Best Brand of Pellets? What Do You Feed?

[BrittsBunny]

Wrangler is currently eating basic Mannapro pellets from Walmart ($5 for about a 5 lb bag). They seem to be sitting alright with my bun, but I was wondering if anyone else had any other suggestions? Wrangler has been back and forth on several different brands (yes, I do switch him back and forth gradually). I loved this one brand at Tractor Supply, but I no longer go that direction anymore with school and everything. I've tried 25lb bags of Nutrena, and I wasn't too thrilled with the feed...plus why should I purchace a 25lb bag for 1 rabbit when it's only going to last for maybe 3 months? I ended up having to toss half of the bag out because Wrangler couldn't finish it all by himself! (Although when I had 2 rabbits at the time it was a little bit more economical). Anyway, suggestions anyone? Wrangler is running out of feed and I need to go to the store soon

 

[naturestee]

By Manna Pro, do you mean actual Manna Pro or the stuff they make that's sold with a different label? I forget the name of it, but the green bag stuff at Walmart that's made by Manna Pro but with a different label is really, really cruddy food. It doesn't look that bad, but I've known a lot of rabbits who had horrible fur,loose poops,and general poor condition when that was their primary diet.

Otherwise, real Manna Pro is just fine. There is a huge amount of choice in quality alfalfa pellets, depending on what is available in farm stores in your area. For alfalfa pellets, make sure the protein is 15-16%- higher protein can result in coat or poopproblems, although it is good for wool breeds or growing giant breeds. Look for the highest possible fiber, at least 18%.

For most adult rabbits, I prefer timothy pellets or at least a lower protein alfalfa pellet (15% or less). My rabbits get Oxbow Bunny Basics/T. When I had foster babies, I fed them Heinhold 15-20 (the show formula).

P.S.- If you want to buy something that only comes in a bigger bag, just call a local shelter or rescue and see if they would like the excess. You might still save money even if you give half of it away, plus some of those breeder brands are really good.

 

[slavetoabunny]

If you can get Oxbow, that would be a good choice. Most Petsmart store sell it now. I use American Pet Diner, which is only available by mail order and is a bit pricey. I would switch to Oxbow, but Sparky and Scooter have been eating it for 7 years and I don't want to switch now.

 

[Byfuzzerabbit]

I tried getting my rabbit on Oxbow but she refused to eat it. Petco stoped carrying her old pellets. She is eatting Kaytee's Nature’s Benefits now.

 

[slavetoabunny]

Byfuzzerabbit wrote:

I tried getting my rabbit on Oxbow but she refused to eat it. Petco stoped carrying her old pellets. She is eatting Kaytee's Nature’s Benefits now.

This particular feed has ingrediants that I wouldn't recommend. Sure, the rabbits love it, but it's not good for them in a daily feed (particularly the pumpkin seeds and granola clusters). This is a quote from Kaytee's website:

• Strawberries are a naturally rich source of Vitamin C to help support your pet’s immune system
• Papaya fruit contains papain enzymes to aid in reducing hairballs
• Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in magnesium to promote a healthy heart
• Timothy Hay is loaded with fiber to aid in healthy digestion

Granola Clusters
A blend of mixed nuts, carrots, papaya, sweet potatoes, banana, corn and other all natural ingredients bound together with molasses in a crunchy, delicious nugget.

 

[elrohwen]

I always recommend Oxbow. Many rabbit rescues and my entire vet practice strongly recommend it. I like that the company is socially responsible and committed to making quality pet food.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

I would say that if the pellets you are currently using are working well for you, I would not switch. If your rabbit currently has shiny, soft fur, good flesh condition (not bony or rough feeling), is active, and using the bathroom okay, stick with it. It is difficult to find a pellet that works well so don't fix what isn't broken. It's a pretty decent feed for what it is and especially if you're someone who supplements with a lot of greens, it should give him the nutrition he needs.

However, if the pellet is not doing it's job, I really like Purina. I have tried other feeds, but switched to Purina a few years ago and haven't turned back. It's fresh, it works well for both my show and pet rabbits, and it's cheap! The green bag comes in 25 lb. bags. And if it is stored properly, you can keep it for up to 6 months as long as it looks and smells fresh and your rabbit is still eating it enthusiastically.

 

[slavetoabunny]

I agree with Julie....don't fix what isn't broken. That's why I stuck with APD for the last 7 years. My rabbits do awesome on it.

 

[BrittsBunny]

naturestee wrote:

By Manna Pro, do you mean actual Manna Pro or the stuff they make that's sold with a different label? I forget the name of it, but the green bag stuff at Walmart that's made by Manna Pro but with a different label is really, really cruddy food. It doesn't look that bad, but I've known a lot of rabbits who had horrible fur,loose poops,and general poor condition when that was their primary diet.

WOW that is horrifying to read! I am definitely taking Wrangler off that feed! Thank you for giving me the heads up!:banghead Thankfully, Wrangler looks and acts healthy, but still, I want to give my rabbit the best of the best feed!

 

[BrittsBunny]

slavetoabunny wrote:

If you can get Oxbow, that would be a good choice. Most Petsmart store sell it now. I use American Pet Diner, which is only available by mail order and is a bit pricey. I would switch to Oxbow, but Sparky and Scooter have been eating it for 7 years and I don't want to switch now.

I'll have to go check it out. I've seen the Oxbow feed at the stores before and always wondered about it! And it seems like a lot of people on this forum use that brand as well! I've only heard good things about it! I do love their hay too!

