Detailed qstn comparing 2 of Sherwood's pellet types

[Blue eyes]

Hoping that someone well-versed in specific nutrition needs of indoor, fixed, adult bunnies can offer some insight.

Sherwood Forest Natural Rabbit food has two adult formulas - one is "concentrated" and one is not.

Their own description states that their regular adult food is fine to feed without hay in unlimited quantities.

The concentrated formula is designed "as a supplement to a grass hay-based diet."

So here is my question... which formula best suits my rabbits?
My rabbits are great hay eaters. I intend to always give them plenty of hay. I had been giving them Sherwood's regular adult formula (though I did limit it) plus the hay. But now it is time to re-order and I am taking a second look at their newer descriptions. I am trying to decide which formula would be best based on the nutritional analysis comparison.

The protein amounts of both formulas are identical (14%). Though I should note the amount of protein calculated on the concentrate does factor in grass hay consumption.

The regular formula is lower in fat (5% vs 6.5%).
The regular formula is higher in fiber (24-29% vs 18-23%).
The regular formula is lower in calcium (.7-1.2% vs 1.7-2.2%).
The regular formula is also slightly lower in phosphorous and salt.

Based on my limited knowledge, it seems like the regular formula is "better," but the company recommends their other formula - the concentrated formula - to be used for rabbits like mine that are also receiving lots of grass hay.

So... any thoughts/opinions?

(oh, my rabbits also receive daily greens)

 

[Watermelons]

Stick with the regular formula but limit the amount and continue to offer unlimited hay.

 

[JBun]

When I used to feed it, I started out with the regular formula. I did try feeding unlimited at one point, but found my rabbits fecals got smaller. They just weren't getting enough fiber, so I went back to feeding limited pellets(at recommended HRS pellet mounts) with unlimited hay. This is what seemed to work best for my rabbits.

When they came out with their concentrated formula I did switch my rabbits to that but I reduced the amount of pellets that they got. So they probably got half as much pellets as the regular plus their hay. The reason I did this was because it was it was cheaper to feed less of the concentrated.

I don't feed sherwood anymore though. Too expensive, and I have a couple rabbits with calcium issues that the sherwood food seemed to contribute to.

 

[Blue eyes]

Thank you both for your input. I appreciate it.

I think I will continue with the regular formula since the fat and calcium is lower.

I'll just continue to limit the amount of pellets they get. They've been sharing 1/2 cup per day. (They weigh around 5-5.5lbs each.)

The 19lb box I bought last time lasted 5 1/2 months. So with shipping it ended up averaging just $6/month. Even at the end, the pellets were still nice and green.