Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Domestic rabbits are often overfed by their owners. Your rabbit needs a good diet and plenty of exercise for good health. Over feeding is the leading cause of rabbits being overweight, which can result in medical issues. Maintaining a healthy weight can help your rabbit live a long happy life! Weigh your rabbit monthly and note any increases or decreases and talk to your vet about your findings and concerns.
Is your rabbit an appropriate weight?
How can you tell if your rabbit is an ideal weight? With so many different breeds, and mixed breeds, there is no standard set weight for a rabbit. Your vet can help you determine if your rabbit’s body score and if their weight is a concern (too low or too high). A primary location for fat on a rabbit is in their belly. If you run your hands along the side of your rabbit, when you reach their ribs, you should be able to feel a slight inward slope which is their waist. Rabbits that are overweight will have an area that balloons out rather than going in.
Medical risks for overweight rabbits include:
High resting heart rates
A difficult time grooming themselves
Cannot reach to consume their caecotrophs required to help maintain their health
Soft stools
An increased risk of arthritis
More prone to having sludgy urine or cystitis
More prone to sore hocks
At risk of developing cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension
At higher risk going under anesthetic
Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is essential for a healthy rabbit. For information on a balanced diet, visit our Nutrition page.
AVOID:
- Nuts, seeds, corn – high in fat, can cause blockages
- Sugar and dairy (ie yogurt drops) – rabbits are vegan
- Human snacks – not suited for rabbits
- Chocolate & raisins which can be toxic for bunnies
CHANGING DIET
When changing your bunny’s diet, it is essential that you make changes slowly! Monitor your bunny to make sure he or she is eating as some will refuse at first if they are not offered their favourite foods. Any decrease in food amounts need to be done extremely slowly and with the guidance of your vet. Loosing weight too quickly can harm their liver & cause many health consequences. Make sure your rabbit always has access to lots of timothy hay and exercise!ts of timothy hay and exercise!
EXERCISE
Rabbits need safe activities to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Healthy outlets must be provided to bunnies for indulging their desire and need to chew, dig, climb, fling, hide, hop and run.
Provide your bunny with lots of toys and a large bunny proofed area to roam. Toys do not have to be expensive and can even be made!
For suggestions on safe toys, visit our Toys page.