Rabbits with higher energy demands, such as nursing mothers, growing bunnies, rabbits with some types of cancer, and those on certain drugs, may require more carbohydrates in the diet. Dangers Too much starch or sugar can contribute to obesity because the rabbit will convert the excess energy to fat. Enterotoxemia can be caused by too much carbohydrate in the diet. This is because the excess carbohydrate travels to the cecum where the extra energy can cause the wrong populations of bacteria to grow and producetoxins. Therefore, grain and a fruit intake should be closely monitored in young rabbits and caretakers should watch for enterotoxemia problems.
Energy is needed to support immune function and support a fever.
It is very important that a sick rabbit be getting some nutritional support when the appetite is decreased. The following are some different foods that HRS Educators have found useful for syringe feeding rabbits who for one reason or another cannot eat the normal diet. Helps retain water in the digestive tract. Some fiber can be degraded by bacteria in the cecum. Hay, straw and branches all contain high percentages of fiber Fruits and vegetables contain some fiber, however because of their high water content they are not as good a source of fiber as hay.