowers/herbs. After 6 month of age you can transition to giving your rabbit a variety of veggies/herbs at about 1 cup total for every 4lbs of weight daily. Since our bunnies are all dwarf breeds between 2-5lbs. Typically we limit to 1/4-1/2 cup total for adults over 8 months of age.
Fresh veggies & herbs are an important part of your rabbits diet. Although it is a smaller part, it should be noted that some things are better or worse (illness & death can occur) for your rabbit. Many rabbits also have preferences.
We have created a guide for feeding these items. You can print or download our guide.
Treats, Toys & Enrichment
We no longer recommend any commercial items that are advertised for rabbits due to the quality issues, additives and unsafe ingredients that we continue to see in them. Most "treats" and toys advertised for rabbits are not good for them and can cause digestion issues, soft/smooshy poops and quite frankly a mess!
Due to the massive issues in commercial rabbit products we decided a few years ago to build own own product line. We started with our Busy Bunny Foraging Boxes and have now expanded to include a few hundred different items. All of our products are handmade by us in small batches, organic and bunny safe. We do not use binders or glues in our products.
Check out the Rabbit Savvy Loaf Shop to find toys, treats, hay, supplies and more. We do ship worldwide and offer local pick up.
Rabbits love to forage so we love to offer our rabbits boxes, hidey toys and similar to keep them entertained and happy. Some of our buns love to jump and climb so we are always reusing our amazon boxes cutting holes in them and turning them upside down. They're easy to recycle once the bunnies have destroyed them or need new enrichment activities.
We make dig boxes for our rabbits using carboard boxes, put an entry hole in one end and then fold them closed. We fill them with cotton balls, natural crinkle paper (the kind for gifts but without plastic), tissue paper crumpled up, any kind of natural shipping papers and similar items. Our bunnies that love to dig get the satisfaction without the mess of sand or dirt in the house.
We put hay in paper bags and hang them in the play area. Sometimes we'll cut a hole or two to encourage them to tear and dig. The bunnies love to tear the paper apart and dig in the hay. It also keeps the hay off the ground (mostly) and less messy (sorta).
We offer our bunnies over 6 months of age (limited): greens, veggies, dried flowers and herbs (appropriate for rabbits). We do like to make our own mixes of either dry or wet foods. It's imperative that your rabbit's foods are not chemically treated or sprayed with pesticides! You can absolutely grow grass or herbs for your rabbits in small containers. We do this too.
Due to the massive issues in commercial rabbit products we decided a few years ago to build own own product line. We started with our Busy Bunny Foraging Boxes and have now expanded to include a few hundred different items. All of our products are handmade by us in small batches, organic and bunny safe. We do not use binders or glues in our products.
Check out the Rabbit Savvy Loaf Shop to find toys, treats, hay, supplies and more. We do ship worldwide and offer local pick up.
Rabbits love to forage so we love to offer our rabbits boxes, hidey toys and similar to keep them entertained and happy. Some of our buns love to jump and climb so we are always reusing our amazon boxes cutting holes in them and turning them upside down. They're easy to recycle once the bunnies have destroyed them or need new enrichment activities.
We make dig boxes for our rabbits using carboard boxes, put an entry hole in one end and then fold them closed. We fill them with cotton balls, natural crinkle paper (the kind for gifts but without plastic), tissue paper crumpled up, any kind of natural shipping papers and similar items. Our bunnies that love to dig get the satisfaction without the mess of sand or dirt in the house.
We put hay in paper bags and hang them in the play area. Sometimes we'll cut a hole or two to encourage them to tear and dig. The bunnies love to tear the paper apart and dig in the hay. It also keeps the hay off the ground (mostly) and less messy (sorta).
We offer our bunnies over 6 months of age (limited): greens, veggies, dried flowers and herbs (appropriate for rabbits). We do like to make our own mixes of either dry or wet foods. It's imperative that your rabbit's foods are not chemically treated or sprayed with pesticides! You can absolutely grow grass or herbs for your rabbits in small containers. We do this too.