When we talk about feeding your rabbit, it is necessary to look at varying feeding requirements based on the breed or type of rabbit you own. For simplicity, we will break down the various breeds into groups based on size and special feeding needs. Owners should constantly evaluate their rabbits' feeding requirements as they handle their animals to ensure the rabbits are maintaining a healthy fleshing condition without becoming overly fat.

The largest breeds of rabbits, Giant breeds, mature at 12 to 20 pounds. This group includes: Giant Chinchillas, Flemish Giants, Checkered Giants, French Lops and English Lops. These breeds require the largest amount of feed and need between 7 and 9 ounces of feed daily. These breeds require higher fiber levels and lower protein levels in their feed. A 15- to 17-percent protein level and 18- to 20-percent fiber level is usually considered adequate.

Commercial breeds (American Sables, Californians, Champagnes, American Chinchillas, Cinnamons, Creme D'Argents, New Zealands, Palominos, Satins and Silver Fox) mature at 8 to 12 pound. They require between 5 and 6 ounces of pellets daily, as well as higher protein and fiber rations. A 17- to 19-percent protein level and 18- to 20-percent fiber ration is best suited to these breeds.

The smaller commercial breeds (Belgian Hares, Standard Chinchillas, English Spots, Harlequins, Lilacs, Mini Lops, Rex, Rhinelanders and Silver Martens) mature at 6 to 8 pounds, and they require between 4 and 5 ounces of feed daily, with slightly lower protein requirements. A 16- to 18-percent protein level and 17- to 20-percent fiber level is usually adequate.

The small fancy breeds (Dutch, Florida Whites, Havanas, Holland Lops, Himalayans, Mini Rex, Silvers, Tans and Fuzzy Lops) mature at 4 to 6 pounds and are used almost exclusively for show and pet purposes. They require between 4 and 5 ounces of pellets daily. A 15- to 17-percent protein level and 17- to 20-percent fiber level is usually adequate.

The Dwarf breeds (Britannia Petites, Netherland Dwarfs, Polish, Dwarf Hotots and Jersey Woolys) mature at less than 4 pounds and are used almost exclusively for show or pet purposes. They require between 2 and 3 ounces of pellets daily. A 15- to 17-percent protein level and 18- to 20-percent fiber level is usually adequate.

The final category is the wooled breeds (Giant, French, English and Satin Angoras). These breeds require high fiber levels with a lower protein level. A 15- to 17-percent protein level with 20-percent or higher fiber level is desirable. The Giant and French Angoras require between 6 and 8 ounces of pellets, while the English and French Angoras require between 4 and 5 ounces of feed.

It is important to note that people who choose one of the wooled breeds must be constantly aware of wool blockage problems. It is critical that wooled animals be fed diets containing enzymes that break up any ingested wool particles and allow them to pass through the digestive tract. Otherwise, wool blocks will develop, which can close off the stomach opening and cause the animal to die from starvation. These enzymes, which are found in raw pineapple juice and papaya, can also be given to the rabbit as a separate supplement with satisfactory results.

Author(s): Tex Thomas, 1996 Rabbits

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