Can dogs eat rabbit food? -

Many dogs get along well with rabbits, to the extent that they can share a room and even play with their bunny friends. Some dogs even share a habitat with bunnies! It’s no surprise, then, that some dogs, come to sample rabbit food. But can dogs eat rabbit food? Or does the food pose a hazard to them?

What’s in rabbit food?

If you’re a rabbit owner, you’ll know that rabbit food comprises primarily hay, usually timothy hay. Timothy hay gives rabbits tons of fiber. Rabbits need lots more fiber than dogs, though, so dog foods don’t contain nearly as much fiber.

Rabbit food also contains some protein, calcium, phosphorus, and fat. None of these nutrients are toxic to your dog. But, your dog needs more of these nutrients than it can get from eating rabbit food as the primary food.

Though carrots are considered a rabbit’s favorite treat, owners actually feed the high-carb vegetables sparingly. Instead, leafy greens like bok choy, romaine lettuce, carrot tops, and some herbs are more nutritious for a rabbit. Give the carrots to your dog instead!

What kind of nutrition does a dog need?

The main nutrient a dog needs for energy is carbohydrates. Oats – rather than hay – as well as brown rice and barley are good carbohydrate options for your pooch, with the additional benefit of that extra protein that all dogs need!

Chicken or turkey, as well as flaxseed oil and safflower, are an excellent way for your dog to get the healthy fats that will provide the long-lasting energy they need, as well as oil to make their coat gleam. Plenty of vegetables and fruit will give your pup that important fiber, too, along with vitamins and minerals.

What will happen if my dog eats rabbit food?

If your pooch gets into your bunny’s food supply, don’t worry too much. Unless your dog is allergic to hay, rabbit food shouldn’t cause them too much harm.

Keep an eye on your dog. Head to your vet if you notice copious drooling, lethargy, a distended abdomen, and trouble breathing, as well as blood in your dog’s stools.

Give your dog plenty of water to drink. With all the fiber in rabbit food, more water will help things keep moving along smoothly in your dog’s body and will prevent blockages.

How many calories does a dog need?

The ideal weight range for a dog depends on what breed they are. The Springer Spaniel is anywhere between 44 to 55 pounds. However, your Springer Spaniel’s recommended daily calorie intake will vary quite a bit based on their current activity levels.

According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, a less active medium-sized dog needs only around 990 calories a day. In comparison, more active pooches need something like 1,350 calories a day. A dog who hunts or participates in sport will need still more calories.

Being overweight can also cause your dog to have some joint issues and health problems. So, managing your pooch’s weight and calorie intake is extremely important.

How can I find the right food for my dog?

If you’re at the store looking for wet food or dry kibble, take a look at the packaging’s ingredients list or composition section. Good dog food will list protein as the first ingredient, whether whole meat or a meat meal. Meat should be your pooch’s primary protein source in every meal, as it is the more digestible option for a dog. They are carnivores, and rabbits are herbivores.

That said, meat by-products are more difficult to digest than whole meat proteins. So, make sure your chosen food doesn’t list any of these as a significant ingredient. You should avoid foods with loads of added sugar, too.

Another concern is preservatives. Mixed tocopherols are natural preservatives that also contain vitamin E. This preservative is preferable to artificial or unlisted preservatives.

Do dogs need raw food?

There has been much buzz in recent years about the benefits of raw feeding for dogs. After all, raw meat is what your pooch would have eaten in the wild, right?

However, getting your dog used to raw food can take quite some time. Raw food is also expensive, and it can be time-consuming and tedious to defrost such food and keep it fresh. It’s a valid option, though.

Can I make food for my dog at home?

You probably looked at some of the previously mentioned ingredients and considered making food for your Springer Spaniel at home. Oats, brown rice, chicken – these are all foods we have on hand in the kitchen ourselves, after all.

Indeed, it is possible to cook food for your pooch at home, making meals that end up quite like human meals. There are plenty of recipe books out there to help you get an idea of what to do. Yes, you can make delicious meals for your pooch at home that turn out so good, you may be jealous of them!

Dog food recipe books you can order online

How should I feed my dog?

If you feed your dog at the same times of the day every day will help their stomach get used to the routine, and keeping plenty of water freely available for your pooch throughout the day will prevent them from drinking too much at mealtimes. Also, avoid giving your dog too much food just before or after energetic exercise.

Your veterinarian will be able to give you more advice on what is suitable for your specific dog. Prebiotics, for example, may help dogs who struggle with digestion.

Some dogs with deep, broad chests like the Greyhound, Labrador, and Springer Spaniel are prone to a condition called bloat, also known as volvulus, or gastric torsion.

If a dog develops bloat, gas builds up in its stomach, expanding it, and it begins to twist. As a result, blood stops flowing to the dog’s stomach, and the built-up gas cannot escape. Any dog suffering from gastric torsion needs swift veterinary attention.

You can see, then, how severe the condition bloat can be. But thankfully, preventing bloat is easy. Feed your dog smaller meals spread out through the day. Don’t use raised bowls for dogs predisposed to bloat, either. Instead, slow feeding options like a slow feeder bowl or mat will help dogs who gulp down food.

What foods do dogs like?

Just like rabbits, many dogs love to chew. But leave the wooden chews to rabbits. For dogs who feel the need to chew, dry food is a good option. Dry food also keeps your pooch’s teeth clean! You can feed your dog dry food as part of their daily calorie needs in a treat-dispensing puzzle toy or ball made for dogs.

If your dog is more interested in what your rabbit’s eating, adding a little hot water or wet food will create an aroma, they can’t resist. Alternatively, herbs and spices like basil, cinnamon, ginger, parsley, and turmeric will create tail-wagging flavors, as well as provide unique health benefits for your pooch.