Potassium is a key electrolyte that keeps your rabbit's heart beating steadily, muscles contracting properly, and fluid balance regulated throughout the body. It works in opposition to sodium to maintain proper cell hydration and electrical signaling. Potassium is abundant in hay and most leafy greens, so deficiency is uncommon in rabbits eating a proper diet. It is especially important during periods of illness or stress when electrolyte losses may increase.
A few leaves of romaine lettuce (about 40g) provide roughly 90mg of potassium — your adult rabbit needs approximately 600 to 800mg of potassium per day (about 0.6% of the diet), which is well covered by a normal daily intake of timothy hay and fresh greens.
1.03% of daily nutrient intake
Potassium makes up 1.03% of your domestic rabbit's total daily nutritional requirements by weight.
Muscle weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite, heart rhythm irregularities, and poor growth. Potassium depletion can occur during prolonged diarrhea or illness but is rare on a normal diet.
Excess potassium from food sources is efficiently handled by healthy kidneys. Problems would only arise in rabbits with pre-existing kidney disease, where potassium excretion may be impaired.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 600 | 800 | mg | About 0.6% of diet. Well supplied by hay and daily greens. |
Source: NRC 1977, general veterinary consensus
