Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for the well-being of rabbits. Just like in humans, increased weight in bunnies can lead to various health complications, impacting their quality of life. This article provides comprehensive guidance on identifying weight issues in rabbits and safe, effective strategies for weight management.
Understanding the Risks of Obesity in Rabbits
Obesity in rabbits is characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat due to an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. According to veterinarian Dr. Susan Brown, an exotic animal veterinarian with a special interest in rabbits for over forty years, increased weight interferes with normal activities and puts a rabbit at higher risk for many health problems, some of them are: cardiovascular, joint, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and liver diseases. Should there be any reason for surgery, an obese rabbit is at greater risk as well. A qualified veterinarian can determine whether additional health issues (e.g., arthritis, pododermatitis) are a concern.
Obese rabbits typically exhibit physical signs such as larger bellies, fat folds under the chin (known as a dewlap), and fat deposits around the armpits. Obesity in rabbits causes chronic low-grade inflammation, predisposing pets to a range of medical issues. Certain factors can increase a rabbit’s predisposition to obesity. Dwarf breeds, which are naturally stockier, and larger breeds, like Flemish Giants, are more prone to weight gain. Middle-aged rabbits (4-5 years old) are also at higher risk due to their slowing metabolism.
Identifying Weight Problems in Rabbits
Weight loss is not normal in a healthy rabbit and is something that should be investigated. The first thing you should do is get a scale and weigh your rabbit daily or weekly, as needed. Keep a log of the weight so it can be tracked. This will let you know if your rabbit is really losing weight and at what speed.
One way you can determine if your rabbit is overweight at home is to feel for their spine and check their body condition score using the rabbit size-o-meter.
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The Primary Cause of Weight Gain: Inappropriate Diet
Inappropriate diet is the primary cause of weight gain; thus, diet becomes the focus for treatment. As noted, the best diet comprises grass hay, fed daily in unlimited quantities. Safe weight loss occurs when a rabbit is put on the appropriate diet and is eating large quantities of hay. If an obese rabbit is put on an inappropriate diet and loses weight too rapidly, the rabbit can become ill very quickly and be at risk for hepatic lipidosis. In this condition, fat cells replace liver cells, resulting in a severely damaged liver. Dr. Brown emphasizes that to achieve and sustain safe weight loss, it’s important that a rabbit consume a healthful diet. Most important is free access to grass hay.
When a variety of grass hays are available, I recommend offering a mix, though caregivers should be aware that alfalfa is often in with orchard grass. Straw is never a substitute for grass hay, regardless of how obese a rabbit may be. Though fibrous, it is devoid of good nutritional value: it’s too low in both calories and protein, and it lacks valuable trace minerals. Feeding an obese rabbit a diet of straw is potentially dangerous and can lead to fatal hepatic lipidosis. Even if the diet were supplemented with some pellets and leafy greens, the rabbit would likely suffer muscle problems and weakness.
When a rabbit is obese, food pellets are usually part of the reason and their reduction must be accomplished slowly, especially if the rabbit is not eating the proper amount of grass hay on a daily basis. If the pellets are alfalfa-based, I recommend a gradual change to a timothy-grass-based food. Free-feeding of pellets must be discontinued for the health of the rabbit. I suggest that caregivers divide a measured amount of pellets into two feedings (e.g., morning, evening), which often has the added benefit of encouraging the rabbit to browse hay between feedings.
Although leafy green vegetables can be a part of a healthy rabbit’s diet, feeding them in excess can cause a rabbit to lose weight too quickly and be unable to maintain proper weight over time. This is because fresh foods are less calorie-dense than hay due to the high water content. In addition, feeding too many greens will fill up a rabbit, making him less likely to eat hay, the most important part of the diet.
Safe and Effective Weight Loss Strategies
The most rapid way to accomplish healthy weight loss is to feed a diet of quality grass hay only. There are, however, two very important considerations with this: the rabbit must be freely grazing hay throughout the day, and the hay must be of good quality. Quality hay is not always available locally or throughout the year, and quality can vary for various reasons, such as climate, soil, and the way the hay is handled and stored. One very general guideline is to feed the same hay as is fed to horses, not the pasture grass that is fed to ruminants (e.g., cattle, sheep). If your rabbit refuses grass hay, don’t become discouraged. One way to entice a hesitant rabbit is by offering the hay as part of a homemade cardboard toy. For example, stuff an empty plastic-wrap tube with hay. Eventually most bunnies will begin eating hay in the proper amounts. This can sometimes be more easily accomplished when the overweight rabbit is in the company of other rabbits. It may be necessary, however, to separate the overweight rabbit from his bunny pal(s) during feeding time, especially when the other rabbit is fed pellets. Entice the overweight rabbit to a different area by offering just a few little pieces of greens, keeping Dr. Brown’s comments above in mind. Even after weight loss is accomplished and the rabbit is on a maintenance diet, the bunnies may have to be separated during feeding time to ensure that the once-overweight rabbit does not overeat.
