Is alfalfa hay bad for rabbits?
Why can’t rabbits eat alfalfa? The higher calcium levels in alfalfa hay, though, can actually be dangerous for an adult bun if they’re fed too much. Bunnies metabolize calcium and get rid of the excess in their urine, but this can cause urinary stones if they’re getting more than they need. But this doesn’t mean that alfalfa is a bad hay. Trending
What pet can eat alfalfa?
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Can rabbits eat artisan lettuce?
Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces (e.g. iceberg) as they contain lactucarium which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is “worse” than others – light-coloured varieties are high in water and have very little nutritional value, so are not recommended.
Can rabbits eat regular Hay?
Rabbits can eat grass and hay. Grass should never replace hay unless strictly necessary, though. Hay performs two essential duties that humble grass cannot match: Hay is packed with fiber. Fresh grass contains less fiber and won’t aid your pet’s digestion to the same extent as hay. Hay is tougher than grass.
Can I give my rabbit alfalfa cubes?
Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calcium and lower in fiber than timothy hay. This is acceptable, even desirable, in young, rapidly developing rabbits. But alfalfa hay is unhealthy for adult rabbits. Rabbits between the ages of seven months and a year should be transitioned to timothy hay.
Can rabbits eat straight alfalfa?
Alfalfa hay is also much higher in calcium (1.5% compared to 0.5% in grass hay), so it is best avoided for any rabbit with a history of problems related to excess calcium, for example bladder sludge. When Alfalfa is Perfect! Alfalfa on its own can be too rich but mixed with meadow hay, it makes a lovely tasty treat.
Why can't rabbits eat alfalfa?
The higher calcium levels in alfalfa hay, though, can actually be dangerous for an adult bun if they're fed too much. Bunnies metabolize calcium and get rid of the excess in their urine, but this can cause urinary stones if they're getting more than they need.
Can I feed my rabbit alfalfa pellets?
Pellets should make up less of a rabbit's diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day. Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy pellets are preferred for older rabbits.
How much alfalfa can I give my rabbit?
You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old. Around six months, slowly start swapping out alfalfa in favor of grass hays and ease up on the pellets. Adult rabbits should eat around 1/4 cup of pellets per day for every five pounds of weight they have, according to Helmer.
When should rabbits stop eating alfalfa?
A baby rabbit from birth to about seven weeks should be nursing from its mother. While still nursing, Alfalfa Hay should be introduced starting at about three weeks and should continue until about six months of age. Alfalfa Hay contains high protein, fiber and calcium.
What does alfalfa do for rabbits?
Alfalfa is known as a great hay for baby rabbits, as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.
What can I feed my rabbit instead of hay?
What You Can FeedFresh Vegetables. A handful of fresh vegetables like carrot tops (but not carrots because of the high sugar content); celery, cauliflower, broccoli (but not stems and tops) and greens should be given every day. ... Hay. ... Grass. ... Weeds. ... Dried Foods. ... Human Food. ... Bulbs. ... Peanuts and Raisins.More items...•
Is alfalfa good for baby rabbits?
Alfalfa hay is ideal for baby rabbits. For the first months of their life, a rabbit will enjoy the protein in this hay. As pellets also contain alfalfa, your baby bunny will be in good health.
What is the healthiest rabbit food?
The 10 Best Rabbit FoodsKaytee Fiesta Gourmet Variety Diet Rabbit Food. ... Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food. ... Mazuri Timothy-Based Pellet Rabbit Food. ... Vitakraft VitaSmart Complete Nutrition Rabbit Food. ... Brown's Timothy Hay Food for Rabbits. ... Tiny Friends Farm Russel Rabbit Food. ... Small World Pellet Rabbit Food.More items...•
Can hay cubes replace hay?
Forage cubes can be fed just like hay, at a 1:1 ratio of the like hay type the horse currently consumes. For example, you would replace five pounds of alfalfa hay with five pounds of alfalfa cubes and adjust the amount if needed to maintain the animal's proper weight.
Can you overfeed a pet rabbit?
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Overeating can cause obesity and digestive problems which could lead to death. A rabbit's diet should consist of 85% grass hay, such as meadow, timothy, or orchard hay. The rest of the diet should be fresh vegetables, fruit, and pellets.
Why do rabbits eat too much hay?
Too Much Alfalfa Hay. Rabbits are known for their rapid absorption of calcium in their bodies, as they have a unique calcium metabolic system which can lead to excesses when they’re fed too much Alfalfa hay.
What is the best food for bunnies?
