Feeding Pellets, No or Yes??

[mistyjr]

Today, when I was feeding my 12 rabbits. I went to feed Spider-Man my blue dutch. He ran to hes dish like always. I went to feed the other bunnies he started to sneeze, So I ran to him and then he started foaming out the nose with some yellow burger stuff. And he started making strange noises and he was having problems breathing and the yellow stuff got worse and worse. I was so scared that I was going to loose him. Hes been threw alot due to hairline fracture to the back leg and i never healed. And then this.. Poor Spidy.. :scared::grumpy

Anyways.. I was reading on some other sites that a few people stop and dont feed their bunnies pellets anymore due to this problem.. And it's common that rabbits due this and its very scary..

Do you feed your bunnies pellets?? And if not what do you feed them?? And if yes what do you feed them??

I'm trying to figure out what I should do.!

Thanks,

 

[jcottonl02]

I have to say, your thread about your bun choking on his pellets did give me the heeby jeebies!!! It was really scary!

The only thing is, if you cut out pellets altogether, you are going to have to make up for that in other areas, which involves LOTS of hay, and a very wide variety of vegetables, to make up for all the vitamins and nutrients the buns aren't getting.

My buns get 1/4-1/2 a cup of pellets every day, and perhaps 3-5cups of at least 3 types of veggies a day (along with Timothy hay of course) and as much grass as they care to eat from the lawn, which they are on at least 5 hours a day. If I cut out the pellets, then I would really have to up the amount and the VARIETY of vegetables they get.
If your bunny is sensitive to vegetables, then you're in a bit of trouble if you want to cut out the pellets.

My buns get Excel Dwarf and Junior pellets, which are specifically designed for those small bunny mouths, and so are about half the size of normal pellets, so that in itself should help reduce the risk of chokage (I hope!!!).

There have been a few cases that I have heard of where buns have choked on their pellets, so I don't think it really that uncommon, and it only takes once for them to choke without you being there, and then they're....gone:cry2

I guess if you wanted to cut out their pellets, it wouldn't be too hard. I would suggest providing them with quite a few hours a day on grass for them to fill up on, make sure they have a really good quality hay, and make sure they get a very wide variety of all different vegetables, and a large amount of them.

Does anyone here feed a pellet-free diet? Perhaps you could give Misty some advice/tips?

I am not sure I would ever stop feeding my buns pellets, because this is such a good source of fibre and essential nutrients (and calories!!), that I always have in the house. Plus I know this diet works very well for them, and is keeping them healthy, but I am not sure I would want to 'experiment' a new diet that I really don't have much knowledge about on them, and risk doing more bad than good to them.

Jen

 

[mistyjr]

Yes! My bun's do get veggies sometimes daily, But I'm careful because 2 weeks ago my other bun died from bloat and I get all kinds of crap from my aunt about feeding bun's veggies.. But When I do give them veggies they get Parsley, Romaine Lettuce (red too), I wanted to give my bun's out grass but I heard from my other post about the spring grass isnt good for them..

 

[butsy]

i give my bun pellets also . try to crush the pellets to make them smaller ! you can also try to mix it with water so it gets kind of like a paste. if u do that, make sure he has lots of things to chew so his teeth wont over grow !

 

[mistyjr]

They have pine cones and some have dog toys.

 

[jcottonl02]

mistyjr wrote:

Yes! My bun's do get veggies sometimes daily, But I'm careful because 2 weeks ago my other bun died from bloat and I get all kinds of crap from my aunt about feeding bun's veggies.. But When I do give them veggies they get Parsley, Romaine Lettuce (red too), I wanted to give my bun's out grass but I heard from my other post about the spring grass isnt good for them..

You just have to be careful that in spring (when the grass grows very quickly), your rabbits don't gorge too much on the grass, because it CAN cause bloat. Just make sure it is limited in the spring, and it should be fine .