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Nutritional Guidelines for Weight Loss
- Hay: An unlimited supply of fresh grass hay is the single most important part of a healthy rabbit diet. In fact, most adult rabbits should be eating 85 percent of their diet in hay. Throughout their lives, rabbits all need access to hay, but the amount and type of hay vary based on age, development, and individual health needs. Check-in with your rabbit-savvy vet about adjusting your bunny’s diet to meet their needs. There are several hay varieties to choose from, and SDHRS recommends a blend of timothy and orchard hays as a good base. Meadow grass, ryegrass, and oat grass are also good options. Alfalfa does not contain enough fiber to produce large, light-colored droppings that indicate optimum digestive health. Remember, hay is the foundation of a balanced rabbit diet.
- Pellets: Rabbits do not need a diet primarily of pellets. Pellets are supplemental food and energy-dense, and a pellet-centered diet is like eating energy bars for every meal. Some rabbits experience chronic intermittent diarrhea or constipation, some produce too many cecal pellets, and many are very overweight from a diet based primarily on pellets instead of hay. “The uncontrolled feeding of a pelleted diet to a house rabbit can lead to obesity, heart and liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and kidney disease as a result of the high concentration of calories, low fiber, and high calcium levels in the pellets,” says Dr. Susan Brown of the Rosehaven Exotic Animal Veterinary Services. Think of pellets as dietary supplements that supply a more concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals than you find in hay and veggies alone. There are some healthy choices available and we can safely include pellets to “round out” bunny’s diet. Some rabbits don’t need pellets, depending on their health, energy needs, and the quality of their hay and vegetables - talk with your rabbit-savvy vet about what your rabbit needs. If you feed your rabbit pellets, make sure the primary ingredients are hay, preferably timothy; these pellets will be dark green and well compressed. Avoid pellets that contain seeds or fatty grains like wheat or corn. These products are too high in sugar and carbohydrates and can cause obesity, diarrhea, and other serious digestive upsets, resulting in long-term health issues and many visits to the vet. For most rabbits, timothy pellets are a healthy option when eaten sparingly. SDHRS recommends high-quality timothy or alfalfa blend pellets be fed, following the label on the pellet bag for recommended quantities. When switching to a new brand of pellets, remember to make the change gradually.
- Vegetables: Fresh greens help house rabbits stay hydrated and provide fiber and essential nutrients. Many people find it helpful to split bunny’s salad into two meals: breakfast and dinner. This helps you keep better track of whether they are eating regularly or may be experiencing digestive problems. Note, too, that if you decide not to incorporate pellets into your bunny’s diet, it can be a good idea to raise their greens intake, so consult your vet periodically about their dietary needs. Feed a minimum of 1-2 cups of fresh leafy greens for each 4 lbs. of body weight, or as directed by your rabbit’s vet. Select at least three types of greens daily to obtain a variety of nutrients. When trying new leafy greens, introduce only one new item to the diet at a time. Eliminate a green if it causes soft stools or diarrhea and try something else.
- Fruits: Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries are a treat because of their high sugar content. Bunny may ask for fruit often, but limit this type of food to once or twice a week, and keep portion sizes small. Carrots are also high in sugar and should be considered a treat as well. Remember, too many sweets will cause your rabbit to become obese and can cause soft stools and diarrhea, and dental problems, potentially causing long-term health problems. Offering fruit as a treat once or twice a week is fine, but needs to be limited to very small piece: one grape (cut in half), 1/4” slice of banana, a 1-inch cube of apple or carrot, etc. Overfeeding your rabbit fruits is not worth the risk.
Promoting Physical Activity
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is vital. Provide your rabbit with a large, safe area to hop and explore daily.
