How Long Can Rabbits Survive Without Food? (Survival Rate, Facts & Care Guide)

Taking care of bunnies has become popular in the past years. They are low-maintenance pets and will add cuteness to your daily life.

However, one thing that you should consider is planning their diet well. Rabbit’s main diet consists of 80 percent grass and hay; for the remaining percent, you can feed them with safe fruits and veggies.

One of the benefits of a good diet plan is that it promotes proper digestion, which is good for your rabbit’s delicate tummies. Aside from food, rabbits need access to fresh and clean water. They get some of the total water volumes from eating green veggies, around 15 percent of their daily diet.

Knowing all of this will ensure wellness and health for your rabbit, but sometimes you might wonder how long your rabbit can survive without eating.

Bunnies are known to be sociable animals. When you leave them alone, especially without food, they lose their appetite. If this occurs, your rabbit’s body will begin to shut down and can experience digestive problems. Immediately seek medical assistance if you suspect health problems with your rabbit.

Survival Rate for Bunnies

Your rabbit can stay alive without consuming food for 3 to 4 days. However, since they are grazing animals, food is their primary energy source and nutrients, so they must eat constantly.

When they stop eating for at least 12 hours today, some health threats can occur.

And they become more susceptible to gastrointestinal stasis, dehydration, and other digestive issues.

Reasons

When your rabbit stops eating, its metabolism also stops. Thus it begins to experience a loss of appetite that is favorable to bacteria. Several health issues can occur and threaten your rabbit’s life.

However, note that your rabbit doesn’t just stop eating instantly; there are reasons why they do this kind of behavior. Here are some of the reasons why your rabbit loses its appetite.

Gastrointestinal stasis or GI Stasis

Gastrointestinal stasis, commonly known as GI, is a severe condition that affects the gut and stomach of rabbits due to the slow process of metabolism of your rabbit.

Bad bacteria attack and grow inside your rabbit’s body, causing bloating and gas in its stomach. This is uncomfortable for your rabbit, so they tend not to eat their meal. That is why GI stasis is a serious medical situation that requires immediate care and treatment.

Poor Diet Plan

When your rabbit becomes used to eating the same food every day, and suddenly, you introduce them to a new food, your pet’s stomach can get upset.

According to some reports, the proper transition of meals is important for your rabbit to adjust their digestion.

Also, note that there are fruits and veggies that your rabbit can safely eat; however, there is also a list of food that can harm your pet.

Safe Foods

Unsafe Foods

To know more about this, read this article: The Definitive Guide To What Foods Rabbits Can & Cannot Eat.

Dental Issues

The oral health of rabbits is one of the least concerns of some rabbit owners.

However, rabbits’ healthy gums and teeth can indicate more importance to your pet’s overall wellness.

One of the reasons that your pet might not be eating is because they are experiencing some dental issues. Hence, you should consult your doctor to seek medical help and treat your pet so they can start foddering their meal again.

Ways to Encourage Your Rabbit to Eat

Try Giving a New Kind of Food.

If you don’t know what the rabbit likes, you may try giving a new kind of food and blend it well with your bunny’s favorites.

Just be patient and keep feeding your pet that food until it gets used to it. From that point, you can already make it the primary food option for your pet.

Try to Feed Your Pet in Smaller Portions

Your pet might not be eating because you are serving them many meals. You can experiment with how much food your rabbit can eat by giving them smaller portions.

That way, your pet will not be shocked whenever you introduce them to new foods like fruits and veggies.

Contact Your Vet If the Rabbit Seems in Worse Case

Suppose you still need help encouraging your bunny to eat and are trying to figure out what to do. In that case, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially when your pet refuses to eat the foods you used to feed them.

If your pet stops eating, it can be due to another health problem, a dental issue, bloating, stress, or pain-causing woes.

Key Takeaways

Your rabbit’s primary diet consists of 80% hay; the rests are veggies and fruits that your rabbit can safely eat.
Your rabbit has a different digestive function, which is why they tend to be sensitive and easily lose their appetite.
Your rabbit can stay alive without consuming food for 3 to 4 days, but it will experience serious health issues during those days.
There are several factors why your rabbit stops eating; Gastrointestinal stasis, Poor Diet Planning, and Oral problems.
You can encourage your rabbit to increase its appetite again by giving them new food and giving it in small amounts.
Don’t be afraid to ask for professional medical assistance; they will help you understand why your rabbit is not eating. The vet will also provide proper treatment for your pet.