How much greens should I feed my rabbit? If you’re a rabbit owner, then this question must have crossed your mind before. We suggest you feed your rabbits 1 tbsps of non-leafy greens per 2 pounds of body weight daily.
There are other things you should know that will also affect the amount of greens you should feed your bunnies daily, and we will talk about them shortly.
So, we advise you stick around while we expand more on the topic.
Let’s get started!
How Much Greens Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Generally, you should feed your rabbit 1 tbsp of non-leafy green veggies per 2 pounds of body weight per day.
For instance, a bunny weighing 3 pounds should eat an average of 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) pellets, 1.5 cups leafy greens, and 1.5 tbsps of chopped veggies (non-leafy greens) per day.
Rabbits are herbivores and should be fed primarily vegetables. Greens such as kale, spinach, carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers make up a large percentage of the diet for rabbits in captivity.
These vegetables can be fresh or canned (preferably without salt). A good variety is essential to ensure your rabbit gets all the nutrients it needs for a healthy diet.
It’s worth noting that the amount of greens to feed your rabbit depends on age, weight, and health status. How much is needed will vary from one bunny to another depending on individual needs.
When considering the appropriate daily greens intake, a good rule of thumb is: “half their body weight in pounds each day” (e.g., an eight-pound rabbit would need about four cups of greens each day).
Choose vegetables that are not high in sugar and offer a variety of vitamins, including A, B12, C, D.
It is vital to provide the greens with high levels of vitamin E because rabbits can’t make their own, so it has to come from food sources like leafy green vegetables or cabbage leaves (not grapefruit).
Do Rabbits Need Greens Every Day?
Yes, rabbits need greens every day. They are herbivores, and they will not get all of the nutrients they need from hay alone.
Additionally, fresh grasses provide vitamins A, B-complex, and C, and calcium, which can help with teeth problems.
Rabbits should have a minimum of one cup of greens per day.
Grass and vegetables can be fed on a daily basis, while fruits should only be given in small amounts due to their high sugar content.
Some people like to supplement hay with fresh produce as well because it is not always possible for rabbits to have access outside or within the cage at all times during the day.
Rabbits should be given fresh produce at least once a week but twice is better. If you have more than one rabbit, make sure to alternate the greens to not eat all of the same foods in one sitting and risk digestive problems like diarrhea or gas.
If your rabbits seem reluctant to eat their grass, start by sprinkling it with a little bit of fruit juice or some pellets and gradually decrease the amount you use.
Can Rabbits Eat Too Many Greens?
Rabbits are herbivores, which means they eat plants and vegetation. They should make up about 75% of their diet in order to stay healthy.
Rabbits need large amounts of fiber for digestion, which is why it’s crucial that rabbits have a variety of vegetables available at all times. Vegetables contain different types of fiber, which help the digestive system regulate itself.
But don’t forget that some leafy greens, such as parsley, Swiss chard, kale, escarole, collard, and dandelion greens, should be fed in moderation.
This is because these greens are very high in calcium and may aid the development of calcium-based bladder stones if consumed too much.
The following list of vegetables is a few that should be provided for rabbits: celery, kale, spinach, lettuce, and cabbage.
It is important never to feed your rabbit any type of fruit or vegetable that has been canned because it will contain too much sugar.
Read Also:
- How Often Should I Feed My Rabbits?
- Can a Get Cold at Night?
- How to Know When a Rabbit is Happy
- How To Show Your Rabbits You Love Them
Conclusion
Hopefully, you already know how much greens you should feed your rabbits daily. You want to religiously follow the guides shared above when you want to provide your rabbits with green veggies to ensure their wellbeing.
And there’s anything that is still confusing you about this; we suggest you consult with your vet for professional advice.