While not all rabbits are farm animals and raised for profit, many people won’t make any difference when it comes to their diet. Alfalfa, or lucerne, is a rich source of calcium, protein and fiber for bunnies and in general it’s more enjoyable to them than Meadow or Timothy grass hays.
Can rabbits eat lucerne?
Can Rabbits Eat Alfalfa (Lucerne) Alfalfa, also known by the name lucerne in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, is a perennial plant often used for feeding farm animals such as horses, cattle, chickens, turkey or sheep. But is this also good for our rabbit pets?
Can bunnies eat alfalfa hay?
As a conclusion, it’s ok to feed alfalfa hay to your bunny, especially if he’s got a special need for it, but always make sure to keep a balanced diet and include other foods that have lower calcium levels, so your furry hopping friend doesn’t suffer from excess calcium.
Does alfalfa hay cause stones?
So too much Alfalfa hay can lead to excess calcium in their urine, which can further lead to stones. Also, unlike timothy and meadow hays, alfalfa is a legume hay and contains more protein than the first two, which are a type of grass hay.
What are the best types of hay for rabbits?
If you are looking for a hay for them to eat all of the time, then meadow hay of timothy hay are much better for them. This is because they are grass hays and are high in fiber which rabbits need.
When is it good for rabbits to eat alfalfa hay?
However, alfalfa hay is much better for younger rabbits, newborn rabbits, pregnant or rabbits that are nursing not to mention older more infirm rabbits, rather than adult rabbits.
What is the ratio of alfalfa to calcium for rabbits?
Rabbits require a ratio of 1.5-2:1 calcium to phosphorus in their diet for optimal bone and teeth strength. Cereals provide a ratio of 1:5 calcium to phosphorus whereas alfalfa provides a ratio of 5:1. In practice this means that alfalfa can be used to naturally balance cereals in the diet. Alfalfa is also an abundant source ...
Why is dengie alfalfa good for your gut?
Feeding fibre helps to maintain peristalsis as well as maintaining gut pH. This promotes a favourable gut environment that allows beneficial bacteria to thrive. Dengie alfalfa is naturally low in sugar and starch and is harvested when the plant is young.
What is an alfalfa pellet?
Alfalfa Pellets are pure pelleted alfalfa with no added molasses, binders or additives. For breeding stock or rabbits that struggle to maintain condition. Can be soaked to a mash for rabbits with dental problems. Approx size 5-6mm pellet. 20kg bag
Why is protein important for rabbits?
Protein is important in the rabbit’s diet for growth, reproduction, cell renewal and tissue repair. Alfalfa for Vitamins and Minerals – Hutch kept animals may be vitamin D deficient as naturally sunlight would promote vitamin D synthesis.
Is alfalfa good for rabbits?
Alfalfa is also an abundant source of β-carotene which is a precursor for vitamin A and is important for fertility and the survival of young rabbits. Alfalfa also supplies vitamin E which is an important antioxidant.
Can rabbits eat alfalfa?
Feeding alfalfa to rabbits. Alfalfa is a perennial legume related to the pea and bean family. Being a legume, alfalfa provides excellent levels of good quality protein and due to a deep root system also provides naturally occurring minerals. Dengie alfalfa is harvested at a young age and then high temperature dried.
Does eating alfalfa help with teeth wear?
Feeding Dengie chopped alfalfa also promotes increased chewing time compared to feeding cereals. This not only helps with efficient teeth wear but also promotes natural feeding behaviour helping to keep your rabbit occupied for longer.
What is the best alfalfa hay for rabbits?
Second cut alfalfa is the best alfalfa hay for young rabbits as well as those nursing or lactating. It has more leaves on its stem. Also, the stems are finer and softer.
What is the best bale for bunnies?
The sun-cured Kaytee alfalfa mini bale is an excellent alternative to Vikings. It will support digestion, thanks to high fiber content, and will promote growth in growing bunnies since it is high in proteins and other nutrients.
Is Viking Farmer alfalfa hay good for guinea pigs?
This fresh and all-natural Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay should be your first choice if you have bunnies, chinchillas, or guinea pigs that need it. It is free of additives, preservatives, pesticides, weeds, GMO products, or other contaminants.
Can bunnies eat a cutting?
Most people consider it not suitable for their pets. However, this is not true if the cutting happens at the right time, i.e., before blooming (while still immature). However, it is higher in fiber, lower in protein and fats, making it ideal for bunnies that often suffer from GI stasis or if you want them to lose weight.
Is alfalfa hay good for guinea pigs?
People with growing rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas or those that are nursing or lactating, should also consider tasty and yummy Small Pet Select Alfalfa Hay Pet Food. It is high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
