The 10 Best Commercial Rabbit Foods
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When you see a rabbit in the wild, it’s probably eating some kind of vegetation. Rabbits enjoy a varied diet of grass, leafy greens, and fresh vegetables in the wild, but their captive diet is a little different. Fresh hay should make up a significant portion of your rabbit’s diet and it should be supplemented with a nutritionally balanced commercial rabbit pellet and some fresh vegetables.
In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of feeding pet rabbits and provide some tips for choosing the best rabbit food. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best rabbit food.
At a Glance: Best Commercial Rabbit Foods To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Commercial Rabbit Foods
|
Best Natural Food For Rabbits
9. Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Adult Rabbit Food |
Best For Flemish Giant Rabbit
10. Brown's Tropical Carnival Gourmet Rabbit Food |
||||||||
|
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellets |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Pellet |
Type
Seed mix |
Type
Seed mix |
|
Amount
5 lbs. |
Amount
10 lbs. |
Amount
10 pounds |
Amount
5 pounds |
Amount
4 pounds |
Amount
4 pounds |
Amount
10 pounds |
Amount
9.5 lbs. |
Amount
4.5 pounds |
Amount
10 pounds |
|
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa Meal |
Key Ingredients
Timothy hay |
Key Ingredients
Timothy hay, soybean |
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa hay, wheat |
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa hay, wheat |
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa meal, soybean hulls, wheat |
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa hay, timothy hay |
Key Ingredients
Timothy hay |
Key Ingredients
Alfalfa, corn, hay |
Key Ingredients
Timothy hay, alfalfa, oats |
Top Picks Explained
What To Look For In Food For Rabbits?
Though you might be able to create a balanced diet for your rabbit on your own, choosing a high-quality commercial pellet is the best way to ensure that your rabbit gets the nutrients it needs in the right amounts. Keep in mind as well that these pellets make up a small portion of your rabbit’s daily intake – your rabbit also needs an unlimited supply of fresh hay.
Here are some important things to look for in rabbit food:
- High-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid any rabbit food that contains by-products or low-quality fillers. Ideally, some kind of hay should be the first ingredient.
- Complete and balanced. Make sure the rabbit food you choose contains all of the essential nutrients your rabbit needs for balanced nutrition.
- Different types of hay. Alfalfa hay is fairly high in protein and may be a good choice for juvenile rabbits, but adults do best with a timothy-based pellet.
- High fiber content. Fiber is extremely important for your rabbit’s digestion, so choose a rabbit pellet that contains at least 18% fiber.
- Proper protein content for age. For the average rabbit, between 12% and 16% protein is adequate but younger rabbits need slightly higher concentrations of protein in their diet.
Our Top Picks For The Best Commercial Rabbit Foods
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a rabbit food, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best rabbit foods.
Overall Best
1.
Oxbow Essentials Bunny Basics Young Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 5 lbs.
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa Meal
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 15%
Crude Fat: 2.5%
Crude Fiber: 22%
Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 16.67%
Fat: 2.78%
Fiber: 24.44%
Carbs: 56.11%
Pros
- Formulated for young rabbits, higher in protein
- High concentration of dietary fiber
- Fortified with essential nutrients for balance
Cons
- Contains some sweetener (cane molasses)
- Not intended for adult rabbits (too high in protein)
Our top pick for the best rabbit food for juvenile rabbits is this Oxbow Essentials Young Rabbit Food. This food combines the right blend of fiber and essential nutrients to support your young rabbit’s growth and development, featuring high-quality natural ingredients. It contains 15% protein and 22% fiber plus all of the vitamins and minerals needed to ensure optimal health.
Runner Up
2.
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 10 lbs.
- Key Ingredients: Timothy hay
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 14%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 29%
Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 15.56%
Fat: 2.22%
Fiber: 32.22%
Carbs: 50%
Pros
- Timothy hay is the primary ingredient
- Optimal balance of protein and fiber
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Contains some sweetener (cane molasses)
As your juvenile rabbit approaches 1 year of age, you should start thinking about changing his diet and this Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food is a great choice. Made with timothy hay as the primary ingredient, this recipe provides the ideal balance of protein and dietary fiber plus essential vitamins and minerals to support your adult rabbit’s health and wellness.
Premium Choice
3.
Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Timothy hay, soybean
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 14%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 29%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 14%
Fat: 2%
Fiber: 29%
Carbs: 55%
Pros
- Timothy hay as the first ingredient
- High in fiber with moderate protein
- Freshness guaranteed, milled in small batches
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than some brands
- Contains some sweetener (cane molasses)
If you want to give your rabbit the best of the best, consider these Small Pet Select Rabbit Pellets. Featuring timothy hay as the primary ingredient, these pellets provide a high concentration of fiber with moderate protein appropriate for adult rabbits. The main downside is that these pellets cost a bit more, but their quality and freshness is guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Best For Budget
4.
Kaytee Supreme Fortified Daily Diet Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellets
- Amount: 5 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa hay, wheat
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 15%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 17%
Moisture: 13%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 17.24%
Fat: 2.3%
Fiber: 19.54%
Carbs: 60.92%
Pros
- Affordably priced for decent quality
- Moderate protein and fiber content
- Nutritionally balanced for rabbits
Cons
- Alfalfa hay is the first ingredient
- Not as high in fiber as some recipes
You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot to give your rabbit a balanced diet and this Kaytee Supreme Rabbit Food is a good example. Affordably priced and made with high-quality ingredients, these pellets offer balanced nutrition with moderate protein and fiber concentrations. They are not as high in fiber as some recipes, however, so keep that in mind.
Best For Young And Baby Rabbits
5.
