Rabbits are herbivores that chew continuously. Their digestive systems are specifically adapted to process large amounts of fibrous plant material. This constant intake is fundamental for nutrient extraction.
Rabbits’ Natural Feeding Schedule
Rabbits are crepuscular animals, meaning their peak activity times occur during dawn and dusk. This natural behavior helps them avoid predators, as visibility is low enough to offer some concealment while still allowing them to forage for food. In the wild, rabbits typically emerge from their burrows in the early evening to begin feeding, continuing to eat intermittently throughout the night. This nocturnal feeding pattern allows them to consume a significant portion of their daily food intake during safer, cooler hours when fewer predators are active.
While their primary activity is concentrated around twilight, rabbits do not exclusively eat at these times. Their digestive system requires a near-constant supply of food to function properly, so they graze frequently throughout the night and often during daylight hours, albeit with more caution. Domesticated rabbits may adapt their feeding habits to their owners’ routines, but providing constant access to fresh hay ensures they can follow their natural grazing instincts.
What Constitutes a Rabbit’s Diet
A rabbit’s diet primarily consists of plant-based foods, with hay being the most important component. High-quality grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, or meadow hay, should be available to them at all times. This constant fiber supply supports digestive health and wears down their continuously growing teeth.
Fresh leafy greens and vegetables also provide vitamins and minerals. Pellets can supplement a rabbit’s diet, offering a concentrated source of nutrients, but they should be given in limited, measured portions to avoid overfeeding. Over-reliance on pellets can lead to digestive issues and obesity if not balanced with sufficient hay intake.
The Role of Cecotrophy
Rabbits use a unique digestive process called cecotrophy for nutrient absorption. They produce two types of fecal pellets: hard, dry waste pellets and softer, nutrient-rich cecotropes. Cecotropes, sometimes referred to as “night feces,” are formed in the cecum, a specialized part of their digestive system where fermentation of fibrous plant material occurs.
These special pellets are rich in protein, B vitamins, amino acids, and beneficial bacteria that were not fully absorbed during the initial passage of food. Rabbits typically re-ingest cecotropes directly from their anus, often during quieter periods like late night or early morning. This re-ingestion allows for a second digestion of these nutrients, ensuring maximum nutritional benefit from their high-fiber diet.