I’ve had lots of questions regarding raising rabbits, some of which come from my kiddos and others from friends; I’ll never forget when William, my youngest, asked me, “Are rabbits herbivores or omnivores?”
All rabbit raisers, whether on a hobby farm, a homestead, or in your living room, must know how to best care for their lagomorphs. As a part of that, understanding your bunny’s dietary needs is paramount!
Rabbits are obligate herbivores that require high quality, 100% plant material to live happily and healthily. In this post I’ll explain why this is so as well as other common misconceptions and concerns, so read on!
Is A Rabbit An Herbivore Or An Omnivore
Rabbits are, unequivocally, herbivores. When you understand their biology, this becomes a lot clearer:
First, their digestive system is designed to process fibrous plant materials, emphasizing a diet rich in hay and fresh vegetable matter. In fact, a rabbit’s stomach hosts beneficial bacterias that they rely on to break down and make available the nutrients within the fibers and cellulose of plants.
This micro gut population of bacteria is a key reason why rabbits cannot eat very fatty, protein rich, or sugary foods! They are simply indigestible and can greatly harm the delicate environment the bacteria create for vegetable digestion.
Second, the very structure of rabbit teeth supports a herbivores diet, as rabbits possess continuously growing incisors ideal for grinding down plant matter.
To better understand your rabbit’s gastrointestinal physiology, check out this great literature.
But Are There Carnivorous Rabbits?
In rare cases there have been reports of domestic rabbits displaying scavenging behaviors.
This is not indicative of a carnivorous nature, but rather a survival instinct triggered by scarcity of food. We talk more about this in our post on Can Rabbits Eat Meat?
And in natural settings, rabbits may nibble on insects or consume their own feces to extract additional nutrients, but this doesn’t redefine them as carnivores.
Note: eating their feces is different from practicing coprophagia, learn more here!
Would A Rabbit Eat Meat
As stated, under normal circumstances a rabbit would not willingly consume meat. Their digestive systems lack the enzymes necessary to break down animal proteins efficiently and they avoid meat instinctually.
Introducing meat into their diet will lead to digestive issues and adversely affect their health. It is crucial for homesteaders and hobby farmers to adhere to a herbivorous diet for their rabbits, prioritizing high-quality hay, fresh greens, and appropriate pellets!
What Does A Rabbit Eat: Herbivore Menu
The foundation of a rabbit’s diet should consist of high-fiber hay, such as timothy or oat hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruits like parsley, cucumbers, squash, and even berries.
We have a bunch of posts addressing which fruits and veggies rabbits can and can’t eat, as well as the types and cuts of hay we give our bunnies – browse our post archive for this great info! Offering a diverse, herbivore-centric menu ensures a well-balanced nutrition for these gentle creatures.
Great Treats For Bunnies
When it comes to treats, moderation is key. Remember, your rabbit’s gut bacteria cannot handle lots of sugars!
Our general guideline is 1 teaspoon (or less) of fruit treats per 2 lbs of your rabbit’s body weight per day and we always stick to fresh veggies and fruits. I’ve never bought processed or manufactured treats for our bunnies – I simply don’t think the added ingredients are worth it.
If you are needing fruit or veggie treat inspiration, read our many posts on the topic, some treats we cover include:
- Strawberries
- Zucchini
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Pumpkin
- Green beans
Frequently Asked Question Related To Are Bunnies Herbivores
Can Rabbits Eat Fruits As A Regular Part Of Their Diet?
I suggest offering rabbits fruits as occasional treats, but they should not constitute a significant portion of their diet. The high sugar content in fruits can lead to obesity and digestive problems.
Do Rabbits Need Constant Access To Hay, And Why Is It Essential?
Yes, rabbits require constant access to hay! We offer our rabbits unlimited amounts of hay daily. Hay is not only crucial for maintaining healthy teeth but also plays a vital role in their digestion. It should be a staple in your bunnies’ daily diet.
Final Thoughts On Are Rabbits Herbivores
In conclusion, recognizing rabbits as herbivores is crucial for responsible care on homesteads and hobby farms.
I truly believe that strict adherence to their herbivorous nature and offering treats in moderation are key practices.
By prioritizing these dietary principles and, as always, consulting with a small-animal veterinarian, you can ensure the health and longevity of your cherished rabbit companions as we have here at Hobby Farm Heaven!