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Most common clinical problems that occur in rabbits are related directly or indirectly
to diet. This includes gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases, hairballs,
pregnancy toxemia, abortions and other reproductive problems. Therefore, special
emphasis should be placed on ensuring adequate nutrition for the pet rabbit.
First and foremost, dietary fiber is critical to the rabbit’s gastrointestinal physiology.
Fiber stimulates gut motility, which is essential to digestion (and prevention of
hairballs). High fiber diets are low in available carbohydrates, thus protecting the
rabbit from overgrowth of harmful intestinal bacteria. And, high fiber diets prevent
obesity in rabbits. The best source of fiber for the rabbit is hay. Grass hay provides
the most balanced nutrition for most pet rabbits. Alfalfa hay can frequently be too
high in calcium, leading some rabbits to urinary problems. Commercially milled
alfalfa pellets also provide some fiber, but the pellet’s fiber content ranges from a
low of 10-12% to a high of 20-22%. The pellet’s protein content ranges from a low
of 12-14% to a high of 22-24%. Feeding a high protein and low fiber pellet may
cause diarrhea. Providing hay also stimulates activity in the rabbit, thereby
preventing obesity. Therefore, the pet rabbit’s diet should consist of free choice
grass or timothy hay with a vegetable supplement and possibly a measured daily
alfalfa meal-based pellet.
Rabbits also practice the behavior of eating their own feces, called coprophagy. The
rabbits’ specialized digestion produces two types of fecal pellets, called cecotrophs.
Hard, round fecal pellets are excreted during the day, and the rarely observed soft
fecal pellets are excreted at night. These night feces have an outer greenish
membrane of mucus; the rabbit eats them directly from its anus. This process helps
in the absorption of previously undigested nutrients and reinoculates the gut with
essential nutrients. Therefore, it is essential that the rabbit not be placed in an
enclosure in which access to its feces is limited (such as wire cages).
Rabbits need access to water at all times. In our hot Arizona summers, rabbits are
especially susceptible to heat exhaustion, if left outdoors. Therefore, inspect
watering devices daily to ensure proper operation and availability of water. Ensure
the pet rabbit knows how to use the lixit-type devices. A rabbit may be trained to use
the lixit by applying molasses or corn syrup to the surface of the water delivery
system. If using a water bowl, be sure it is heavy and stable enough to prevent
tipping, and be sure to clean it daily.
Finally, some rabbits are especially susceptible to stress, which may cause
anorexia and a decreased immunity. When frightened, rabbits seek hiding places.
Always be sure the rabbit has access to a hide cage or box.
