You may have seen rabbits eating fresh grass in the wild. They are naturally herbivores so they may eat fresh greens for their health benefits. You can also feed rabbits fresh grass to provide them with other nutrients if they don’t have access to a diet of hay and vegetables at all times. But before you go out and buy a bunch of fresh grass, read this article first!
Food family of fresh grass.
Grass is a type of plant. The family which it belongs to is called Gramineae. Food families describe the uses and health benefits of food, as well as how they act in your body.
Can pet rabbits eat fresh grass?
Yes! However, like other animals, not all rabbits will like all kinds of fresh grass. You may have to try a few different types before finding one your pet rabbit enjoys eating.
Do rabbits like fresh grass?
Yes, most pet rabbits will enjoy eating fresh grass. It provides them with essential nutrients and can make their diet more diverse.
4 steps to prepare fresh grass for rabbits:
Before you go out and buy a bunch of fresh grass, there is one more step you need to do. The first four steps on how to prepare fresh grass for rabbits:
Step #1: Make sure it’s pesticide-free.
If the grass has been sprayed with pesticides it can be toxic to your pet rabbit! You can either growh some grass yourself or buy an organic bunch of fresh grass from the store (a little more expensive, but definitely worth it).
Step #2: Make sure to let it dry.
If you pick a bunch of fresh grass and take it home to feed your rabbits immediately, there is a chance that they might start nibbling on it before you get a chance to wash it. This is not healthy for your pet rabbits- they need to wait for all of the dirt, bacteria, and fungi that are on the grass to dry out before they eat it.
Step #3: Shake off excess water.
Before you feed fresh grass to your rabbits you will also need to shake off any excess water. This is because, as mentioned before, fresh grass can carry a lot of bacteria and other nasties which can make your pet rabbits sick.
Step #4: Cut off the ends.
The last step is to cut off the ends of the grass. This will stop your pet rabbits from swallowing any large blades which could get caught in their throat and cause them to choke.
How to feed fresh grass to rabbits.
Once you have prepared the fresh grass for your pet rabbits, it’s time to feed it to them! There are a few different ways you can do this:
Method #1: Pour it into their food dish.
If your pet rabbits are used to eating hay and vegetables this may be a good way to introduce them to fresh grass. You can also do this for pets who are picky eaters. Although, some rabbits may refuse to eat the fresh grass if you put it in their food dish as they will see it as an extra mouthful that they don’t want!
Method #2: Sprinkle it over their food.
If your pet rabbits are hesitant to eat fresh grass when it’s in their food dish, you can try sprinkling it over their regular food instead. This will make it less daunting for them and they may be more likely to try it.
Method #3: Mix it with their food.
Another way to feed fresh grass to rabbits is by mixing it with their regular food. This way they will get the benefits of the fresh grass as well as some yummy hay, which most pet rabbits love!
5 health benefits of fresh grass for rabbits.
Fresh grass has a number of health benefits for pet rabbits, including:
- It helps to keep their digestive system healthy.
- It helps to keep their teeth healthy and trim.
- It provides them with essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, and E.
- It helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
- It helps to detoxify their body and improve their immune system function.
5 Possible concerns when feeding fresh grass to rabbits.
There are a few possible health risks that you need to look out for before giving your pet rabbit fresh grass:
- They can catch parasites from the grass, such as worms. If your pet rabbit already has a worm infestation, giving them fresh grass can make the problem worse.
- They can get sick from eating bacteria and fungi on the grass. This can cause them to vomit, have diarrhoea, or develop other serious health problems.
- The grass can cause them to choke if they swallow any large pieces. If they do choke, you will need to get them to a vet straight away.
- The fresh grass can cause their teeth to grow too long and damage their jaw if they eat it continuously over a prolonged period of time. This is why you should only give your pet rabbits fresh grass occasionally rather than leaving it in their food bowl all the time.
- If your pet rabbit has kidney disease, feeding them too much fresh grass may cause more calcium to be released into their urine and make the problem worse.
What to do if your pet rabbits are sick from eating fresh grass?
If you notice signs of illness such as: unwillingness to eat, lethargy, diarrhea, or mucous in their droppings, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to tell you if the illness is caused by the fresh grass and will give you the appropriate treatment.
Where can I get fresh grass for my rabbits?
If you live in an area where there is a lot of grass, you can simply go outside and cut some fresh grass for your pet rabbits.
If you don’t have a lawn or green space in the area where you live, there are some other options:
- You can try to grow fresh grass inside your house on a garden bed. However, this is difficult as pet rabbits tend to eat the grass before it has a chance to grow.
- You can buy fresh grass from a garden centre or farm supply store and bring it home for your pet rabbits. Make sure you get the freshest type of grass possible, and wash it thoroughly before feeding it to your pets.
4 signs pet rabbits is sick from feeding fresh grass.
If you are feeding your pet rabbits fresh grass and they start to show any of the following signs of illness, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible:
- They stop eating their regular food.
- They lose weight.
- They have diarrhoea.
- Their droppings look larger and different than usual.
Is it safe to feed fresh grass to your pet rabbits?
You need to be very careful before feeding fresh grass to your pet rabbits. If you do decide that you want to give it a go, make sure you follow these safety guidelines:
- Only buy grass from a place where there is no pollution, such as the countryside or an area with clean air.
- Make sure the grass has not been treated with any weedkillers or pesticides.
- Clean the grass thoroughly before feeding it to your pets, and make sure you get rid of any parts that look mouldy or dirty.
Is fresh grass bad for rabbits?
Fresh grass is not bad for rabbits. However, they shouldn’t eat it all the time as it can cause some serious health problems if they do.
What is your experience feeding fresh grass to rabbits?
I have never tried giving my pet rabbit fresh grass before because I am always worried about him getting sick from it. He seems to like digging up the grass in his hutch, so maybe I will try it one day.
6 Tips before giving fresh grass to rabbits:
- Make sure you clean the grass thoroughly with fresh water and remove any bad parts of it before feeding it to your pet rabbits.
- Only give them a little bit at a time as they might vomit, have diarrhoea, or other health problems if they eat too much.
- The grass can cause them to choke if they swallow any large pieces.
- The fresh grass can cause their teeth to grow too long and damage their jaw if they eat it continuously over a prolonged period of time.
- If your pet rabbit has kidney disease, feeding them too much fresh grass may cause more calcium to be released into their urine and make the problem worse.
- If you notice any signs of illness in your pet rabbits after giving them fresh grass, take them to a vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to tell you if the illness is caused by the fresh grass and will give you the appropriate treatment.
What fresh grass is safe for rabbits?
Just about any type of fresh grass is OK with rabbits, however, some are better than others because they are easier to clean. Avoid giving your pet rabbits any type of grass where lots of insects can live in it, such as tall grass or grass with lots of bugs.
How often should I give my rabbits fresh grass?
You should only need to give your pet rabbits fresh grass every few days, as long as they are eating their regular food and seem healthy. If they start to lose weight, have diarrhea, or look like they are not feeling well, then you should increase the amount of fresh grass you give them at every feeding.
How much fresh grass do rabbits eat a day?
Rabbits eat very little grass compared to other animals because it can be difficult for them to digest. They only need about one small handful each per day. Try cutting the grass into smaller pieces and putting half in their hutch for breakfast and half in their hutch for dinner.
Without Further Ado
We hope you’ve found this post on fruit for your pet bunny helpful. Of course, we know that it is not just bunnies who enjoy a fresh and healthy snack! If the idea of feeding fruit to your furry friends has piqued your interest, then please feel free to comment below with any questions or thoughts you might have about our tips and care guidelines.
