Written by Laura Atkins and Susan Smith Ph.D.

Function

Rabbits require approximately 1-1.5% of the total caloric intake to be fats.
There is also a requirement for essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids.
Eicosanoid hormones are essential for blood pressure control, blood clotting, muscle contractions and memory. Precursors for these hormones (omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids) are essential and must be supplied by the diet.

Excess fats contribute to obesity.
Excess fat may also contribute to heart disease (atherosclerosis) in older rabbits.

Mature house rabbits and Angoras: Those animals receiving some pellets in the diet should not need any excess fats. Animals receiving no pellets may benefit from the inclusion of small amounts (1/2 - 1 tsp. on occasion) of flax (high in omega 3 fatty acids) or sunflower seeds (high in omega 6 fatty acids) in the diet.
Older rabbits: fat intake should be monitored to keep animals from becoming obese.
Sick rabbits: may have increased energy requirements that can be met by slightly increasing the fat content of the diet.
Growing rabbits: have high energy requirements, however, pellets should provide sufficient calories for growth and maintenance. Furthermore carbohydrate calories are preferred to fat calories to meet their energy needs.