Rabbits make brilliant pets for avid pet owners and are great with younger family members. Often seen as a great first pet, rabbits are inquisitive, affectionate and full of life! However, their care should not be underestimated, and it is important to carry out as much research as possible before deciding to share your home with one of these furry friends.
A rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract plays a huge role in their health and as an owner you will become quite tuned in to their eating habits. One important factor of their diet is to ensure that they have plenty of available energy in their food to keep them happy and hopping around all day long.
Let’s take a closer look at a rabbit’s diet and unpack why energy density is so important.
What does energy density mean?
In basic terms, we could describe energy density as the amount of energy (calories) per weight (gram). For example, a food source that is high in energy density usually packs a whole load of calorific goodness into one smaller portion. Energy density is often measured using calories per gram. If we were to compare a lower energy density food item, it would contain fewer calories but weigh the same as an energy dense food source.
Why is energy density important?
Energy does exactly what it says on the tin – it gives us energy! Rabbits need a whole load of energy to keep them happy and healthy as well as keeping their guts moving. If they do not receive an adequate number of calories, this can reduce the effectiveness of body functionality.
As with any diet, it needs to be the correct balance. Energy dense foods should be offered along with the correct amount of fibre in order to reduce the chance of obesity. Likewise, if not enough energy dense foods are offered, this could lead to malnutrition, lethargy and organ failure.
Let’s take a closer look into the benefits of energy dense foods.
Aids in growth
Like with any species (including humans!), younger animals require more energy from their diet to help with growth and development, meaning that they have a higher energy requirement than adults. Energy dense foods ensure that they are consuming the right amount of calories to allow them to grow and develop as they should.
Even though more energy is required by younger animals, adults usually still require some energy dense foods. This helps them meet their energy needs for everyday body functions, such as repairing damaged tissues and maintaining overall health.
Caecotrophs and digestive health
Whilst it may sound pretty gross to us, rabbits eat their soft faeces, also known as caecotrophs. By consuming their caecotrophs, they get access to additional nutrients, proteins and vitamins. The energy density of a rabbit’s diet can have a direct impact on the quality of the caecotrophs, as well as the amount that they need to consume. For example, a rabbit who is consuming a large amount of caecotrophs may be looking for additional nutrients which could indicate that their diet needs more energy density.
The unique digestive system of a rabbit relies on a high amount of fibre, on average around 80% of their diet should be grass or hay. A diet that is dense in energy allows them to consume the right amount of fibre, whilst also taking in the additional goodness from the caecotrophs – yum!
Help to prevent gut-stasis
If you’re a rabbit or guinea pig owner, you are sure to be familiar with the dreaded words, “gut stasis”. This is a life-threatening condition where the gastrointestinal tract slows or stops completely. This can lead to a deadly build-up of gas and toxins in the rabbit’s gut, which, left untreated, can be fatal.
A diet that lacks fibre or adequate energy density can lead to digestive issues, including gut stasis, so it is paramount that our furry friends consume the correct amount of delicious calories.
What are energy dense foods for rabbits?
So, we know that energy density is particularly important for rabbits, in order to help them grow, develop and function in the correct way. But, what are some examples of energy dense foods that our rabbits will love?
It’s important that these are offered in moderation and as part of a wider, more varied diet. As with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad!
Vegetables:
Parsnips, carrots and peppers are all energy dense and filled with calorific goodness for our bunnies. Dark, leafy greens can make up a larger portion of their diet whilst also being packed full of goodness. This includes spinach, kale, rocket, watercress, broccoli and spring greens.
Fruits:
Although a little high in natural sugars and should be offered only as treats, fruits are packed with calories. Pear, melon, apple and banana are all energy-dense foods that rabbits enjoy.
Alfalfa hay:
Coming from the alfalfa plant, this hay is packed with calcium, fibre and proteins and is especially good for young and growing animals. It is important that alfalfa hay is limited for adult rabbits, as too much can lead to obesity.
Complete rabbit food:
Often available as pellets, a complete rabbit food should be formulated to offer all of the goodness that they need in order to thrive. Fresh food and forage (hay, usually) should always be offered alongside a complete food, but there are adequate calories that are available in rabbit pellets. This should be given alongside hay and fresh greens.
When buying pellets, it’s important to select the correct type – some rabbit pellets should only be offered occasionally as a treat and not as a sole diet.
How does a rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract function?
The digestive system of a rabbit is completely different to ours. With rabbits being herbivores, they only eat vegetation, meaning they consume a high amount of fibre. As a result of this, they need a digestive tract that is able to extract all of the energy and nutrients that they require.
Rabbits need to be eating continuously in order to keep their guts moving. They are also hind-gut fermenters, meaning that they have an organ called the caecum that allows them to break down the large amount of fibre in their diet.
Whilst the caecum is brilliant at breaking down fibres, it’s not the best at absorbing all of the goodness that it has fermented. Remember when we spoke about rabbits eating caecotrophs? That’s so that they can absorb all the goodness the second time round!
Energy density with seasonal changes
When the seasons switch into warmer or colder weather, the energy requirements of bunnies may need to change. If rabbits are kept outdoors, they may require more energy dense food in order to keep warm. It is important to have an understanding on how seasonal shifts may affect energy requirements to keep your bunny happy all year round.
During the winter months, outdoor rabbits require more energy in order to maintain their body temperature, as they burn more calories to keep themselves warm – even during a resting period. Offering additional high energy foods may be beneficial during the colder months. Food items such as extra root vegetables can be offered, but still balanced with adequate fibre. However, it is important to remember that indoor rabbits will likely not need these extra calories during winter.
In comparison during the summer months, rabbits are less likely to require the extra calories. It is especially important to limit a rabbit’s calories in the summer months as we can then run the risk of obesity. Fresh, dark green leafy greens should still be offered along with a complete pellet diet in the warmer months.
Observe your rabbit’s behaviour throughout the year, monitor their weight and make dietary changes as required. If you have any questions regarding your rabbit’s diet, speak to your veterinary practice for more advice.
Final thoughts on energy density for rabbits
By understanding energy density in rabbit food, you will be able to offer your furry friends a balanced and healthy diet. Not only does it support digestive health and growth, but it also helps to prevent conditions such as gut stasis. Remember to always give them a diet base of leafy greens, hay and pellets, along with energy-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables.
By offering your rabbit food in the correct amounts, you’re able to support their overall wellbeing throughout the different seasons across the year.
When in doubt, speak with your vet to ensure that your rabbit is receiving the correct dietary requirements.
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