Rabbits Overeating: What Happens & How to Prevent It

What to Do If a Rabbit Overeats

Rabbits are notorious for their greedy appetites, which is why pet owners must be vigilant about regulating the amount of food they feed their bunnies. Overfeeding can easily lead to a situation where the rabbit becomes overstuffed. Determining the appropriate portion size for each meal and daily feeding depends on the rabbit's digestive capacity and its growth stage. Generally, it's best to ensure that the rabbit eats to about 80% of its capacity at each meal. After feeding, pet owners can gently palpate the rabbit's belly to check if it's neither overly distended nor too flat, indicating that the feeding amount is just right. In such cases, the owner can maintain this feeding routine for the rabbit.

What should you do if your rabbit accidentally overeats?

When a rabbit overeats, it often becomes inactive for extended periods. If you notice this symptom in your rabbit, it's advisable to offer it a glucose solution to replenish its energy. Additionally, monitor the rabbit's feces; if the feces are hard or if the rabbit hasn't defecated for a long time, it might be suffering from impacted bowels. In this case, gently massage the rabbit's abdomen by placing the rabbit bellydown between your legs and using your fingers to make circular motions on its belly. This massage can help stimulate digestion. Moreover, you can feed the rabbit a small amount of clean, dried celery, or add a bit of honey to its water to help lubricate its intestines and encourage digestion and defecation.

If the rabbit's mood and feces remain normal, it's likely that the issue isn't severe. You can then give the rabbit a small amount of lactase enzyme to aid in digestion. Alternatively, you can administer a lactase enzyme drink to balance the rabbit's gut flora and restore normal gastrointestinal function. Subsequently, ensure that the rabbit has access to a sufficient amount of hay and continue to feed it on a regular schedule.

Pet Expert Tip: It's crucial to feed your rabbit a balanced amount of food. Avoid overfeeding to promote rapid weight gain, as rabbits have delicate digestive systems. Overeating can easily lead to gastrointestinal issues.