If you're all out of rabbit food and can't get any more for a few days can you feed your rabbit hamster and gerbil food instead?

Answer 1

Feeding your rabbit hamster/gerbil food is far from ideal -- really, it's not a good thing -- even in the short term.

First of all, any sudden change in a rabbit's diet can make her sick. For instance, when you plan on switching a rabbit's pellets, you should always do it gradually by mixing the two different pellets together -- first with mostly the old kind in the mix, then every few days add a bit more of the new kind, until after a few weeks you've completely switched over. Switching pellets cold turkey like this question describes can lead to gastric distress (and G.I. Stasis, which is a life-threatening condition).

Second of all, hamsters and gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat meat. This means they require more fat and protein in their diet than rabbits do (rabbits are herbivores -- vegans). Also, rabbits are grazers, which means they require a whole lot of fibre in their diet: hamsters and gerbils don't need as much. What this comes down to is that hamster/gerbil food is too high in fat and protein, and too low in fibre, to be any good for rabbits.

If you're in this situation you should ask yourself -- really seriously level with yourself -- is there truly no way you can get the proper pellets? Could you not borrow some money? Could you not make an inconvenient trip to the store? Is it truly impossible to get the right food, or are you in fact just risking your pet's health and wellbeing for the sake of your pride, or your convenience, or some other reason that could be overcome? Don't be selfish: this is an animal that is dependent on you, an animal you have taken into your care. You are responsible!

If, truly, it's impossible to get the right food, then gerbil/hamster food is better than nothing. This really is just for true emergencies, though. If you absolutely have to feed your rabbit gerbil/hamster food, at least take the following precautions:

(1) Really, really push hay consumption, also willow or apple twigs are good, even plain cardboard! You have to make up for the low fibre content of the pellets. Research ways to encourage hay consumption. One way is to offer many small piles of hay, instead of one big pile. Another way is to stuff hay into a toilet paper roll -- this is like a toy for your bunny.

(2) Cut down on the pellets. If you feed the same portion size of gerbil/hamster pellets as you normally would rabbit pellets, then the rabbit will be getting too much protein and fat. Cutting down on the pellets will also encourage more hay consumption.

(3) Eliminate treats. The rabbit will already be getting extra fats and calories from the hamster/gerbil pellets.

(4) Watch your rabbit's health carefully, more than usual. You want to be on guard for gas, cecal dysbiosis (mushy poops), and really any signs of ill health. Be prepared to bring the rabbit to the vet.

It's really important to make sure you're never in this situation! Keep an eye on how much pellets you have and always buy more before you're out. Budget for your rabbit carefully so that you're never out of money. Plan for emergencies for your pets just as you should for yourself! If you find you can't do these things, then re-home your rabbit because pets are not a right: they are a privelege for those who are able to care for them properly.