The RSPCA Victoria states that rabbits should not be fed any pet cereals, breakfast cereals, grains, seeds, nuts, corn, bread, biscuits or beans. When given uncontrollably, such foods can be toxic to rabbits.
Avoid foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, or chocolate. There are a number of garden plants that are toxic to rabbits (see Table One).
Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits. "Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits." Fruits can be fed in very limited quantities – no more than 1-2 tablespoons of high-fiber fresh fruit (such as apple, pear, or berries) every 1-2 days.
The healthiest treats for rabbits are dried hay-based treats (such as the Oxbow brand treats). Fresh fruits and vegetables are also healthy as long as they are given in small amounts. You should only give your rabbit approximately 1 tablespoons worth of treats in a single day.
Fresh hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit's diet and needs to be readily available at all times. Adult rabbits can eat timothy, grass, and oat hays, while younger rabbits should be fed alfalfa.
Though this likely will not come as a surprise, it is worth mentioning that rabbits, as herbivores, should never be offered meat, eggs, or dairy.
Rabbits usually wake up with the dawn and stay active until about mid morning. They spend this time eating, grooming, digging, foraging and playing. They may investigate a new toy or digging box, follow you around to see what you are doing, or race around burning off energy.
Good quality hay and/or grass, always available, should constitute the majority of rabbits' diets. - Rabbits graze, naturally eating grass/other plants for long periods, mainly at dawn and dusk. - Rabbits' digestive systems need grass and/or hay to function properly. - Read meal planner and feeding tips.
What Makes the Best Rabbit Bait? The best bait for rabbits includes brussel sprouts, carrots, lettuce and apples; you can also spray the inside of the trap with apple cider. Unusual rabbit baiting tips include crumbling up cheesy biscuits and placing them inside the trap.
Foods to feed your rabbit as a treat
High in sugar, apples should only be fed to rabbits as a treat. Also high in sugar, it's safe for rabbits to eat bananas occasionally. Rabbits have a sweet tooth, so grapes are great as a treat.
You can include arugula, basil, bok choy, broccoli leaves, carrot tops, celery, clover, collard greens, dandelion leaves, dill, endive, kale in small quantities, romaine and dark leaf lettuce, mint, mustard greens, parsley, and watercress.
Myth #3 - Rabbits eat lettuce
Rabbits shouldn't eat some lettuces (such as iceberg), as they contain lactucarium, which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is 'worse' than others - light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended.
Oats make a good treat for rabbits. Like everything else, they should be given in moderation. One teaspoon a day is plenty unless you have an underweight rabbit. Oats are low is sugar but higher in fat.
Oxbow hay is the best we have in Australia. It is packaged in bags and quality control checks are in place.
You should never feed your rabbit dairy products. They are not built to consume or digest lactose, which is found in dairy products. Because of this, even a small amount in their diet can make them rather unwell, with problems such as bunny diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complications.
Can Rabbits Eat Cucumber? Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat cucumber! Most rabbits will love the fresh taste. Rabbits can also eat cucumber leaves.
Peanut Butter
Like walnuts, peanut butter—which is also high in fat—should be avoided. The creamy snack will do nothing for rabbits, except possibly give them a tummy ache.
Think natural – good foods are spinach, kale, watercress, broccoli, celery and dandelion leaves. Rabbits also enjoy munching on fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, dill and thyme.
Keeping your rabbit happy. Rabbits are active and intelligent animals and will suffer if they get bored. As domesticated rabbits are usually confined for most of the day, freedom and choice are important. Interesting environments that encourage physical and mental stimulation will create a happy home.
Can rabbits eat fruit? Yes, it's fine to feed your rabbits a small amount of fruit every now and again, but it's high in sugar so shouldn't be part of their daily diet. Apples, grapes, pears, plums and strawberries are all safe for your rabbits in small amounts (for example, 1/8th of an apple or pear).
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
Rabbits like to play and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ideally you want to provide them with up to 4 hours daily of supervised time out of their cage.
Feeding takes place mainly in the early morning, evening and at night – this is because in the wild this is when the rabbit is safest from predators, and many owners notice this pattern in their pet rabbits.
Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation. It's also important to remove any pips or stones that could become choking hazards. Bananas, apples, strawberries and raspberries have all proven a hit.