https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/rabbit/understand-how-rabbits-eat
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Understanding a rabbit’s digestive system is essential for optimizing their health and preventing diet related diseases.
Rabbits, like guinea pigs, are herbivores designed to graze throughout the day, rather than eating large meals in one sitting.
Unlike carnivores and omnivores, their monogastric system, which includes a large stomach and a cecum (hindgut), allows them to efficiently digest high fiber diets.
This gut system is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora, which aids in the fermentation of fiber.
Rabbits also need consistent fiber intake to avoid digestive issues, and they rely on their cecotropes (soft fecal pellets) to obtain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
A rabbit's diet should consist primarily of high quality hay, supplemented by vegetables, pellets, and fruit in moderation.
Rabbits’ teeth are designed for grinding fibrous vegetation, and like other herbivores, their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives.
Proper wear is achieved by providing ample fiber, particularly from hay, which helps prevent dental problems such as malocclusion and abscesses.
An ideal rabbit diet includes around 80% hay, with 10–15% vegetables and a small portion of pellets or fruit.
Additionally, fresh grass and leafy greens are excellent for providing fiber, while sugary fruits and high calcium hays should be offered in moderation.
Understanding your rabbit's eating habit - whether they are all-day grazers, finicky eaters, or food hounds - is key to keeping them healthy and ensuring they receive balanced nutrition.
Regular veterinary check ups and careful attention to their diet are vital to avoid common gastrointestinal and dental issues.
Chewy editorial team is dedicated to helping you understand the intricate needs of your rabbit's digestive health, ensuring they live a long, happy life. With proper care, diet, and attention, you can create a thriving environment for your bunny to hop around in good health and joy.
