Can Rabbits Have Alfalfa Hay?
Can Rabbits Have Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa hay is a popular forage for rabbits and other small animals. Its high protein content is especially beneficial for growing babies, pregnant, and nursing bunnies. Let’s take a look at the advantages and potential risks of feeding your rabbit alfalfa hay.
Benefits of Alfalfa Hay for Rabbits
Alfalfa hay is a great addition to most rabbit’s diets. This can be especially helpful for rabbits that are:
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- Growing: Alfalfa hay is high in calcium which helps with the growth of teeth, bones, and muscle in young rabbits.
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- Pregnant: The extra protein, calcium, and vitamin content in alfalfa hay helps supply the extra nutrition needed during pregnancy.
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- Nursing: The extra vitamins, minerals and protein in alfalfa hay facilitates milk production in lactating rabbits.
Risks of Feeding Alfalfa Hay to Rabbits
Although alfalfa hay is a great source of nutrition for growing, pregnant, and nursing rabbits, it’s not right for every bunny. Overeating alfalfa hay can make a rabbit overweight, so it’s important not to overfeed this type of hay. Additionally, adult rabbits should only be given alfalfa hay as a treat rather than as an everyday food. Feeding too much alfalfa hay to adults can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea.
Wrapping Up
Alfalfa hay provides many great benefits to growing, pregnant, and nursing rabbits. However, adult rabbits should not eat too much alfalfa hay. It should be used as a treat, not as the main food. With the proper amount, alfalfa hay can be a great addition to your rabbit’s diet.