There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding bunnies vegetables, after all, it is a natural diet for them. Perhaps not some of the veggies we give though!!! . But rabbits in the wild will happily munch on cabbage etc. and other veggies growing, and clover, dandelions etc.

Veggies shouldn't really cause bloat- just some veggies like broccoli, cabbage etc. (check on some Safe Veggies lists) CAN cause gas if you don't limit it, or it is fed too often. Other than that, I think all bunnies should be fed a large variety of vegetables, and lots of them! Just my opinion.

You can't really cut out pellets if they aren't going to get vegetables or grass though......unless there is a medical reason they should be on just hay.
Where will their nutrients, vitamins etc. come from?

Jen

 

[mistyjr]

Yeah! That is right.. I keep telling her that. She tells me that alot of breeders dont feed them veggies and wont.

But, I am just afraid from the 2 bunnies that have happen before.

 

[jcottonl02]

I can understand that Misty, definately

I think ultimately you need to do what is best for your two bunnies. If you fear that what happened with the others- choking and bloat-wise, will happen again, then perhaps reconsidering the diet. But it doesn't have to mean totally cutting out something.

While some rabbits can be genetically predispositioned to bloat, and there are certain foods that can give them a higher risk of developing it, sometimes I think it can just 'happen'.

As for the choking- if you are worried about it happening again, then I think chopping/blending the pellets a little will definately be effective, and help put your mind at ease.


Jen

 

[Happi Bun]

I say yes on pellets. Is it really that common compared to all the rabbit's that live their life without choking on pellets? I highly doubt it. It will seem more common than it truly is when you have a handful of people from around the world sharing same experiences. It's a freak accident in my opinion. Very scary, for sure. When feeding a diet without pellets you run into other problems; vitamin deficiency, etc. If it's not done properly. You would have to substitute what's in the pellets with fresh produce and figure out the proper daily amounts.

 

[jcottonl02]

To be honest, any good rabbit society etc. Rabbit Welfare Association, House Rabbit Society, RSCPA etc. etc. recommend pellets AND veggies as things all rabbits should get.

I think you would have to be very experienced on rabbit nutrition and be very knowledgable about it before you considered going against the guidelines given by animal welfare assocations (not saying it shouldn't/can't be done though), especially when it comes to cutting out pellets altogether (cutting out veggies is something that you don't need to be particularly knowledgable about, and it's not as 'dangerous' as cutting pellets out).

Like i said before, I believe that both pellets and veggies are quite an integral part of bunny nutrition, but I know there are some bunnies on this forum who go without or have very little of one or the other- and that seems to work fine for them-, but my buns will always be on the diet they are now, because I know it is the absolute best for them (basically the House Rabbit Society recommendations with extra veggies ).


Jen

 

[bunnybunbunb]

http://www.bunspace.com/groups/topic?tid=4042

I actually think a non-pelleted diet is great. But for breeder rabbits? Ehh. I mean, back in the 50s and stuff all breeders fed wild. They gathered all the food for their bunnies and they did amazing. Then TV came in and the first commercial pelleted diet was created and people started going that route. Now with all the jobs, tv, internet, driving around, ect, everyone has less time. So gathering/buying veggies for no-pellet diet for a breeding herd is improbable.

It seriously would not be THAT hard to feed a no-pellet diet for a few pets. Loads of people do it. All this talk of lacking vitamins and stuff is a bit /off/. Rabbits are herbavours, they are a bit easier to feed than omnivours that need veg, meat, nuts, fruit, ect. Simply a variety of veggies and wild plants, fruit for treats, and time outside will give everything needed.

Example -

bad diet:

romaine lettuce
red leaf lettuce
green leaf lettuce
iceburg lettuce
grass

good diet:

green leaf lettuce
collard greens
kale
celery
romaine lettuce
dandilion greens
thisle
clover
basil
plantain
grass

Rabbits tend to be healthier off pellets. Pellets were made to fatten rabbits up for slaughter, where as a more natural diet of hay and greens/veg keeps them healthy, slim and sleek.

