{"id":979,"date":"2021-02-01T17:59:24","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T17:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/?p=979"},"modified":"2021-05-27T05:01:56","modified_gmt":"2021-05-27T05:01:56","slug":"how-to-get-a-rabbit-to-gain-weight-a-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/how-to-get-a-rabbit-to-gain-weight-a-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Rabbit to Gain Weight: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When your rabbit is underweight, it may be alarming. Your rabbit may need to gain some weight to be healthy and happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To gain weight, your rabbit must consume more fiber-laden foods. Also, provide your rabbit leafy greens, oats, and opportunities for exercise. Be sure to check with a veterinarian the type of diet and nutrition plan that your rabbit needs to be healthy. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we’ll give you 10 easy steps to help your rabbit gain weight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Visit a Veterinarian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you start fattening up your rabbit, you will need to take them to a veterinarian. There is a reason that your rabbit is thin instead of its usually weight. Your rabbit may be losing weight due to parasites, malnourishment in their early years, or a decrease in appetite. Most often it is because of a decrease in appetite, thus a decrease in calories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to determine, with the help of a rabbit expert, why your rabbit is underweight before taking action to help them gain weight. <\/strong>Increasing your rabbit’s calorie intake is not the only thing needed to help your rabbit to become healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, a decrease in appetite happens because of a disease, whether it’s a dental, gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal diseases, or cancer. These diseases will involve a lot of pain that can cause your rabbit to either have pain when eating or they may not be able to smell the food given to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way your rabbit’s appetite may have decreased is stress. Rabbits are highly sensitive to stress and will have a hard time feeling comfortable enough to eat if they are stressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Reduce Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Once you have visited the vet and determined why your rabbit is underweight, you will need to help your rabbit gain weight according to directions from your vet. Though we highly recommend following the direction and diet given to you by your vet, here are some additional steps to help your rabbit gain weight: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your rabbit may be inflicted with a disease or they may just be malnourished. Either way, you will want to reduce the stress-induced things in your rabbit’s environment. Stressful situations will not encourage your rabbit to eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove any children or pets from your rabbit’s environment and consider placing their cage in another room. Refrain from handling your rabbit until they are calm and comfortable. Reduce the risk of loud noises, such as a dog barking or doors slamming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Take It Slow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any new changes in a rabbit’s daily life may cause stress. When changing your rabbit’s diet, take it slow. You don’t want to introduce a ton of new foods to their diet as they may not eat any of the new foods that you give them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When introducing new, fiber-rich, and high-protein foods, slowly introduce them to your rabbit’s food bowl. Only give them a little bit of the new foods at a time. And if your rabbit refuses to eat the new veggies or hay you give them, try something else. Don’t give up! Something is sure to catch their eye or their nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that rabbits are very sensitive. If they are introduced to a lot of change all at once, they will become stressed and overwhelmed. Be cautious and caring when helping your rabbit to become healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Pick Higher Calorie Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To help your rabbit gain weight, you’ll need to increase the amount of calories that they ingest. The easiest way to do this is to pick high-calorie foods or high-calorie varieties of foods that they are already eating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hay<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Instead of feeding your rabbit golden hay, consider feeding them green hay. Green, leafy hay has a higher protein and fat value compared to golden hay. Readigrass is a great option because of the higher nutritional value compared to traditional hay. Alfalfa is also a great option. However, if your rabbit’s weight loss is due to bladder issues, the increased calcium in Alfalfa will be bad for your rabbit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, an increased source of fiber foods will help your rabbit back to their healthy weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional hay options include oat hay (high in fiber), and orchard grass hay (high in protein, fiber, and calories). To learn more about various types of hay and which one is best for your rabbit, take a look at my article all about feeding your pet rabbit hay here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Leafy Greens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leafy greens are a wonderful option for your underweight rabbit. Typically, a rabbit’s diet should mainly consist of fiber-rich hay. Leafy greens should not replace your rabbit’s main diet of hay, only support it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of leafy greens that are safe for rabbits: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n