What should I do if my rabbit drinks very little water?

❓ Question from a Pet Owner:
My rabbit drinks very little water. Are there any ways to encourage it to drink more?

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✅ Answer from a Veterinarian:
The first step is to clearly measure the rabbit’s water intake. On average, a rabbit should drink about 50–150 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This measurement can help determine whether the rabbit is actually drinking enough.

Next, evaluate other sources of water intake. For example, rabbits that eat a lot of fresh vegetables may appear to drink less water because they obtain moisture from their food. This type of water is called “preformed water.” There is also another type of water we don’t see: metabolic water, which is produced internally during the body’s metabolic processes. However, this is more relevant when the rabbit has a high metabolic rate or is using up more energy than usual.

It’s also important to assess signs of dehydration. Rabbits that don’t get enough water may produce more concentrated urine, which appears darker in color. Normally, rabbit urine can be slightly pigmented due to dietary components, but a well-hydrated rabbit will have lighter-colored urine.

If you’ve already measured the water intake and feel it might be sufficient, but still have concerns, then observe the rabbit’s behavior and physical signs. Rabbits that drink too little water are at higher risk of developing urinary stones (urolithiasis).

Therefore, it’s essential to evaluate step by step. Don’t rely solely on what you see your rabbit drinking—because the amount may not be adequate in proportion to its body weight.