Oxbow Essentials vs Oxbow Natural Science

[AliceBunny]

Alice came to me with a bag of Walmart brand alfalfa based pellets. She nearly finished the bag she came with so I went to the store to find a new food for her and was planning on picking up the Oxbow essentials food (red bag) since I've always fed my rats Oxbow essentials rat food and knew it was generally a good brand. When I got to the store there was a new type of Oxbow rabbit food, the "Natural Science" in a purple bag. I read the ingredients and it seemed like the natural science was healthier so I bought that one. The only problem is that it is slightly more expensive and you only get 4lbs of food instead of 5lbs in the normal red bag. Should I keep her on this food or just get the regular Oxbow? Is the healthier formula worth it? And what does everyone think of the normal Oxbow essentials food? She seems to like it and I've been transitioning her food over the past 2 weeks with no complaints from her so that is good.

 

[Devi]

I personally found switching to natural science worth the extra cost. Since switching my buns coats have been better as have their general health and they just seem happier on it. The natural science gives them everything they need nutritionally.

 

[hamsterdance]

I've used both. Currently I use the essentials because my local pet store orders 50 lb bags of it in for me for just $27 so it's much more cost effective for me. I haven't noticed any major differences between the two health wise, however my rabbits seem to like the essentials better. Both are great pellets though.