BestReviews is supported by readers and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.
What is the best rabbit food?
Popular culture depicts rabbits enthusiastically nibbling on carrots. However, rabbits have delicate digestive systems that require a balance of fiber and nutrients from hay, grasses and green leafy vegetables. Pet owners need to provide their furry friends with rabbit food that will keep them healthy and thriving.
Finding the best rabbit food for your pet and budget is an important endeavor that requires sorting through the recipes and nutritional facts available on the market. Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Rabbit Food is the best rabbit food because of its high antioxidant content and dental health support.
What you should know before buying rabbit food
Are pellets the best rabbit food?
Natural forage, grass, and hay are excellent sources of food for your rabbit, but some pet owners may not have easy access to these items. Compact hay pellets contain the fiber and nutrients your pet needs and are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
There is another type of packaged rabbit food called granola. It contains pellets, seeds, dried fruits and other starchy bits. It looks like your rabbit is getting more than regular pellets, but these extras are not nutritious. Rabbits will seek out the extra ingredients first, which will quickly fill them up and leave no room for the nutritious pellets. Straight pellets provide the natural goodness rabbits need without the unnecessary starch.
What are the best ingredients?
Timothy hay is the best ingredient for rabbit food. Other types of hay can also be used in rabbit feed, but alfalfa hay should be avoided. It may also contain other grasses and vegetables. Look for rabbit food that doesn’t use fillers and avoids common allergens.
How much water does my rabbit need?
Rabbits drink a surprising amount of water for their size every day, similar to the amount a small dog drinks. In addition to the rabbit food you offer, fresh water should be available on a regular basis.
What you should look out for in high-quality rabbit food
fiber
Fiber is critical to a rabbit’s health. Hay and grass are excellent sources of fiber. Rabbit chow should contain at least 18% fiber, but a higher fiber content is better for adult rabbits.
dental health
Rabbit food offers more than just nutrition. It also helps with dental health. The crunchy pellets encourage natural chewing, which keeps rabbit teeth clean and worn down to an appropriate length.
protein
Rabbit food should have a protein content of between 12% and 14% to support overall health. Young rabbits under 5 months should have a protein content of 16%. Most packaged rabbit food pellets are made with at least these levels of protein.
serving size
An adult rabbit will need between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of food daily in addition to hay and vegetables. Many rabbit food manufacturers recommend larger daily portions to sell more food. Ask your veterinarian about the best amount of food to feed your rabbit.
How much you can spend on rabbit food
The prices below are based on a 5 pound bag of rabbit food. Some manufacturers offer 10 pound and 25 pound bags.
- Inexpensive Rabbit food costs less than $10 per bag, but typically contains lower-quality ingredients than competing brands.
- mid-priced Rabbit food costs between $10 and $15 per bag with higher quality ingredients.
- Expensive Rabbit food costs between $15 and $20 per bag. This includes certified organic ingredients.
Frequently asked questions about rabbit food
Should I feed my rabbit alfalfa hay?
A Alfalfa hay is not grass, but husk hay. It contains more protein and calcium, which can cause urinary problems in adult rabbits. Alfalfa hay can cause bladder stones over time. Other hay, such as B. Timothy hay should be considered first.
Can my rabbit have treats?
A Like most pets, rabbits love sweet treats like fruits and vegetables. Dried fruit with no added sugar is an excellent treat option. Limit the number of treats you give your rabbit because of their delicate digestive system.
Is Iceberg Lettuce a Good Leafy Vegetable for My Rabbit?
A Iceberg lettuce seems to be a leafy green that would be good for rabbits. Unfortunately, iceberg lettuce has little nutritional value and simply fills up the rabbit’s stomach, leaving no room for more nutritious food. If you want to feed your rabbit leafy greens similar to iceberg lettuce, try butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, or kale.
What is the best rabbit food?
Top rabbit food
Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health rabbit food
What you need to know: This rabbit food is rich in natural antioxidants and supports dental health through natural chewing activity.
What you will love: The pieces are large and crunchy to promote healthy teeth. The formula is high in fiber and contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. It comes in a handy resealable bag.
What you should consider: There have been some reports of rabbits only eating the treats in the feed mix.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best rabbit food for the money
OxBow Animal Health Organic Bounty Rabbit Food
What you need to know: This affordable rabbit food is formulated in consultation with veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
What you will love: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals and high-fiber organic grass hay, this rabbit food promotes digestive health. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is free from soy, refined sugar and artificial ingredients.
What you should consider: There have been some reports of the food causing diarrhea.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
It’s worth trying
Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets
What you need to know: This nutritious food is high in fiber and is only sold online to ensure freshness.
What you will love: This timothy hay based rabbit food is made by a family business and is packed with essential nutrients to help rabbits thrive. The formula is low in calories and calcium. It comes with a money back guarantee.
What you should consider: Some users reported that the supplement causes intestinal gas.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Do you want to buy the best products at the best prices? Check out BestReviews daily deals.
Sign up here to receive the weekly BestReviews newsletter with useful advice on new products and notable offers.
Steve Ganger writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
