Manganese supports bone formation and growth, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and acts as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. It is needed in trace amounts and is adequately supplied by a standard hay-based diet with greens.
A handful of timothy hay (about 30g) provides roughly 1 to 2mg of manganese — your adult rabbit needs approximately 0.5 to 1.0mg of manganese per day (about 2.5 to 8.5mg per kilogram of diet), comfortably met by normal hay and green consumption.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Manganese makes up 0.0% of your domestic rabbit's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Poor bone development in young rabbits, growth retardation, and reproductive problems. Deficiency is extremely rare in rabbits eating a varied diet.
Excess manganese from dietary sources is very unlikely and not a practical concern for pet rabbits.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 0.5 | 1 | mg | About 2.5-8.5mg per kilogram of diet. Adequately supplied by hay and greens. |
Source: NRC 1977, general veterinary consensus
