Weight management

Just like humans, weight management for rabbits is important to promote health, vigor, and an extended life span.

Body condition scoring


Here are links with information on how to score the body condition of your rabbit.
 * Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, Why do I need to body condition score my rabbit?

Overweight rabbits
The following links contain more information about caring for overweight rabbits.
 * Dr. Jackie Schulman, DVM, Obese Rabbits At Risk
 * Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, Is your rabbit too fat?
 * House Rabbit Network, Astrid M. Kruse, DVM, Weight Watching for Rabbits
 * Flickr, Bunny Lovers Unite, Jojo's Guide to Weight / weight loss and how to diet
 * Christine Carter, The Fat Rabbit
 * House Rabbit Society, Sandi Ackerman, The Perils of Bunny Obesity

Underweight rabbits
A couple ways to help rabbits gain weight are the following:
 * Increase portion of daily pellets or free-feed if necessary.
 * Supplement a higher protein pellet. e.g. at least 16% protein or alfalfa pellets.
 * Feed some alfalfa or other legume hay in addition to regular grass hay.
 * Feed a little bit of grain and seeds every couple of days. These foods are high in carbs and fats. See Treats for more details.
 * Add some Calf Manna as a supplement to your rabbit's food.
 * Talk to your vet whether a motility drug such as Reglan would be appropriate to increase a rabbit's appetite.

Below are sites with more information about caring for underweight rabbits.
 * Colorado House Rabbit Society, Nancy J. LaRoche, Putting Weight on Skinny Bunnies