Cold Pressed Vs Extruded Rabbit Pellets - What's Best For Your Bunny?

The Lowdown On Cold Pressed Pellets

Cold pressed pellets are made without high heat, preserving more nutrients. They're a nutrient-rich choice for your rabbit. The pressure in the process binds the ingredients, resulting in a fibre-rich, low-starch pellet.

Distinctive Qualities Of Cold Pressed Pellets:

• Higher in indigestible fibre
• Lower in starch
• Nutrient-rich
• Good for digestive health

The Inside Scoop On Extruded Pellets

Extruded pellets are made using high heat, which increases digestibility but may reduce some nutrients. These pellets are generally lower in fibre and higher in starch.

Distinctive Qualities Of Extruded Pellets:

• Increased digestibility
• Suitable for specific dietary needs
• Often more palatable

In Summary:

Both types of pellets have pros and cons. Cold pressed pellets are better for a high-fibre diet, while extruded pellets may suit rabbits with specific dietary needs. Always consult your vet for personalized advice.

Comparing Top Brands: A Closer Look At Specialized Rabbit Pellets

Hypoallergic Rabbit Pellets By Just4rabbits.Uk

• Formulated without any grains, contains timothy, meadow, fescue & sweet vernal grasses to mimic the rabbit's natural diet.
• Contains prebiotic, probiotic, dandelion & nettle to support digestive & urinary tract.
• Cold pressed into 5mm pellets high in fibre with no added sugars.
• Suitable for adult rabbits.

Burgess Excel Rabbit Pellets

• High in fibre and rich in nutrients to supplement rabbit's diet.
• Available in adult, junior, indoor, senior, and dwarf varieties.
• Contain prebiotics for healthy digestion and antioxidants for immune health.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals for healthy eyes, skin and coat.
• Some varieties have added mint, oregano or dandelion for extra taste and health benefits.

Science Selective

• High fibre (25%) extruded rabbit food.
• No added sugars, contains prebiotics for digestive health.
• Varieties for adult, junior, mature, and house rabbits.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance.
• Natural ingredients including timothy hay, linseed, and garden vegetables.

Sherwood Pet Health Rabbit Pellets

• Timothy-based pellet for adult rabbits.
• Formulated to improve nutritional value over previous formulas.
• Aim to provide energy, weight control and health benefits like softer fur and less urine odour.

Beyond The Fluff: A Deep Dive Into Rabbit Pellet Nutrition

Feeding Pellets To Rabbits

Pellets are an important part of a balanced diet for rabbits, but they should only make up a small portion of their total food intake.

Recommended Amount Of Pellets

According to the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), the recommended amount of pellets for an average 2.5kg rabbit is about 5% of their body weight, which equates to around 50g or 2 egg cups per day split into two feedings.

The RSPCA recommends feeding 25g (one egg cup) of pellets per kg of body weight per day.

So, for a 2kg rabbit, that would be 50g or 2 egg cups of pellets per day.

The British Rabbit Council states that daily pellet consumption should be about 5% of a rabbit's body weight.

Benefits Of Pellets

Pellets provide a balanced and consistent nutritional source that helps ensure rabbits get all the required nutrients.

Each pellet contains the same nutrients so selective feeding is avoided compared to muesli mixes.

Pellets are energy-dense, so rabbits only need a small daily portion to meet nutritional needs.

Potential Issues With Overfeeding Pellets

Feeding too many pellets can lead to obesity, dental disease, and other health problems.

Overfeeding pellets causes rabbits to eat less hay, which can lead to gastrointestinal and dental issues.

Pellets should be limited to avoid these issues even if they contain high fibre.

Baby rabbits do not need unlimited pellets - they should be slowly transitioned to mainly hay-like adults.

Best Practices

• The majority of a rabbit's diet should be hay and leafy greens.
• Pellets should be a supplement.
• Scatter feed pellets to encourage foraging rather than using a bowl.
• Adjust pellet amounts based on weight, health issues, and body condition - feed less if overweight and more if underweight.
• Introduce pellet diet changes slowly over 2-4 weeks to avoid digestive upset.
• Consult an exotic vet if unsure about the ideal pellet diet for a rabbit's needs.

