Feeding a Dutch: hay, greens and measured pellets
Dutch : A hardy breed with no special requirements: unlimited hay, pellets rationed to its weight of around 2 to 2.5 kg and varied daily greens. Its food motivation makes it a good candidate for training treats, counted as part of the ration.
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In short: Around 2 to 2.5 kg as an adult, short two-tone coat, even-tempered and sociable temperament. An even-tempered, sociable and easy-going rabbit, often recommended for first-time owners. Its intermediate 2 to 2.5 kg build works with standard rabbit equipment, simply doubled up if it lives in a neutered pair.
Hay first, pellets second
A 2 to 2.5 kg Dutch’s plate is built in this order: quality hay on free access (80% of the diet), fresh greens every day, and a measured 40 to 60 g of fibre-rich pellets. Pellets are measured; hay never is.
What is specific to the Dutch at mealtimes
Keep the hay rack full, introduce greens gradually (one novelty at a time), and ban bread, seed mixes and sugary shop treats. A rabbit that snubs its hay is a rabbit to watch: it is the first signal of a dental or digestive problem.
Gut health: watch-point number one
GI stasis is the classic rabbit emergency: a Dutch that stops eating and producing droppings for 12 hours needs an exotics vet, not waiting. Prevention comes down to three words: fibre, water, movement. The rest of the profile is on the full Dutch profile.
Frequently asked questions
How many pellets for a Dutch?
40 to 60 g a day for an adult of 2 to 2.5 kg — alongside unlimited hay, which remains the bulk of the diet.
Which greens can a Dutch eat?
Endive, carrot tops, coriander, basil, celery leaves… introduced one at a time. Avoid iceberg lettuce, potato and anything that ferments. When in doubt about a plant, skip it.
The guides that apply to you
- Pellets or hay-only for your rabbit: which diet should you choose?
Pellets or hay-only for a rabbit? The real role of pellets, when a hay-only diet works, portions and budget: the nutrition comparison.
- Why does your rabbit eat at almost exactly the same times every day?
Feeding and caecotrophy follow a surprisingly precise internal clock in rabbits. What a chronobiology study changes about how you schedule meals.
- Can rabbits eat strawberries?
Strawberries are a favourite with most rabbits, but their sugar content makes them a treat to dose carefully. Amount, leaves and warning signs.
- Tap, filtered or bottled: which water should you give your rabbit?
Tap, filtered or bottled: which water actually suits a rabbit, and when a filter or mineral water genuinely makes a difference.