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Lionhead Rabbit Diet
It is very important to know what and how to feed your Lionhead rabbits but more importantly to know what NOT to give them. Some food that looks like their natural food is actually extremely bad for them and should not be part of the Lionhead rabbit diet.
What Do Lionhead Rabbits Eat – Lionhead Rabbit Food List
| Lionhead Rabbit Food | Daily Needs |
|---|---|
| Hay | 70 – 80 % |
| Pelleted Food | 10% |
| Vegetables | 10 – 15% |
| Fruits | Max 5 % |
Hay
Hay is generally considered a staple for rabbits of any age, especially young ones because it is incredibly easy for the rabbit to digest.
Hay is the most important food in the Lionhead rabbit’s diet. It must be available 24/7 for your pet.
70 -80% of the daily food should be grass hay (any variety).
Feeding your Lionhead with different types of hay maintains a balanced diet and minimizes starvation. The hay must be of good quality, containing flowers and herbs.
Quality hay is green in color and has a pleasant aromatic odor. It regulates digestion and prevents the creation of dangerous hairballs in the digestive tract.
These are the best hays for Lionhead rabbits:
- Timothy hay (My Lionhead rabbit truly enjoy this hay. Try this hay: Kaytee Timothy Hay)
- Orchard grass (Orchard Grass Hay makes a good addition to a healthy meal plan. Check on Amazon: Grandpa’s Best Orchard Grass Bale)
- Oat Hay (Try this other choice: Small Pet Select Oat Hay Pet Food)
The Lionhead rabbits should not eat alfalfa, clover, or other legume hays.
See also: Best Hay For Lionhead Rabbits.
Pellet Foods
High-quality commercial pellet foods provide nutrients in traces, vitamins, and minerals that the rabbit may not receive if it is fed only with hay and fresh foods.
However, reasonable amounts of pelleted food are needed for good rabbit health. The pellet food should take no more than 10-15% of the daily Lionhead rabbit diet.
Because rabbits have a tendency to overeat pellets, which can lead to obesity, it is necessary to take into account the number of pellets in their diet.
Overeating can also lead to dental diseases, digestive system diseases, boredom, and problems with the behavior of rabbits.
That is why it is very important to give your rabbit limited but high-quality pellets. Rabbits with no pellets in their diet need A LOT of grass hay (timothy, oat, brome, orchard grass, etc.).
See also: The Best Lionhead Rabbit Pellet Foods
Vegetables
Ensuring a rabbit has a healthy diet will depend much on knowing exactly what vegetable rabbits can eat.
With the exception of Hay, Pellets, and Fruits, it is ideal to keep a focus on the wide variety of green leaf and non-leafy vegetables available.
There are several reasons why fresh green food should have a special place in the rabbit’s diet. It is a natural source of nutrients, a fluid that is important for the healthy motility of the digestive tract.
You should give your rabbit a variety of fresh greens daily but in small quantities. If you are introducing a new vegetable that your rabbit has never tried before, be sure to do it one at a time.
80% of the vegetables should be Leaf vegetables (leafy greens). Any leafy green that is safe for a human to eat is safe for a rabbit as well.
You should give your rabbit 1 cup of greens for 2 lbs of rabbit body weight.
Often, if the rabbit is bought from a pet shop, we are not aware of how old the rabbit is.
That is why It is usually recommended to wait for some 3-4 months before introducing green food in the Lionhead rabbit diet.
See also: What Vegetables Can Lionhead Rabbits Eat
Fruits
Lionheads are extremely fond of fruits. Should they eat fruit? Yes, it can serve as a dessert, but It should be given in small quantities (1 or 2 times per week).
Due to high sugar concentrations, it’s possible to create a bacterial imbalance within their digestive system, and may also cause a rabbit’s desire to eat only fruits – which is not their normal, healthy food.
Good fresh fruits to feed your Lionhead Rabbit include apple (any variety, without stem and seeds), banana, grapes, strawberries, Cherries (any variety, without the pits), pear, and others.
See also: What Fruits Can Lionhead Rabbits Eat.
Water
Fresh and clean water should ALWAYS be available (especially during hot days). Water is essential for the rabbit’s health. In addition to all commonly known water benefits, I want to note that it prevents Ileus.
Some rabbits that have a diet rich in fresh and green food, do not drink too much water. This does not need to worry you since they get enough water for growth and reproduction from that food.
What food you should never give to your Lionhead rabbit
There are foods that should not be part of your Lionhead bunny diet:
- Chocolate (this is poison for the rabbit!)
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Yogurt
- Pasta
- Bread
- Most ‘human’ treats
- Breakfast Cereal
When introducing a portion of new food to your Lionhead bunny, do it slowly. Whether it is a new vegetable or a new fruit just to see if they have a bad reaction to it. If they have no reaction, give them a bit more.
All in all, exercise caution and moderation when feeding your rabbits, especially kits, and your Lionheads will have a long and healthy life.