Giving an overweight rabbit plenty of opportunity for exercise and playtime is important. When a rabbit is obese, gentle touch can help comfort and also reduce stress. In the article “Deepening the Bond: How to Connect with Your Rabbit through Massage,” licensed massage therapist Chandra Beal advises that “laying on of hands or light fur strokes would be appropriate for showing affection and reducing stress while the bunny is dieting.” Tellington TTouch® is another form of bodywork that can benefit your rabbit.
Other considerations for weight loss
Even after weight loss is accomplished and the rabbit is on a maintenance diet, the bunnies may have to be separated during feeding time to ensure that the once-overweight rabbit does not overeat. In addition, after weight loss the rabbit’s maintenance diet can also include more leafy green vegetables. However, measuring the amount of vitamin-rich greens remains important, and they should be restricted if they make the rabbit less likely to eat hay.
It is also recommended that caregivers base the pellet amount on the individual needs of a rabbit (e.g., health, age, weight, activity level); the amount fed one rabbit may not be appropriate for another. Supervising the kind and amount of treats is another consideration. Perhaps include some non-food “treats” in order to keep the emphasis on grass hay, the single most important part of the diet. Monitoring the rabbit’s environment - for example, protecting against high temperatures that can quickly lead to heat stroke - will help prevent other health problems.
Understanding Weight Loss in Rabbits
There are many reasons a rabbit may be underweight. Some rabbits suffer from malnourishment early in their life; parasites can result in weight loss. But the primary reasons are the ones discussed by Dr. Brown. The most common reason for weight loss is decreased appetite and, thus, a reduced intake of calories. This is generally due to disease, including dental, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal (arthritis of joints or the spine), metabolic (liver, pancreas, or kidney), and cancer. Most of these involve either pain that will make it difficult for the rabbit to eat or a build up of toxins in the body that affect the brain and other organs, making the rabbit feel either nauseated or not hungry. In addition, a diet that is primarily composed of fresh vegetable greens instead of grass hay can be very dangerous because the greens have fewer calories, due to high water content. This will lead to unhealthy weight loss. Rabbits should always be fed a diet that is primarily grass hay, offered in unlimited amounts.
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There are other considerations. If the rabbit becomes anxious because of activity near the feeding area, such as a barking dog, active children, or other loud noises, the rabbit may not want to eat. When there is more than one rabbit, a dominant one may guard the food and prevent other rabbits from having access to it. Elderly rabbits sometimes present challenges, as reduced activity - perhaps due to painful arthritis - causes them to lose muscle mass. Building muscle mass becomes the goal and, in the case of an arthritic bunny, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and alternative pain management (e.g., acupuncture) can help.
Addressing the Causes of Weight Loss
Being alert to potential weight loss can help prevent serious problems. If a rabbit refuses food for an extended period of time, such as twenty-four hours, caregivers should be concerned because rabbits cannot fast, not even when ill or injured. A sudden cessation of eating or a decreased amount of feces signals a problem as well. Continued inappetence can quickly result in a life-threatening condition. Without intervention, gastrointestinal hypomotility (slowdown of transit times in the digestive system) can lead to GI stasis (shutdown).
If the cause cannot be determined by a physical exam, we proceed to a full work-up, which includes a complete blood count, serum chemistries, urinalysis, and radiographs. Sometimes lifestyle, not disease, is the causative factor in weight loss. Poor diet can result in weight loss as well as weight gain, and so I always discuss the importance of the appropriate diet. In addition, it’s helpful to hear about the rabbit’s life, including house location and other animal companions or children the rabbit lives with. For example, it may be that the rabbit’s area is too warm, another pet appears threatening, the rabbit is in a high-traffic area or, conversely, isolated away from the family, or perhaps children inadvertently mishandle the rabbit.
If the rabbit is exhibiting pain, the cause must be determined and addressed or the rabbit will rapidly decline. Blood work can often help pinpoint the problem. A common cause of pain, especially in rabbits who don’t eat enough hay, are molar points (spurs). These razor-sharp lateral projections are caused by abnormal molar wear. They cut the tongue and cheek, creating a painful condition that prevents the rabbit from eating. A less obvious source of pain can be caused by elongated tooth roots, with or without abscesses, also caused by lack of eating hay; this can only be diagnosed with a lateral-lateral skull X-ray.
