Rabbit eating dog food.

Question
If a rabbit has gotten into dog food every day for a week. What kind of long-term problems can this cause?  I know that it can cause serious digestive issues, but even if the rabbit doesn't develop gi stasis or other digestive issues, I have also read that the high protein in dog food can cause kidney issues.  How quickly can this form?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

Some rabbits just LOVE dog food.  Can't quite figure it out, but there it is.

The worst problem with this is the high fat and protein content in the dog food.  It's far too high in calories for a rabbit, and the bunny may become obese if allowed to eat it.  The high protein content will put a strain on the kidneys in the long term, but this is not something that will cause immediate renal disease.

I would keep the kibble where bunny can't get to it, but be sure he's getting a balanced bunny diet, as described here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

so he doesn't crave Fido's food.  

Hope this helps!  

Dana