cuzrabbits

Rabbit ownership has evolved dramatically over the last two decades. It feels like this is just another crazy transition millennials have experienced.

We went from using floppy disks in elementary school to just saving everything onto Google Docs in college. We also went from thinking rabbits were fine in a wire bottom cage outside to rabbit proofing our homes so they could freeroam.

So it makes sense that as a society, we’d learn a lot more about our rabbits’ ideal diet.

Now, instead of a bowl of pellets with a side of hay, we know they need unlimited Timothy hay, a dash of pellets, fresh veggies, and minimal (but still healthy) treats.

But even the most experienced rabbit owners make mistakes.

Some companies specifically market unhealthy foods to rabbit owners. A trusting owner may pick something up with rabbits all over the packaging, assuming the company wouldn’t throw anything bad in it.

Alas, we do not live in a perfect world.

Here are some of the worst products I’ve bought and fed my rabbit (before finding out how bad they really were).

The similarity between the three?

They all contain seeds and corn. According to the House Rabbit Society, seeds are very high in fat.

While it won’t kill them instantly or anything, too much seeds and grains in their diet and a rabbit could face:

• Obesity
• Excessive fat in the liver and arteries
• Fatty Liver Disease (which can be fatal).

The House Rabbit Society explains it better, but the starchiness of these foods can also lead to GI stasis.

Wild Harvest: Mixed Berry ‘n Nut Mix

I’m really kicking myself on this one.

I honestly should have known better. But the fun colors on the packages, the FACT THAT THERE IS A RABBIT ON IT, and that it was only a few dollars blinded me.

According to Wild Harvest, this treat has a “flavorful array of real berries, nuts and seeds such as alfalfa, corn, carrots, strawberries and wheat.”

Ya. Riiiiggghhht.

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After doing some more research online, I found out how bad seeds were for them. And I didn’t even know how to identify some of the other things.

I ended up taking an hour to separate the “poisonous” from the “bad but not necessarily deadly.” Most of it ended up being the latter.

What I thought was a steal ended up being a potential deadly rip off.

Wild Harvest: Stuffed Logz

Originally, I was so happy when I got this! It looked great and wasn’t too expensive. Baby LOVED it and would just be chomping away at it. This treat seemed him a great way to get his teeth naturally ground down a bit.

But then I looked at the ingredients.

Again, according to the company, this treat is “Stuffed With Alfalfa And A Gourmet Seed Blend.”

And the first ingredient listed is “pine wood shavings!” WHAT IS THAT????

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Rabbit experts don’t want you using pine wood shavings as bedding, let alone literally feeding it to your bun in the form of a treat!

Not taking into account the whole “Ooo, I don’t feed my rabbit artificial flavorings” sentiment, this treat is not healthy for your rabbit.

Kaytee: Forti-Diet Natural Chew Log

This is the most egregious instance of evil marketing.

Kaytee says the Natural Chew Log “supports dental health by encouraging chewing and will provide hours of enrichment for your small animal.”

But again, it has seeds inside that are not good for your rabbit.

As evidenced in these photos, Baby loved this treat! But rabbits don’t always know what’s best for them.

Just like you wouldn’t knowingly let your kid eat dirt just because they like it, you can’t just expect your rabbit to have a health conscious sixth sense.

So how do you know what food is safe for your rabbit?

Whatever you buy for your bunny, it’s important to do your own research.

While I support these bunny brands, it’s your responsibility to understand ingredients and your bunny’s needs.

You.

Not the rabbit group you belong to on Facebook and not the random relative who bought your bun something because they were being nice.

• Look on trusted rabbit websites like House Rabbit Society and Small Pet Select’s bunny blog.
• Read the ingredients. The simpler the ingredients, the better!
• As your rabbit-savvy vet if you have doubts about what you’re feeding your rabbit.

There are generally two companies I trust when it comes to rabbit food:

• Oxbow: They’re generally considered the big giants of the pet food world and very well recommended by rabbit owners.
• Small Pet Select: This company really goes for healthy options and have done their research to make sure treats and toys are not harmful.

What companies do you like? Are there any products that YOU want to warn your fellow rabbit owners about?

Let me know in the comments!