Science Selective Junior Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 4 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa hay, wheat
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 17%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 19%
Moisture: 52%
Ash: 8%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 35.42%
Fat: 8.33%
Fiber: 39.58%
Pros
- Rich in protein and fiber for young rabbits
- No added sugar or sweetener
- Made with natural ingredients
Cons
- Somewhat more expensive than average
- Not intended for adult rabbits
Another excellent option in juvenile rabbit food is this Science Selective Juvenile Rabbit Food. Featuring alfalfa meal as the primary ingredient, these pellets contain 15% protein and 19% fiber, an ideal balance for growing rabbits. They are rich in natural ingredients with zero added sugar as well, so you can understand why they are a little more expensive than some commercial rabbit pellets.
Best For Wild Rabbits
6.
Science Selective Adult Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 4 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa meal, soybean hulls, wheat
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 14%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 25%
Moisture: 49%
Ash: 8%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 27.45%
Fat: 7.84%
Fiber: 49.02%
Pros
- Moderate protein with high fiber content
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Timothy hay is not the first ingredient
- At the low end of the appropriate protein level range
From the same brand as above, this adult rabbit food is another high-quality option for your rabbit. It features high-quality natural ingredients in a nutritionally balanced, high-fiber recipe formulated for adult rabbits. This recipe promotes healthy digestion and contains moderate protein levels with plenty of fiber, not to mention great natural taste and balanced nutrition.
Best Grain Free
7.
Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa hay, timothy hay
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 12%
Crude Fat: 6.5%
Crude Fiber: 29%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 12%
Fat: 6.5%
Fiber: 29%
Carbs: 52.5%
Pros
- Premium formula for 100% balanced nutrition
- Veterinarian-recommended formula
- Optimal protein and fiber content
Cons
- Somewhat more expensive than average
- Timothy hay is the second ingredient (not first)
Made with alfalfa hay and timothy has as the top two ingredients, this Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food is a great option if you’re not worried about spending a little more. It features a premium formula 100% balanced for complete nutrition with added vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Plus, it is vet-recommended and popular with rabbit owners.
Best Dwarf Rabbit Food
8.
Kaytee Timothy Complete Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Pellet
- Amount: 9.5 lbs.
- Key Ingredients: Timothy hay
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 13%
Crude Fat: 1.5%
Crude Fiber: 25%
Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 14.77%
Fat: 1.7%
Fiber: 28.41%
Carbs: 55.11%
Pros
- Timothy hay as the primary ingredient
- Optimal balance of protein and fiber
- High-quality natural ingredients
Cons
- Contains some sweetener (cane molasses)
- Priced slightly above average
Timothy hay should be the foundation of any rabbit’s diet and it is the first ingredient in this Kaytee Timothy Hay Complete Rabbit Food. This recipe contains high-quality natural ingredients in a nutritionally balanced formula supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. Plus, it contains no loose seeds or sugary fruits – just nutritious ingredients for your rabbit.
Best Natural Food For Rabbits
9.
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Adult Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Seed mix
- Amount: 4.5 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Alfalfa, corn, hay
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 12%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 23%
Moisture: 13%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 13.79%
Fat: 4.6%
Fiber: 26.44%
Carbs: 55.17%
Pros
- Convenient flip-top container
- Rich blend of hay and seeds
- Appeals to natural foraging instincts
Cons
- Timothy hay isn’t listed until 4th ingredient
- Not nutritionally balanced in every bite
Some rabbits simply have no interest in commercial pellets. In that case, it may be a good idea to feed your rabbit a seed mix like this Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet for Rabbits. It incorporates nutritionally balanced pellets with other tasty tidbits your rabbit will love.
Best For Flemish Giant Rabbit
10.
Brown's Tropical Carnival Gourmet Rabbit Food
Product Info
- Type: Seed mix
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Key Ingredients: Timothy hay, alfalfa, oats
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 13%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 21%
Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 14.77%
Fat: 4.55%
Fiber: 23.86%
Carbs: 56.82%
Pros
- Timothy hay is the main ingredient
- Supports healthy and regular digestion
- Over 30 unique gourmet ingredients
Cons
- Not nutritionally balanced in every bite
- Contains some sweetener (cane molasses)
Another excellent option in seed mixes for rabbits, this Tropical Carnival Gourmet Pet Rabbit Food features timothy hay as the primary ingredient. It contains over 30 unique gourmet ingredients to appeal to your rabbit’s foraging instincts but still offers high-quality nutrition as well.
Tips For Feeding A Rabbit
As is true for any animal, your rabbit’s nutritional needs will change as he ages. Juvenile rabbits have higher needs for protein than adult rabbits and your rabbit will need fewer calories as it ages to prevent it from becoming overweight.
Here are some simple tips for feeding a rabbit properly:
- Feed your rabbit ¼ to ½ cup of pellets per day per 6 pounds of body weight (younger rabbits need closer to ½ cup and older rabbits closer to ¼ cup).
- Try to purchase your rabbit pellets in fairly small quantities so they stay fresh – no more than 2 months at a time.
- Offer your rabbit unlimited amounts of fresh hay – juvenile rabbits can be fed alfalfa hay but choose timothy hay, orchard grass, or oat hay for adult rabbits.
- Make sure your rabbit has unlimited access to fresh water – clean and refill the water bottle at least once a day, as needed.
- Give your rabbit a cup or two of fresh vegetables and small portions of fruit once daily.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to feed your rabbit, you’re ready to start shopping. Use what you’ve learned here and consider the recommendations above when shopping for the best rabbit food.
Final Remarks
Your rabbit’s health and wellness are your responsibility, so do your best to buy the highest quality rabbit food you can consistently afford. Remember to include fresh hay in your feeding budget as well and pay attention to the feeding tips provided above. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a rabbit food, try out one of the top 10 best rabbit foods we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