This is very contraverial subject. Just like feeding cats and dogs RAW/BARF a posed to commercial food. I believe natural is better. Real, or fake? No question if you ask me.

Do I feed pellets? Yes. Do I wish I had the time and means to feed wild and natural? Yes. Would I quit pellets if I really could? Yes.

 

[mistyjr]

You have a good point.. In the wild rabbits dont get pellets.. I'm trying to also read on this too.. See what is better for them..

 

[mistyjr]

bunnybunbunb wrote:

http://www.bunspace.com/groups/topic?tid=4042

I actually think a non-pelleted diet is great. But for breeder rabbits? Ehh. I mean, back in the 50s and stuff all breeders fed wild. They gathered all the food for their bunnies and they did amazing. Then TV came in and the first commercial pelleted diet was created and people started going that route. Now with all the jobs, tv, internet, driving around, ect, everyone has less time. So gathering/buying veggies for no-pellet diet for a breeding herd is improbable.

It seriously would not be THAT hard to feed a no-pellet diet for a few pets. Loads of people do it. All this talk of lacking vitamins and stuff is a bit /off/. Rabbits are herbavours, they are a bit easier to feed than omnivours that need veg, meat, nuts, fruit, ect. Simply a variety of veggies and wild plants, fruit for treats, and time outside will give everything needed.

Example -

bad diet:

romaine lettuce
red leaf lettuce
green leaf lettuce
iceburg lettuce
grass

good diet:

green leaf lettuce
collard greens
kale
celery
romaine lettuce
dandilion greens
thisle
clover
basil
plantain
grass

Rabbits tend to be healthier off pellets. Pellets were made to fatten rabbits up for slaughter, where as a more natural diet of hay and greens/veg keeps them healthy, slim and sleek.

This is very contraverial subject. Just like feeding cats and dogs RAW/BARF a posed to commercial food. I believe natural is better. Real, or fake? No question if you ask me.

Do I feed pellets? Yes. Do I wish I had the time and means to feed wild and natural? Yes. Would I quit pellets if I really could? Yes.

Actually kale isnt good for rabbits.
Kale, mustard greens, and spinach contain high levels of oxalates (the salts of oxalic acid), which can accumulate in the system and cause toxicity over time

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=1638

 

[jcottonl02]

You've said grass and romaine lettuce as both part of a bad diet and good diet? :?

That is EXACTLY what I mean by a wide variety of vegetables . You've mentioned lettuces, vegetables, herbs, fruits and wild flowers/plants. Which is exactly what I mean by if you took away the pellets, you would have to subsitute that with a wide variety of veggies, with different qualities to them.

I don't think there is a 'right' answer here, and each diet has its pros and cons.

I personally believe (and agree with you)that natural is better, which is why my buns get a variety of many veggies and grass , but I also believe that pellets can be beneficial, and it is really up to the owner, as long as they know what they are doing, and aren't doing more bad then good to their bun, for example, feeding the first diet you said and nothing else (hay of course but that goes without saying).



Jen

 

[jcottonl02]

mistyjr wrote:

bunnybunbunb wrote:

http://www.bunspace.com/groups/topic?tid=4042

I actually think a non-pelleted diet is great. But for breeder rabbits? Ehh. I mean, back in the 50s and stuff all breeders fed wild. They gathered all the food for their bunnies and they did amazing. Then TV came in and the first commercial pelleted diet was created and people started going that route. Now with all the jobs, tv, internet, driving around, ect, everyone has less time. So gathering/buying veggies for no-pellet diet for a breeding herd is improbable.

It seriously would not be THAT hard to feed a no-pellet diet for a few pets. Loads of people do it. All this talk of lacking vitamins and stuff is a bit /off/. Rabbits are herbavours, they are a bit easier to feed than omnivours that need veg, meat, nuts, fruit, ect. Simply a variety of veggies and wild plants, fruit for treats, and time outside will give everything needed.