 

[BrittsBunny]

OakRidgeRabbits wrote:

I would say that if the pellets you are currently using are working well for you, I would not switch. If your rabbit currently has shiny, soft fur, good flesh condition (not bony or rough feeling), is active, and using the bathroom okay, stick with it. It is difficult to find a pellet that works well so don't fix what isn't broken. It's a pretty decent feed for what it is and especially if you're someone who supplements with a lot of greens, it should give him the nutrition he needs.

However, if the pellet is not doing it's job, I really like Purina. I have tried other feeds, but switched to Purina a few years ago and haven't turned back. It's fresh, it works well for both my show and pet rabbits, and it's cheap! The green bag comes in 25 lb. bags. And if it is stored properly, you can keep it for up to 6 months as long as it looks and smells fresh and your rabbit is still eating it enthusiastically.

Well I just think it would be best if I made a switch to a much better quality feed - just to ease my mind. I assumed that the Manna Pro feed at Walmart was the good kind of feed that my boyfriend's family sells at their feed store...I guess it's not the same though. I would get the kind that is at the feed store - but they only get the 25 lb to 50 lb bags :shock:Wayy too much for one rabbit in my opinion!

I could always give the rest of the food away to a shelter, but then I might as well keep it and store it for Wrangler.

I just have read and been told on here before that when you check the mill date on the bag, that the feed is only good for 3 months and then it spoils. But you're saying if I kept it indoors, in a container, that it would be okay?

 

[BrittsBunny]

I couldn't do it. I couldn't buy a 5lb bag of rabbit feed for $13 :shock:That is just ridiculous.

I know y'all say that it's the best, but really? I feel like you can get pretty much the exact same thing at a feed store for a lot more quantity AND quality.

If I am going to have to go back to buying 25lb bags, then so be it.

Yes, I want my beloved bunny to have quality feed, but there has to be other options out there as well.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Like I said previously, if your rabbit is doing well on the feed he is on, I wouldn't bother switching it.

I have looked at the ingredients on the Walmart bags before, I've had to use it in a pinch when my feed store ran out of food. It's actually a decent pet food, probably the best I've seen generally available in a smaller bag and at a decent price.

On any feed, there will be rabbits who do well on it and rabbits who don't. Oxbow is a quality feed, but it doesn't mean that it's guaranteed to work well for every rabbit. Similarly, just because I use and like Purina, doesn't mean it's the only quality feed that will provide adequate nutrition. No feed works the same all across the board, which is why there are so many different ones available. That's why I said that if the feed works for you, stay on it. Trust me! Rabbits are very individual and it is TOUGH to find the perfect pellet. If your rabbit is doing well on his current one, save yourself the headache.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Other option- Do you have any friends with rabbits? You could buy in 25 lb. bags and split it?

Or, you know, a 25 lb. bag of a bulk food is still less than some of the more expensive pet foods. So even if you throw out or donate the excess, it's still easier on your pocket. If you definitely want to switch feeds.

 

[slavetoabunny]

Brittany, I think that Kathy at GRR gets Oxbow in bulk for a really good price. You should check with her and see if you can buy a few pounds from her. I know that at my local farm store I can get 50 pounds of Oxbow for $43.

 

[Luimeril]

Gizmo and Mocha eat the Hartz brand(i think is what it is). we can get a small-ish bag that lasts them a few weeks for six bucks at food lion. x-X i'd love to get them on something healthier, but i know mom won't get them anything that costs "an arm and a leg". :/ then again, she spends $14 for one bag of custom mixed bird seed for her bird. >.>: why not healthier food for the bunnies?

 

[maxysmummy]

BrittsBunny wrote:

I couldn't do it. I couldn't buy a 5lb bag of rabbit feed for $13 :shock:That is just ridiculous.

I know y'all say that it's the best, but really? I feel like you can get pretty much the exact same thing at a feed store for a lot more quantity AND quality.

If I am going to have to go back to buying 25lb bags, then so be it.

Yes, I want my beloved bunny to have quality feed, but there has to be other options out there as well.

girl you are lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

for a pound and a half of oxbow in australia it's like $25...

 

[BrittsBunny]

So I've made several feed store visits. I still haven't made my purchase yet.

Yesterday I went to one of our local tack/feed stores and they were selling the same rabbit feed that is also sold at Walmart - the feed that Wrangler is on now. They also carried a 50lb bag of Nutrena (which Wrangler has also been on before). But then the lady referred back to the small, green bags of feed once I told her I only had one rabbit. She said a lot of positive things about that particular feed. I read the incredients and percents on the back, and they matched the Nutrena feed...I actually think that there is more crudefiber in the small green bags:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Small-World-Complete-Feed-For-Rabbits-Rabbit-10-lb/10323574

IDK what to do :confused2:

Wrangler has been on Nutrena, Purina, Manna Pro, etc.

 

[butsy]

i feed butsy Martins.it seems to be doing the job ! she does shed a lot, but i do think all rabbits do . it isnt expensive at all, for a small bag (lasts like, a month for butsy) its only 4 $$ :/

 

[jfinner1]

Rabbit food goes bad? I feed my buns a brand that is store specific, from a local feed store (Copley Feed Rabbit Pellets, I think) I switched Xenos to them when I moved here over a year ago, and I liked the ingredients and he loves them. I never thought that it could go bad... I bought him a 50lb bag about 4 months ago. I keep it in sealed plastic containers, and it looks and smells the same as it did when I got it, and he hasn't had any issues with it. How would I know if it was bad? :?