Home Care for Underweight Rabbits
Rabbits do not have much of an energy reserve. It is critical to syringe-feed anorexic rabbits until they can eat on their own. There are some additional considerations, as noted by Dr. Brown. Since pain is a common cause of weight loss, pain management is often one of the treatments. In cases such as arthritis of the joints or spine, the treatment may be for the lifetime of the rabbit. In cases such as infectious or metabolic disease, the appetite may return after the condition is addressed. There are many factors to consider when treating a rabbit for weight loss. If a rabbit is ill or injured, a home-care plan will be prescribed by the veterinarian. Eliminating stress to the extent possible is important for every bunny and especially for the underweight rabbit.
A proper diet and other considerations are also important, as Dr. Brown notes. It’s not necessarily a good idea to increase the amount of processed pellets in an underweight rabbit’s diet. In many cases, an underweight rabbit will benefit from increased consumption of fiber-laden foods, especially grass hay and, to a much lesser extent, leafy greens. (However, too many greens can lead to weight loss instead of weight gain.) A high-fiber diet reduces dental and other health problems. In addition to any underlying health issues, it’s important to look at all the factors that might be contributing to the rabbit’s eating behavior. Although it’s logical to assume that a less-active rabbit will gain weight, the opposite is sometimes the case. Weight loss can result from a reduction in muscle mass, often due to inadequate exercise caused by decreased mobility, lethargy, pain when moving, or because the rabbit is caged too much of the time. Extended time outside of the cage is important. Placing hay bins and litter boxes in several locations may also stimulate more activity. Rabbits will often have greater ease of movement if a rug or other heavy material is placed on smooth floors (e.g., wood or tile). When there are two or more rabbits, caregivers should also be mindful of social issues. Observing actions surrounding the food - such as one rabbit guarding the food area or thwarting the others’ attempts to get at food or water - will enable the caregiver to make necessary changes for the benefit of all the rabbits. There are times when combining the expertise of both standard and alternative treatments offers the best supportive care. When researching complementary treatments, be aware of training and qualification requirements and give careful consideration to the health, nature, and needs of your rabbit.
Other possible reasons for weight loss
- Teeth and Mouth - Your rabbit’s mouth should be checked with an otoscope by your veterinarian. If your rabbit’s incisors are out of alignment (malocclusion) or if they have molar spurs, it might be difficult or painful for your rabbit to eat. They might be balancing between hunger and pain, eating less than they normally do. If this is the cause of your rabbit’s weight loss, rabbit dental work should clear up the situation and make it easier for your bunny to eat again. Your rabbit may need pain medication temporarily to help them eat until their mouth heals.
- Cancer - One of the symptoms of cancer is weight loss. Unfortunately, in rabbits cancer can sometimes be difficult to detect and even if detected, difficult to cure. Still, you should get a full blood panel and a veterinary exam to try to find anything that might be there.
- Parasites - E. cuniculi, coccidia and other parasites can cause weight loss in rabbits, especially if you have a younger, older or immunocompromised bunny. Sometimes you will see other symptoms such as a distended (hard, round) belly and they might seem thin in the back with a clearly visible spine.
- Infection - A systemic infection, which can require your rabbit to expend all their energy to simply stay healthy, often leads to weight loss. Typically the rabbit otherwise acts normally, but you should see an elevated white blood cell count in the bloodwork. Rabbits are notorious for hiding their illnesses, and in some cases, they can have an infection that doesn’t show up in the bloodwork. This can be very difficult to diagnose.
- Kidney Disease - Rabbits with advanced kidney disease often lose weight. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do for kidney disease except to provide supportive care.
- Old Age - Really old rabbits sometimes have trouble keeping weight on. They are just slowing down in general.
- Diet - Did you recently change your rabbit’s diet? Change the brand of pellets or switch from alfalfa to timothy hay? Increase salads? Decrease or change treats? Simple diet changes can cause weight loss.
Treating your rabbit’s weight loss ultimately depends on the original cause, with the goal of helping your rabbit get back to their original weight. For example, you would treat an infection with antibiotics or have dental work done for molar spurs. For diet-related weight loss, you should encourage your rabbit to eat more food. You can also introduce foods with higher calories, such as small quantities of nuts, or if your rabbit doesn’t have any urinary or kidney issues, you can switch to alfalfa hay. A balanced diet is essential for a rabbit, just like with all living creatures, so there is a range of foods that you must feed your bunny. Always consult a veterinarian specializing in rabbits for your specific rabbit's needs.