An adequate diet for each species is a prerequisite for enjoying good health. That is why we stress the need for hay in the feeding of rabbits.
Thanks to a correct and balanced diet, it is possible to prevent the most frequent health problems in domestic rabbits. Their diet should not be composed exclusively of carrots: for this reason, we would like to stress the importance of hay in the diet of rabbits.
Feeding rabbits
Rabbits are herbivorous animals: they eat fruit, vegetables.
As we shall see, hay is also a very important component of their diet. Although it may seem unattractive to us humans, it is essential for these small mammals.
We must include vegetables in the diet of rabbits, with a preference for green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and chard, and, to a lesser extent, fruit. To make their diet more interesting and complete, the best thing is to offer them seasonal vegetables: peppers, tomatoes, carrots, courgettes, cucumbers, radishes... In this way, your rabbit will not be bored with any of them.
Fruit contains a lot of sugar, which can cause colic. As a result, the fruit will be rationed and treated almost as if it were a prize: a couple of pieces a week will suffice. We can also offer him some seasonal fruit so that he always has the opportunity to explore new flavors.
Feeding rabbits and the teeth of rodents
The other fundamental element of rabbit feeding is hay. Hay is a collection of herbs that have been harvested fresh and then left to dry. The market offers different varieties of hay, including mixtures that are flavored or contain flowers. There are two varieties available for rabbits:
Grass mixture: provides more fiber and fewer calories. It is recommended for adult and healthy rabbits.
Mixture of legumes: provides more calories than grasses. As a result, they are often recommended, although not just for them, for growing rabbits, nursing mothers or delicate healthy animals.
Hay is a key component in the diet of rabbits.
Hay is essential in the feeding of rabbits: therefore, they must always have it available in their cage. On the one hand, hay is a source of fiber, thus improving digestion and helping to prevent colic and intestinal discomfort.
On the other hand, hay, being dry, helps the wear and tear of the teeth. Rabbits are not rodents, but lagomorphs; nevertheless, they share with rodents the characteristics related to teeth. Their teeth, in fact, never stop growing, and these animals, to keep their teeth healthy, are therefore obliged to chew food constantly.
The hay, as it is hard and slow to eat, is the food which ensures that the teeth of the rabbits remain of the correct size and do not grow too much, both the incisors and the molars.
For these reasons, the basis of rabbit feeding should be hay. Fresh vegetables should be offered in smaller quantities. In even smaller quantities, feed, premiums, and snacks can be added.
Although hay is a food they generally like a lot, there may be rabbits who are not particularly attracted to it. In this case, try different varieties, offering them flavored mixtures and different brands. Varieties that are too yellowish are generally unpleasant and less mixed hay is uninteresting.
Health problems resulting from bad dental occlusion
Hay is indispensable in the diet of a healthy rabbit. Not only does it allow him to carry out digestion, but it also helps him to consume his teeth and have a healthy mouth.
hay and rabbit feeding: an essential combination
Rabbits are resilient animals that are unlikely to show symptoms of disease or distress. If they have a problem with their teeth, we notice this when the animal is already in a lot of pain. Sometimes the problem can be solved, but it is often irreversible.
If the rabbit's teeth do not wear out at the required speed, they can become deformed or cause injuries in the mouth. Overdeveloped teeth not only cause pain but also prevent the animal from closing its mouth properly, making it impossible to eat.
This can lead to several problems:
- as it cannot eat well,
- its digestion stops and gases and colic appear.
Each specific case requires a different treatment, but to solve a problem of overgrown teeth.