A balanced diet is super important for keeping your rabbits and other small pets happy and healthy. While each pet has slightly different needs, here are some general tips that apply to most:
- Hay is Super Important: For most plant-eaters like rabbits and guinea pigs, they need unlimited access to really good quality hay (like timothy, orchard, or oat hay). It helps their tummies work well and keeps their constantly growing teeth in check.
- Fresh Veggies Every Day: Offer a variety of leafy green veggies daily. Make sure to wash them well! Introduce new ones slowly so you don't upset their tummies.
- Pellets in Moderation: Special pellets made for their species can be a good addition, but don't overdo it. Too many pellets can lead to them getting overweight and not eating enough hay. Pick plain, high-fiber pellets without extra seeds, nuts, or colorful bits.
- Fresh Water Always: Always have fresh, clean water available in a bottle or a heavy bowl. Change it every day!
- Treats are Just That - Treats! Give treats sparingly. Lots of commercial small pet treats are full of sugar and fat, which isn't good for them. Small pieces of fresh fruit can be a nice occasional treat.
Specific Diet Recommendations
Rabbits
Rabbits have a unique digestive system that really relies on fiber.
- Hay: About 80-90% of what they eat should be high-quality hay (timothy, orchard, oat hay). As much as they want is ideal!
- Fresh Vegetables: Give them 1-2 cups per 6 lbs of body weight daily. Great choices include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, carrot tops, and bell peppers.
- Pellets: Around 1/4 cup per 6 lbs of body weight daily for adult rabbits. Stick to plain, high-fiber timothy-based pellets.
- Fruits: 1-2 tablespoons per 6 lbs of body weight, 1-2 times a week. Think apple (no seeds!), banana, or berries.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs need Vitamin C every day because they can't make it themselves!
- Hay: Unlimited access to timothy or orchard hay.
- Fresh Vegetables: 1 cup per guinea pig daily. Bell peppers, parsley, and kale are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Romaine lettuce, cilantro, and cucumber are also good options.
- Pellets: 1/8 to 1/4 cup of good quality, Vitamin C-fortified guinea pig pellets daily.
- Fruits: Just tiny amounts as occasional treats, 2-3 times a week. A little orange slice, apple (no seeds!), or a few berries work well.
Hamsters
Hamsters eat a bit of everything and love to stash food in their cheek pouches!
- Commercial Hamster Mix: A good quality, fortified hamster food mix should be their main meal. Look for mixes that aren't too sugary and have a nice balance of grains, seeds, and protein.
- Fresh Vegetables: Small amounts of fresh veggies a few times a week. Broccoli, carrots, cucumber, and leafy greens are good choices.
- Protein: They can occasionally have tiny bits of cooked chicken, mealworms, or hard-boiled egg.
- Fruits: Really tiny pieces of fruit like apple (no seeds!), banana, or berries as very occasional treats.
- Hay: A little bit of timothy hay is great for them to nest in and provides some extra fiber.
Gerbils
Gerbils mostly eat grains and seeds.
- Commercial Gerbil Mix: A high-quality, fortified gerbil food mix is key. Find one with a good variety of seeds, grains, and some dried veggies.
- Fresh Vegetables: Small amounts of fresh veggies (like carrots, broccoli, cucumber) a few times a week.
- Protein: Small amounts of cooked meat, mealworms, or hard-boiled egg can be given occasionally.
- Fruits: Very small pieces of fruit as rare treats.
- Hay: A little bit of timothy hay for fun and fiber.
Rats
Rats are omnivores and really enjoy a varied diet.
- Commercial Rat Blocks/Pellets: A good quality, lab-block style rat food should be the base of their diet.
- Fresh Vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh veggies daily. Broccoli, peas, carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens are all good.
- Protein: They can have cooked pasta, cooked lean meat, hard-boiled egg, or small amounts of plain yogurt.
- Fruits: Small amounts of fresh fruits as treats. Apple (no seeds!), banana, and berries are good examples.
- Treats: Whole grain bread, unsweetened cereals, and small amounts of unsalted nuts (in moderation).
Foods to Avoid
For ALL small pets, please steer clear of:
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Onion and garlic
- Rhubarb
- Iceberg lettuce (not much nutrition there!)
- Sugary or fatty human foods
- Dairy products (except tiny bits of plain yogurt for rats/hamsters)
- Wild plants unless you are 100% sure they are safe
- Uncooked beans or lentils
- Lots of sugary fruits
- Seeds from apples or other fruits (they contain cyanide!)
Conclusion
Always chat with a vet who specializes in exotic animals for super specific food advice tailored to your pet's unique needs and health!