By Abbey Mitchell

As rabbits have increased in popularity so has the information about what is the best diet for a house/companion rabbit. But there is still much misinformation out there about what is the best way to feed your rabbit and there are even rumblings amongst experts now that the traditional diet of pellets may be causing the obesity we are seeing in pet rabbits today. This isn’t good and can be prevented  whether you are a veterinarian or a pet owner who enjoys sitting them on their lap while poking around the Party Poker site at home. A small, but growing, number of bun owners are choosing to move away from pellets to a more natural way of feeding based on hay, vegetables and small amounts of fruit.

So, what do rabbits eat and should pellets be part of this diet?

To answer the question let’s start by looking at why a manufactured food like pellets came into existence.

Pellets were developed specifically for breeders with high levels of calories and nutrients so that their rabbits would grow quickly. This speed up their breeding programme and also gave extra nutrients to rabbits that were essentially living in a high stress environment. Rabbits that didn’t make the grade by a certain time (a few months) were ‘removed’ from the programme. So, bottom line is that pellets are designed to put weight on quickly for rabbits in a high stress environment. They weren’t originally designed for companion rabbits who live long lives in a low stress, low exercise situation. It’s little wonder that our bunny buddies are stacking on the weight!

Left to their own devices in the wild, rabbits eat a wide variety of plants. They munch on grasses, flowers, fruit and vegetables and keep their teeth trim chewing on twigs and branches. They graze constantly on high fibre plants that may have low nutrient value however they eat so many ‘bits and pieces’ here and there that over the whole day that they end up consuming the range of nutrients they need. Their diet is extremely high in fibre which is vital in helping their digestive system function correctly. In addition, eating is not just for fuel, it relieves boredom and the action of chewing may also be a stress reliever as it is with dogs.

So if you want to mimic this (as best we can) what should you be feeding?

The most important part of a bun’s diet should be hay. Around 70% of his diet should be made up of high quality Timothy hay (if you can find it). Hay is low in calories and high in fibre so perfect for all day munching. Hang it in her cage to keep it off the floor so she doesn’t walk or pee/poop on it.

The next 25% should be made up of a handful of greens (1 cup per 3 pounds weight) – this can include carrot tops, parsley, clover, dandelion, green peppers, dark lettuces, cilantro, dill, spinach, broccoli, kale and watercress etc. Aim for 3-4 types a day. As with the way humans eat, the key is variety.

The final 5% can be made up of treats. Small portions (teaspoons, or a tablespoon if a larger rabbit) of fruits like apples & pears (no pips), mango etc and carrots can be given. Carrots are high in sugar so they go on the treat list!

In the end the choice is up to you. If you are considering moving to a natural diet then consult your vet and do as much reading as you can on the subject to help you make a decision.

If you do decide to move to an all natural diet then do so very slowly. Introduce your bun to greens and fruits one at a time and check to see if it agrees with her before adding another. And, ALWAYS have water available no matter what diet you feed her.

Be patient and both you and your bunny will eventually reap the rewards of happiness and health!

About the Author

Abbey Mitchell is a long-time animal lover and rabbit enthusiast. To answer your question What Do Rabbits Eat? in more detail, visit her site http://www.RabbitsForPets.com. Abbey is dedicated to delivering the best information available on pet rabbits, delivered in her signature down to earth, fun style.

By Thomas Roberson

If you are someone who loves turtles, you might be interested to know that there are numerous small pet turtles which are available. Some of them will prove to be handy, easy to care for and feed especially within a terrarium or probably an area with an aquarium although others can require more spacious area for them to swim and roam.

For you to know more about the different breeds of small pet turtles you can bring home with you, here are some pieces of information about a few varieties. With them, you will surely find one which will make an amazing addition to your family. Among the common and popular types of the pet turtles which are available in pet stores are the red eared sliders. They are tiny turtles that are usually sold in sizes below four inches. They make a great pet although there are some things an owner should keep in mind when choosing them.

The sale of red eared slider turtles and other small pet turtles below four inches in length in different parts of the United States was prohibited because of the salmonella outbreak believed to have originated from this type of turtle. Yes, they are still marketed in a lot of pet shops, nonetheless, and it is absolutely legal to buy one, only that the sale is permitted for scientific researches and exhibitions. Though they are utterly adorable, you might as well prefer to keep your health in mind first and the possibility of acquiring salmonella before opting for these small pet turtles.

Should you still choose to pet a small turtle, the box turtles are better alternative to the sliders. They are also very popular and you can even find one in the wild, along marshy areas. They can be found in almost any part of the world especially in areas close to water bodies. If you prefer smaller pet turtles over the bigger ones and yet you do not have a standby water supply available, the box turtle is ideal for you.

Raising small pet turtles need you to care for them properly and a little bit more knowledge in order to learn how to make them live healthily and happily. A lot of people end up with smaller pet turtles even without proper feeding knowledge. Though it can vary from a species to another, a lot of turtles can eat a combination of meat, berries, fruits and vegetables.