Example -

bad diet:

romaine lettuce
red leaf lettuce
green leaf lettuce
iceburg lettuce
grass

good diet:

green leaf lettuce
collard greens
kale
celery
romaine lettuce
dandilion greens
thisle
clover
basil
plantain
grass

Rabbits tend to be healthier off pellets. Pellets were made to fatten rabbits up for slaughter, where as a more natural diet of hay and greens/veg keeps them healthy, slim and sleek.

This is very contraverial subject. Just like feeding cats and dogs RAW/BARF a posed to commercial food. I believe natural is better. Real, or fake? No question if you ask me.

Do I feed pellets? Yes. Do I wish I had the time and means to feed wild and natural? Yes. Would I quit pellets if I really could? Yes.

Actually kale isnt good for rabbits.
Kale, mustard greens, and spinach contain high levels of oxalates (the salts of oxalic acid), which can accumulate in the system and cause toxicity over time

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=1638

A small amount of kale is perfectly fine:

http://www.adoptarabbit.com/articles/packet/abcvegi.html

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/safefoods.htm

Mine ADORE it

Jen

 

[jcottonl02]

A good-quality commercial rabbit pellet provides trace nutrients, vitamins and minerals that a rabbit might not get if fed only hay and fresh foods. However, very little pelleted food is required for good health. Many experienced rabbit veterinarians are now recommending no more than 1/8 cup of quality pellets per 5 lbs. of rabbit per day, and some even consider commercial pellets a "treat food" that can promote obesity in spayed/neutered adult rabbits. A rabbit fed too many pellets will often ignore his hay, to the detriment of his intestinal system!

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

 

[Happi Bun]

Pellets aren't just for bulking up animals used for meat, not anymore. There are many brands made especially for the indoor pet bunny. Look at the back of one of those bags and you will see all the daily vitamins and minerals needed. Diet should not just consist of pellets though. The bulk of the diet should be quality grass hay then Veggies and Pellets. My bunnies for example only get a small amount of daily pellet (1/4 of a cup) which is the recommended for their weight and age. The rest is hay and fresh foods (veggies, herbs, etc).

There isn't just one correct way to feed a bunny.

 

[jcottonl02]

Happi Bun wrote:

Pellets aren't just for bulking up animals used for meat, not anymore. There are many brands made especially for the indoor pet bunny. Look at the back of one of those bags and you will see all the daily vitamins and minerals needed. Diet should not just consist of pellets though. The bulk of the diet should be quality grass hay then Veggies and Pellets. My bunnies for example only get a small amount of daily pellet (1/4 of a cup) which is the recommended for their weight and age. The rest is hay and fresh foods (veggies, herbs, etc).

There isn't just one correct way to feed a bunny.

:nod Well said

 

[funnybunnymummy]

I think what Sam meant was thatfeeding your rabbit afew differentlettuces and grass is not enough variety, not that those lettuces and grass were bad.

I tend to be of the opinion that if you want to take your rabbits off pellets, you need to offer awide variety of greens, veggies, fruit, plants and flowers, as well as a variety of hays (not just timothy or alfalfa), and insubstantial amounts. Remember, rabbits are grazers, so on a pellet free diet, they'll need to have access to greens and hays pretty much 24/7. (Think horses! )

Hope that helps!

Rue

 

[jcottonl02]

funnybunnymummy wrote:

I think what Sam meant was thatfeeding your rabbit afew differentlettuces and grass is not enough variety, not that those lettuces and grass were bad.

I see- I was a little confused lol!

Well, see that is the variety I have been talking about- and that variety is to provide the nutrients and vitamins that a bun needs. If a bun gets kale and nothing else, with hay (no pellets), then it will be sufficiently lacking in nutriets and vitamins. Obviously noone is saying that, but obviously variety is the key to the vitamins, nutrients and minerals a bun needs on a pellet-free diet.

So to say "All this talk of lacking vitamins and stuff is a bit /off/", is totally going against stressing the variety needed if pellets are taken away. (sorry to quote u Sam- I don't want it to seem like an attack or anything )

Jen