Feeding the house rabbit 7: Pellets

Camilla Bergstrøm

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Pellets are composed of a mixture of raw products that have different nutritive values. This concentrated source of energy is formulated to provide essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, ensuring optimal growth and health in rabbits. While fresh foods are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, they may lack certain nutrients found in processed foods, such as essential fatty acids. Although low concentrations of these nutrients may not cause immediate harm to rabbits, they can potentially impact the animal's long-term health over time.

Tal Saarony

The raw material is reduced to a size that ensures the production of high-quality pellets, while also considering optimal digestibility and nutrient absorption in the digestive tract of rabbits.

Pelleted food is a reliable source of minerals and vitamins, but it is important to remember that it does not provide water. Pelleted food is designed to be absorbed rapidly by the body, so it is essential to ensure that drinking water is provided in sufficient quantities. It is essential to ensure that rabbits have continuous access to clean water. This can be facilitated by providing a bottle or a stone crock, or by using both. In the event that a rabbit does not consume sufficient water to wet the chewed pellets, water will be extracted from the body tissues.

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Pellets take up a lot of water: dry pellets (front row) are small and compact, but swell several times their original size after absorbing water (top row)

In some regions, acquiring high-quality pellets can be challenging. A reputable brand should have particles ranging between 2.5 and 4 millimeters. As the size of the particles decreases, the transit time of the digesta through the intestine, particularly the cecum, is prolonged. Increased fermentation of food in the cecum can lead to digestive disorders such as diarrhea. Pellets should contain a minimum of 18% fiber, 12-14% protein, a maximum of 3% fat, and between 0.5 and 0.8% calcium. As a general guideline, the fiber content should always exceed the protein content.

Small amounts of molasses may be incorporated into the pellet mixture. To prevent an excess of sugar in the digestive tract of rabbits, these are caramelized.

The extrusion process will lead to the denaturation of protein and starch. The structure of proteins will be disrupted, but not that of amino acids. This process also eliminates harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella sp., that could potentially contaminate food. It is essential to maintain a low starch content in pellets. In many cases, starches of cereal origin are gelatinized to enhance digestibility and prevent digestive disorders in young rabbits.

Rabbits under six months of age should be provided with unlimited pellets. After 6 to 9 months of age, depending on the size of the breed, the recommended amount of pellets is between 1/4 and 1/2 cup per 6 lbs. of body weight. It is essential to consider the individual needs of each rabbit. Some individuals possess a rapid metabolism, which necessitates an intake exceeding the recommended amount. Some rabbits naturally gain weight more easily, and require less pellets. The same standards apply to breeding does, rabbits suffering from disease, or recovering from surgery. Spayed and neutered rabbits may require a reduced amount of pellets.

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The diet of Stampi, Adar and Grisjje includes pellets

Pellets are an essential component of a balanced diet, providing a reliable source of vitamins and minerals. However, it should be noted that pellets contain a high caloric content, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain in rabbits. It is important to be aware of your rabbit's specific needs and limitations. Studies conducted by experienced rabbit owners have indicated that rabbits fed a measured amount of pellets twice a day appear to experience more frequent digestive problems, such as gas or stasis, despite having access to hay. This contrasts with rabbits with constant free access to pellets. It has been observed that rabbits fed portion are often hungry and await the pellets. Once they are given food, they will rapidly consume it without chewing it properly or mixing it with saliva.

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