We know what dogs eat, we know what cats eat, but what do rabbits eat? Well, carrots, of course, but what else? If you ever thought about bringing a fluffy rabbit into your home but stumbled upon the question of food, know that there are plenty of options. Oxbow Rabbit food, Burgess and Vetafarm are just few of the high-quality options you can find on the market. If you want to know more about your pet’s dietary guidelines as well as more information about the top choice, stay tuned.
Why should you compare brands?
Comparing brands doesn’t mean you determine which one is the best, it means you determine which one is the best for your pet. Choosing which one is better, McDonalds or Burger King might not be easy, but choosing which one you like best is an easy task. Just like that, you might need to try multiple versions before setting on a specific brand and model. It is therefore important you know your options and what makes them different from one another. We are going to observe the particularities of these brands from various points of view, starting from ingredient formulation and going all the way to palpability.
The brands we are going to analyse, in no particular order, are:
- Oxbow
- Burgesse
- Vetafarm
Oxbow Rabbit Food and Brand Description
Regarded as a high-quality option, Oxbow Rabbit food comes in multiple different formats, all created to meet the very specific needs of your rabbit. John Miller, a farmer from Nebraska, started Oxbow Animal Health in 1980 because he was concerned about giving tiny animals high-quality hay. Initially concentrating on creating high-quality horse hay, Oxbow saw a need for more nutrient-dense products and branched out to serve rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets. In just over 40 years, the brand became a world leader in small animal care, thanks to its commitment to quality and innovation.
Burgesse Food and Brand Description
Burgesse is yet another premium brand that entered the market in 1977. Focusing on food for rabbits and other small animals, the company developed in time a large variety of products, ranging from food to pallets, all created with the well-being of your beloved pet in mind. The brand is recognized for its vast product range and excellent palpability scores.
Vetafarm Food and Brand description
Vetafarm is an Australia-born brand that specializes in sustainable, natural and locally-sourced food for animals of all kinds. From exotic pets to birds and other small companions such as rabbits, the brand is known and appreciated for their scientifically-formulated products. Vetafarm was founded in the 1980s by Dr. Peter and Dr. Annette J. Ritchie in the 1980s and has since built a strong reputation for its commitment to research and innovation.
Ingredients and Formulation
The list of ingredients may differ for each individual assortment that the brand is selling, but you can get a general idea on the mandatory elements involved in your pet’s diet. Oxbow, for example, uses timothy hay in their products for adult rabbits and is their number one ingredient in the mix. Vetafarm, on the other hand, relies mostly on locally-sourced fescue hay. Fiber content should reach 80%, depending on the ratios pursued by each of the brands. Timothy hay has been generally recognized as one of the highest-ranking in terms of quality, but if you’re looking for something fresh and wholesome, then fescue hay may be your preferred choice.
There’s not debate when it comes to additives, however. You should go for brands such as the aforementioned ones that emphasize the use of natural ingredients and avoid synthetic ones.
Nutritional Content
The answer to this section is best described by your rabbit’s age. If they are in the bunny stage, you might want to focus on calcium-rich options. If they have reached adulthood, you might want to look into options that promote digestion and ensure all the needed nutrients for healthy joints and bones. Same considerations apply for your elder rabbits, that may be in need of increased protein and calcium. This is the reason why for many of the top brands you will find their food sectioned for various ages. When it comes to Oxbow Rabbit food, the brand created their Essentials line of products especially formulated for adult rabbits but for other brands, such as Burgess, you can find their selections age-specific packages under Adult, Junior and Mature.
Palatability
This very specific criterion can be established by your rabbit only and it can be done through systematic change. Maybe you’re already aware of your rabbit’s palette, whether he’s on the picky side or more on the “I’ll eat everything” side. You know your pet the best. But the scientists behind these food assortments, they know pets and know what they might like and dislike. Of course, the choice is still up to your rabbit, but if you don’t know where to start, looking into the brand’s palatability might be useful. Brands such as Oxbow rabbit food rely on uniform pallets that appeal to the majority of bud tastes. This makes them the best option when introducing your rabbit to high-quality food. Alternatives such as Burgess provide a large range of options that your rabbit can choose from, however that may make it more difficult for you to determine your rabbit’s palette and take note of it in the future. It might also make it harder for you to find alternatives, should the need to change brands ever occur.
Conclusion
Food represents one of your pet’s most important factor in living a long and happy life. No amount of effort is too much in determining the best option for your fluffy companion. Consult your veterinarian and remember, there is no such a thing as the best, only the best for your pet. Oxbow Rabbit Food, Burgesse or Vetafarm are all respectable and healthy choices you can make for your pet, but the ultimate choice will come after a trial-and-error process. Do not worry too much about it, once your rabbit will pick its favourite, there’ll be no going back.