Lionhead rabbits cannot eat many vegetables. This is because most vegetables are high in fiber and it is important to be careful with the amount of fiber they receive every day. It is best if they get their daily fill of hay, which should include at least one good, fresh leafy bunch per Lionhead rabbit every day. Some veggies can be given occasionally to Lionheads as a treat or to provide nutrients that aren’t found in hays or pellets alone.
Here are some veggies that can be added on occasion to your Lionhead’s diet:
Parsley (flat-leaf type preferred)
Cucumber (peeled first)
Carrots (chopped up small for babies)
Romaine lettuce (not Iceberg, as it is watery and does not provide much nutrition)
Swiss chard or dandelion greens (NOT kale as it can cause gas in some rabbits)
There are a few veggies that should be avoided due to the high amount of fiber they contain. These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bell peppers (sweet, green, red…), corn. Certain types of squash can also cause problems in Lionheads because of the seeds and fibers it contains. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any doubts about what types or how many veggies your Lionhead should eat. Remember that all treats must be given in moderation and not every day.
FAQS
1. How much hay should my Lionhead have a day?
The basics of what veggies can lion head rabbits eat require that they get a minimum of one good, fresh leafy bunch per day for every 3 lbs. of bodyweight plus unlimited grass hay to help wear down their teeth and keep them from growing too long. If you feed them too much hay, this can be dangerous. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian for more information about how much hay they should receive every day.
2. How many veggies can my Lionhead have?
Lionheads should not eat large amounts of food at one time, especially vegetables that are high in fiber. It is important to feed them a variety of vegetables in small amounts 2-3 times per week to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Avoid giving them veggies that are high in fiber such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell peppers, etc.
3. What if my Lionhead won’t eat his veggies?
If your Lionhead rabbit is not eating his vegetables, it is important to try different types of veggies until you find one or two that he likes. You can also try mixing the veggies in with his pellets or hay to make them more appealing. If all else fails, you can hide the veggies in a treat ball so he has to work for them a bit.
4. Can I give my Lionhead fruit?
Fruit can be given to Lionheads as an occasional treat, but it should not make up a large part of their diet. Some good fruits to give them include: apples, pears, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries.
5. What if my Lionhead is sick and doesn’t want to eat?
If your Lionhead is not eating because he is sick, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Sick rabbits often do not have an appetite and may refuse to eat their regular food. However, it is still important to try to get them to eat something, even if it is just a small amount of water or diluted electrolyte solution.
6. Is hay the only food I should give my Lionhead?
No, hay is not the only thing that your Lionhead should be eating. It is important to feed them a variety of different leafy vegetables in moderation 2-3 times per week in addition to their daily serving of grass hay.