Rabbits must have a constant supply of hay as the fibre contained is vital to their digestion and forms the bulk of their diet in addition to rabbit mix. Any hay must be dry, clean and free from dust and mould. Grass hay such as Timothy or Oat hay is best - Alfalfa hay although beneficial for young and nursing or pregnant rabbits is too rich in calcium and protein and should be not be used continually but can be given as an occasional treat to adult rabbits.

In addition rabbits should be fed fresh fruit, vegetables or plants daily. Ask your breeder for more information on the appropriate plants, and when to start them on this type of diet.

Rabbits will eat their faeces to obtain maximum nutrition from their food.

Fruits and Vegetables

Although the rabbit mix and hay will provide the rabbit with a good basic diet it is necessary also to feed fruit, vegetables or plants.

If too much fruit or vegetables is fed and left in the cage this should be removed and replaced the next day to avoid it being left and becoming mouldy.

Some Fruit, vegetables and herbs that are safe to feed a rabbit are listed below:

* Apple (seedless)
* Asparagus
* Banana
* Basil
* Broccoli
* Brussel Sprouts
* Cabbage
* Carrots and Carrot Tops
* Cauliflower leaves and stalks
* Celery
* Chicory Greens
* Cucumber
* Dill
* Endive
* Fennel
* Grapes
* Green Pepper
* Kale
* Mint
* Orange (peeled)
* Oregano
* Parsley - a good tonic
* Red Leaf Lettuce
* Red Cabbage
* Romaine Lettuce
* Savoy Cabbage
* Spinach
* Tomato
* Turnip Greens
* Watercress

Vegetables and herbs that should not be fed are:

* Apple seeds
* Potato and Potato Tops
* Rhubarb and Rhubarb Leaves
* Tomato Leaves

Plants and Flowers

It is important to be absolutely sure in the identification of any plant before feeding to a rabbit. If there is any doubt "leave it out".

Some plants and flowers which can be fed to rabbits are:

* Clover
* Dandelion leaves
* Groundsel
* Marigold
* Nasturium

Plants and flowers that are poisonous to rabbits include:

* Autumn Crocus
* Begonia
* Black Nightshade
* Busy Lizzie
* Buttercups
* Carnation
* Chrysanthemum
* Clematis
* Cowslip
* Geranium
* Hemlock
* Laburnum
* Laurel
* Poison Ivy
* Poppy
* Yucca

Other Treats

There are a large variety of rabbit treats sold in pet shops and most rabbits relish these. Although these are designed for rabbits, they are designed as treats and should not be fed in large quantities to your rabbit. The overfeeding of treats which are high in sugar could lead to your rabbit becoming obese.