The key to a happy, healthy rabbit is a proper diet. While it is super tempting to feed a plate of greens, I advise against it for a few reasons:
The main problem with fruits/veg is that they tend to have a high water and a high sugar content. Given their extremely sensitive digestive systems, rabbits don't tend to cope well with a varied diet. Unlike humans, which are omnivores and enjoy a varied died, rabbits benefit from consistency. A good quality alfalfa based pellet is considered a "complete feed," meaning it has all nutrients necessary for a rabbit to live and be healthy. Consequently, it's best to focus on investing in a good quality pellet and timothy/orchard grass hay to make sure your rabbit's nutritional requirements are met.
Unfortunately, adding greens to the diet, especially in large quantities, may result in enteritis (bloat) or gastrointestinal stasis. Rabbits with GI stasis may initially present with poor flesh condition, diarrhea, or gas, and then eventually become lethargic and go into digestive shutdown. This is a pretty scary experience for the owner as well as the rabbit, and often results in an expensive abdominal surgery for the rabbit in question.
Some safer alternatives for treats include black oil sunflower seeds, plain shredded wheat, or plain Cheerios. Rabbits also really tend to enjoy a little bit of oat hay as an occasional treat. :)
The main problem with fruits/veg is that they tend to have a high water and a high sugar content. Given their extremely sensitive digestive systems, rabbits don't tend to cope well with a varied diet. Unlike humans, which are omnivores and enjoy a varied died, rabbits benefit from consistency. A good quality alfalfa based pellet is considered a "complete feed," meaning it has all nutrients necessary for a rabbit to live and be healthy. Consequently, it's best to focus on investing in a good quality pellet and timothy/orchard grass hay to make sure your rabbit's nutritional requirements are met.
Unfortunately, adding greens to the diet, especially in large quantities, may result in enteritis (bloat) or gastrointestinal stasis. Rabbits with GI stasis may initially present with poor flesh condition, diarrhea, or gas, and then eventually become lethargic and go into digestive shutdown. This is a pretty scary experience for the owner as well as the rabbit, and often results in an expensive abdominal surgery for the rabbit in question.
Some safer alternatives for treats include black oil sunflower seeds, plain shredded wheat, or plain Cheerios. Rabbits also really tend to enjoy a little bit of oat hay as an occasional treat. :)