Thiamine is essential for nerve function and energy metabolism, helping convert carbohydrates into usable energy. In rabbits, a significant portion of B vitamin needs are met through cecotrophy — the bacteria in the cecum produce B vitamins including thiamine, which the rabbit then absorbs when eating its cecotropes. This makes cecotrope consumption critically important for B vitamin status. Fresh hay and greens also contribute dietary thiamine.
Your rabbit's cecotropes are the primary source of thiamine, produced by gut bacteria during fermentation — a healthy adult rabbit needs roughly 1 to 2mg of thiamine per kilogram of diet. Ensuring your rabbit can eat its cecotropes normally (not blocked by obesity, E-collar, or dirty hindquarters) is the most important factor for B vitamin status.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) makes up 0.0% of your domestic rabbit's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Loss of appetite, weight loss, neurological symptoms (head tilt, unsteadiness, circling), and in severe cases, convulsions. Deficiency can occur if a rabbit is prevented from eating its cecotropes due to obesity, arthritis, or an Elizabethan collar.
Thiamine excess is not a practical concern. It is water-soluble and any surplus is excreted in urine.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 1 | 2 | mg | Per kilogram of diet. Primarily supplied through cecotropes. Dietary sources supplement. |
Source: NRC 1977, general veterinary consensus
