Rabbits have a sensitive digestive system and very specific dietary needs. So, what should you be feeding your bunnies?

Hay should be making up at least 85% of your bunny’s diet. It cannot be stressed enough just how important this is. Hay is going to keep a rabbit’s teeth trim and their tummy in good working order, so they should always have a supply of fresh hay available to them. We understand that some bunnies can be super fussy, so it’s a good idea to try a few different types of hay to see which one your bun takes a fancy to!

You can check out our full range of Bunny Bistro hay boxes here, including fresh Timothy Hay or Botanical Hay Boxes with added dried flowers and herbs.

Pellets are by no means a necessity for your rabbit’s diet, but if you choose to use them,
they should make up no more than 5% of your bunny’s diet. When selecting pellets, it is also SO important that you choose the right ones. Many pellets and ‘rabbit food’ products are incredibly unhealthy for your pet, packed with fillers and seeds. You will often see a muesli-type food for sale: this type of feed should be avoided, as it promotes fussy eating (bunnies will only eat the tasty, unhealthy bits, leaving the bits they need!)

When looking for a suitable pellet, try to look for one that only uses ingredients like hay,
grass and herbs, avoiding any with fillers like grains and seeds. At Bunny Bistro, we sell hypoallergenic pellets  that are formulated without any grains, making them the healthiest option for your fluffy friends. They contain Timothy,
Meadow, Fescue & Sweet Vernal Grasses, helping to mimic your rabbit's natural diet.  If you would like more information about pellets and the different types available, check out our other blogs!

This should make up around 10% of your bunny’s diet. Adding variety to your rabbit’s diet is a great source of enrichment. So, this is where you can go wild! There are SO MANY different (and healthy) options to pick from, and the more often you change up your choices, the better. Just from Bunny Bistro alone, you can find over 85 different forage products suitable for your fluffy friends, including dried flowers, herbs, wood sticks and delicious dried fruit & veg.

Although there’s a huge variety of fresh veg and herbs in the supermarket, we need to remember that rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system. Many fruits and vegetables are high in sugar and water, meaning they should only be given as an occasional treat. Choosing dried, rabbit-safe options is the best way to avoid anything
your rabbits shouldn’t eat. You can also read a full list of rabbit-friendly fruit and vegetables on the Rabbit Welfare Association website.

This goes without saying, but rabbits need fresh drink water available to them 24/7. Ensuring that your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water at all times is essential for their health. Make sure that their water is in a rabbit-appropriate water bottle, and always monitor your rabbit's water intake, especially during hot weather or if they're showing signs of illness. It is
also important to replace this water regularly, and to check your bottles for any signs of algae.

Water helps your rabbit’s health in many ways:

Digestion

Water aids in the digestion process, helping rabbits break down food and absorb nutrients
from their diet.

Temperature Regulation

Rabbits regulate their body temperature through various mechanisms, including panting
and seeking shade. Adequate water intake helps them cool down during hot weather and maintain a stable body temperature.

Kidney Function

Water is essential for proper kidney function. It helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body through urine.

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For a wide selection of individual and mixed herbs, hays, fruit and other forage, explore
our A – Z of forage options from Bunny Bistro.