If you have a pet bunny, then you may be wondering if they can eat kitten food. The answer is yes! Kitten food for rabbits is specially designed to meet their nutritional needs and it also has the same amount of calories as regular rabbit feed. This article will discuss what kitten food is, why rabbits should eat it, how much they should eat per day, and where to get kitten food for your bunnies. We hope this helps!
What is a kitten food?
Food made for kittens. The only difference between regular adult cat food and kitten food is that the former contains more protein and fat, whereas the latter has more calories from carbohydrate sources. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat meat in all their diets, while dogs are omnivores, meaning they can survive on eating plants in addition to meat.
How often should I give my rabbits kitten food?
Every day. Make sure to feed them with enough amount of kitten food daily so they get the nourishment that they need. If you’re also feeding them with hay or rabbit pellets, then make sure that your rabbits are eating these foods separately from their tray/bowl, not mixing it together.
How much kitten food do rabbits eat a day?
Some of our readers say that they feed their pet rabbits 2 scoops (or cups) of kitten food every day. However, because it also depends on the size and activity level of your bunnies, please make sure to monitor how much you’re giving them daily.
What kitten food are safe for rabbits?
In general, most brands of cat/kitten food that have been specially formulated for growing kittens are usually safe to feed to rabbits. These include brands like Kitten Chow, Kitten Select, and so on.
However, if you need to know which brand is specifically formulated for adult rabbits or senior cats, you can check out Purina’s website here . We hope this helps answer your questions about feeding your rabbits with kitten food!
What is your experience feeding kitten food to rabbits?
I was initially worried about giving my rabbit kitten food because I didn’t know if she’d like the taste or even eat it. But after trying out different brands and flavors, she seems to really enjoy it! She will actually eat her hay while waiting for me to give her a serving of kitten food in the morning.
I have been feeding my rabbits with kitten food for a few months now and they seem to be doing well. They’re energetic, healthy, and their fur feels as soft as ever! I’ll definitely be feeding them more of this from now on.
Is kitten food bad for rabbits?
No, kitten food is not bad for rabbits. However, just like with regular adult rabbit feed, there are different types of kitten food that you should give to your rabbit, depending on their dietary needs.
Do rabbits like eating kitten food?
A lot of rabbits will actually like the taste of kitten food because it has a sweeter flavor. You can try out different flavors and brands to see if your rabbit likes what you have bought.
Do rabbits eat kitten food?
Yes, pet rabbits can eat kitten food. There are different types of cat/kitten food that you can purchase, depending on your bunny’s dietary needs.
Food family of kitten food.
Kitten food can be categorized under three groups:
1. Protein
Rich foods, which contain a high amount of protein, fat, and calories. These foods are suitable for growing kittens who need a lot of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. High-calorie foods that have a higher calorie content than their adult counterparts for growing kittens who need more energy to support their growth.
2. Calorie
Foods that are high in calories with a lower fat content. These foods are especially ideal for growing kittens who have very fast metabolisms and need to eat larger portions to meet their growing energy demands, including nursing mothers who need additional calories so they can produce milk for their kittens.
3. Special
Foods which contain a higher amount of fiber and other nutrients that help with the digestive system and food absorption, such as prebiotics and probiotics. These foods are also ideal for growing kittens who have sensitive stomachs or runny stool because it helps to absorb nutrients in their food more efficiently than regular adult cat food.
7 steps to prepare kitten food for rabbits.
- Go to a place that has a lot of pet shops in your area, such as a Petco or Petsmart.
- Look for kitten food that is specifically formulated for kittens, not cats. If you’re unsure about the age group of your rabbits, then just ask the sales person if it’s safe to feed them with kitten food.
- When you’ve found a variety that your bunnies like, purchase the amount that you need and put it in a different bowl for easier feeding (perhaps even with a lid?).
- Store and refreeze any leftover portions of the kitten food in an airtight container/bag to prevent spoilage.
- Always defrost frozen kitten food in the microwave – NEVER the fridge.
- Give your bunnies their daily serving of kitten food and watch them chow down!
- Place all used bowls/trays, spoons, forks, etc. into the dishwasher or washing machine to wash off the oils that may get stuck on these utensils.
6 health benefits of kitten food for rabbits.
- Contains high-protein, which promotes strong teeth and bones
- It’s important to give your bunnies calcium so they can maintain good bone health
- Helps rabbits become more active and playful
- Kitten food contains high levels of Vitamin A & D to help your bunnies develop strong cells
- Helps rabbits maintain healthy eyes, skin, and fur
- Contains proper nutrients needed for a balanced diet (vitamins like B1, B2, niacin, etc.)
6 Possible concerns when feeding kitten food to rabbits.
- The protein content in kitten food is high, but not as much as a rabbit’s dietary needs.
- Lots of additional fats and proteins can cause bunnies to have soft stools or diarrhea.
- Kitten food lacks the proper amounts of Vitamin A & D which may lead to malabsorption issues if fed for too long.
- Kitten food can contain additional ingredients like extra sugars, which may cause tooth decay if fed for too long.
- Some rabbits may not like the taste of kitten food or get used to it after a short while because it’s usually rich in protein and fat.
- Not all brands of cat/kitten food have been specially formulated to be safe for rabbits, so always be sure to check the label.
6 signs pet rabbits are sick from feeding kitten food.
- Loss of appetite – Anorexia / No interest in their usual types of foods.
- Lethargy or sluggishness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Decreased resistance to stress and infections (i.e. frequent shedding, dental abscesses or other problems with teeth, etc.)
- Death
7 Tips before giving kitten food to rabbits.
- Always monitor your bunnies when they’re eating something new.
- Weigh your rabbits before you start feeding them with kitten food to make sure they’re maintaining a healthy weight.
- Monitor their blood-related values after several weeks of introducing the new diet to make sure that everything is optimal for them.
- Ask your vet about how much kitten food you should be giving them on a daily basis.
- Make sure the kitten food you purchase has more carbohydrates than protein, about 20-25% carbs to 80-85% protein.
- Monitor your bunnies’ fecal output after introducing the new diet because some rabbits may experience diarrhea while their bodies are adjusting to the new food.
- Always consult with your vet to discuss if you should be feeding your rabbits kitten food and how much they should be having.
At The End Of The Day
So what should you feed your pet rabbit? The answer is up to you! Though, if I had a choice between feeding my bunny the food that it’s supposed to eat or eating something else…I know which one would win. Do you have any thoughts on this topic? Share below and let me know.
