Rabbit suddenly eating cat dry food

[Janeway]

Has anyone ever had this happen with their pet rabbit? I’ve had mine for 3 years, and she is free range living with 3 cats. For that whole time the cats have gotten dry crunchies twice a day in their bowls and she has never paid attention.

Until a few days ago when we caught her chowing down on it. Every since she is desperate to get at it! We thought we were clever by placing the bowls up on the coffee table, but nope, she still manages to pull one down. We’ve since started feeding the cats in a separate room altogether, but I’m wondering why my rabbit suddenly likes the cat food. Any thoughts? Could she be missing something from her diet? is she just a little piggy? :lol:

[Epona142]

Very common, but what people don’t realize is that allowing their rabbit to continue to eat cat/dog food (a little isn’t going to hurt them) they are going to have problems.

Too high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Can lead to kidney damage and obesity.

It can also disturb the gut balance which might lead to gastric upset or death - not as common but it’s happened.

As for why, probably just took a nibble one day out of the blue and decided, “Hey, not so bad!”

:lol:

[Nezzy]

the cat food you are using might have a lot of grain in it. IDK check the lable. The last thing we need are carnivore bunnies!!

[Janeway]

@Epona142;8247761

As for why, probably just took a nibble one day out of the blue and decided, “Hey, not so bad!”

That’s what I thought might’ve happened! But why now after 3 years? lol

I did notice that her urine was really red a day or two after we caught her doing this, and I suspect she might have had more than we knew. Figured the change in urine colour was from too much protein.

Interesting thought about the grain content - I’ll have to look.

oh, and yes, don’t want another Rabbit of Caerbannog!!

[SquishTheBunny]

Carnivorous rabbits hurt! I have the scars to prove it!

Fwiw though, my old rabbit once was caught nibbling on some kfc. Not sure what that says about the kfc… he did fine. He also enjoyed nerds and licorice. Of course his regular diet consisted of hay and rabbit kibble, he sure did enjoy his human food when he could get his little pas on it!!

[roseymare]

color change in urine was probably due to the dyes in the cat food.