Be able to provide a container for the turtle’s food which is readily available in pet shops. Nutritional and balanced supplements must be included in the diet of small pet turtles too. And certainly, consider their habitat. Most pet turtles are happy in an area that imitates their environment in the wild. Though they can move very slowly, they enjoy moving around and hiding in places.

About the Author

Do You Want To Know How To Take Care Of Your Pet Turtle? Discover more information about Small Pet Turtles, visit Pet Turtle Care.

By Brandy Highsmith

While there are medical conditions that can increase the likelihood that your canine will gain weight, most problems related to obesity are caused by owners. Dogs are similar to people. If they intake more calories than they burn on a regular basis, they will put on extra pounds. Unfortunately, excess weight can put stress on the joints while exacerbating existing health conditions.

Below, we’ll take a look at the most common factors that play a role in canine obesity. We’ll explore how the availability of food, lack of sufficient exercise, genetic predisposition, and a thyroid problem can each contribute to your pooch’s expanding body.

Too Much Food
Every dog is different. Some will eat as much food as is placed in front of them and then start looking for more. Others will eat throughout the day, coming back to their bowl only when they’re hungry. Some will only eat certain types of foods while others will consume practically anything.

The problem is that many owners fail to tailor their pooch’s meal plan to accommodate their tendencies. For example, a lot of people will follow a “free choice” plan where they make food available to their canines at all times. For many pets, this is a recipe for obesity; they will eat as much as possible.

Another common problem is that owners often prepare meals that are far too big. Even if the food is not always available, meals that are larger than necessary can contribute to your pooch’s weight gain. This is especially true if he leads a sedentary lifestyle.

Lack Of Exercise
The more active your dog is on a daily basis, the more calories he’ll burn. The more calories he burns, the more food he can eat without gaining weight. Plus, canines that enjoy daily exercise are less likely to become bored or stressed during the day. Both mental states encourage excess eating.

It’s In The Genes
Some breeds are predisposed to weight gain. For example, owners of Beagles and Cocker Spaniels often find that their pooches put on extra pounds more easily than similarly-sized dogs from other breeds. This is not to suggest that owners of these breeds (along with Labrador Retrievers and Collies) should relent and allow their canines to gain weight. On the contrary, they should take extra precautions to help keep the pounds off.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your pooch’s thyroid produces fewer thyroid hormones. This hormone plays a role in regulating your dog’s metabolism; a decline in its production can lower his metabolic rate. As a result, he’ll need less nourishment to maintain his energy. In some cases, pets become obese when they develop hypothyroidism and continue eating the same amount of food each day.

Canine obesity becomes more problematic as your pooch ages. It’s more difficult to shed the excess pounds and the extra weight will take a greater toll on his body. If you suspect your dog is obese, ask your veterinarian to recommend a weight reduction diet that provides for his nutritional and energy needs.

About the Author

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by Damian Cross

You’ve been looking for a dog lately, perhaps a Golden Retriever, but feel hesitant about raising a puppy and teaching him the ropes. You have the option of adopting a fully grown Golden Retriever, they are sober and more mature creatures, able to stay home alone easier. The peaceful nature of the Golden Retriever allows them to adjust to their changing environment smoothly. Regardless of the age this breed of dog may be, there is a good chance he will find a comfortable spot in your home and quickly become a loving member of your family.

Breeders often have older dogs for sale which have been left behind by careless owners, or simply have not been picked up by a wishful owner. Sometimes breeders keep a few dogs to themselves just for breeding purposes. Studs and females which have given birth three or four times are usually retired and practically given away for nothing. Adopting candidates should note, however, that these dogs which were used for breeding will probably be castrated to prevent further breeding that may end up hurting the dog significantly. Also, some institutions exist whose job is to go around picking up dogs in the street which have been left behind by their owners. They are then given away to caring families looking to have a dog in their home for free, or at a very low price.

A fully grown Golden Retriever is most likely to be familiar with the patterns of behavior in the home, and will take little time for him to adapt to his new surroundings. Even if there is some disorientation at the beginning, it should be nothing that a little tender loving care cannot fix. Pet owners of a newly adopted Golden Retriever should plan to spend some time with their dog in order to get to know him, and let the dog get acquainted with his new surroundings next to the praise and support you give him.

It is always a good idea for adopting candidates, to do their homework and learn as much as they can about Golden Retrievers. Look into this breed’s temperament and behavior patterns to see if it would be a good fit with your family. Learning about his habits, what he likes to eat, and unique personality is also a good idea. Before taking the dog inside your home, make sure to have your family members meet with him and observe his reaction.

Taking in a new older dog is not all dog games, usually it will be more time consuming at the beginning as you will need to take the around and show him his bed, where he needs to eat, etc. Try to be patient, and give your new Golden Retriever at least a month to get acquainted with his new home. Try not to be too hard on him with obedience training, as older dogs are a little more difficult to teach than younger puppies.

Younger puppies of this breed love to be the center of attention, and aim to play all the time. Older Retrievers are more the quiet type, but may need their health to be observed closely. Overall, these dogs are loving creatures that would make a wonderful addition to any home, and for those who do not wish to face the trials of raising a puppy, an older Golden Retriever may be just the answer.

About the Author

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