In summary, adult rabbits should be fed a small measured amount of pellets daily according to weight, ideally about 2 egg cups or 50g for a medium-sized rabbit.

Overfeeding pellets can lead to health issues, so the majority of a rabbit's diet should be hay, grass, and leafy greens. Slowly transition any diet changes and consult a vet if needed.

Case Study: Dietary Dilemmas: The Debate Over Rabbit Pellets Among 24 Bunny Parents

The following question was posed:

“After a recent vet visit, I was advised to stop feeding my rabbits pellets and focus on unlimited hay and frequent greens. This advice contradicts common advice on social media. Currently, my rabbits' diet includes a mix of hay, a small portion of pellets, various greens, and occasional fruit treats.

What are your thoughts?”

Here are a few key points on rabbit diet from the conversation:

• There are differing opinions on the role of pellets in a rabbit's diet. Some vets advise eliminating pellets entirely after 6 months old, while others recommend continuing a small daily amount as they provide vitamins/minerals.
• Too many greens can cause gastrointestinal upset in some rabbits. Vegetables that cause gas (e.g. kale, cabbage) should be avoided or fed in minimal amounts.
• Unlimited grass hay should be available at all times as the main component of diet.
• Some treats like carrots, banana, and fruit should only be given in small quantities 1-2 times per week.
• Many people have healthy rabbits on a variety of diets - some with pellets, some without. There is no singular perfect diet, but rather what works best for each individual rabbit.
• Monitor rabbit's weight, energy, and poop quality as signs of whether their diet is appropriate. Make adjustments slowly and with vet guidance if issues arise.

The key seems to be providing unlimited hay as the staple, limited pellets are likely okay for many rabbits, and being cautious with the amount and types of greens/veggies to prevent gastrointestinal issues. However there are different approaches that can work based on the individual rabbit.

Unlocking The Mysteries Of Rabbit Pellet Nutrition

Q: Which pellets are best for rabbits?

A: The best pellets are high in fibre and low in fat.

Q: Is it OK to just feed rabbits pellets?

A: No, pellets should only be a part of a balanced diet that includes hay and fresh vegetables.

Q: Do rabbits like pellets more than hay?

A: If given the choice between unlimited hay and unlimited pellets, rabbits would likely choose to eat more pellets, but a diet of primarily hay is healthier.

Q: What are the side effects of pellets for rabbits?

A: Overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity, dental issues, and other health problems like gastrointestinal stasis.

Q: What pellets should rabbits avoid?

A: Avoid pellets that are high in sugar, fat, and artificial additives, as they can be harmful to your rabbit's health.

Q: Do rabbits need pellets or just hay?

A: While hay should be the primary component of a rabbit's diet, pellets provide additional nutrients and should be included in moderation.

Q: How many pellets a day for a rabbit?

A: The recommended amount varies based on the rabbit's weight and health condition, but generally, an average adult rabbit should have about 1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight.

Q: How many times a day should I feed my rabbit pellets?

A: Adult rabbits should be fed pellets 1-2 times per day, usually morning and evening. Pellets should be divided into two feedings rather than given all at once.

Jacqui’s Top 5 Rabbit Pellet Tips: Expert Tips From An Experienced Bun Mum

1. Always Check Ingredients: Make sure the pellets are high in indigestible fibre and low in fatty acids. Timothy hay is often a main ingredient in quality rabbit food, which is essential for digestive health. Avoid rabbit foods with artificial colours and added sugars.
2. Portion Control: Don't overfeed; measure the pellets. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and dental disease. The fusus coli in the proximal colon and the bacterial fermentation in the distal colon can be negatively affected by large quantities of pellets.
3. Freshness Matters: Always check the expiry date on the rabbit pellets. Stale or expired pellets can lose their nutrient levels and may even harbour harmful bacteria.
4. Transition Slowly: When changing brands, do it gradually over a period of 2-4 weeks. This is especially important for young rabbits and adult rabbits with sensitive digestive systems. A sudden change can disrupt the caecal microflora and lead to digestive issues.
5. Consult a Vet: Always consult a vet for personalized advice, especially if your rabbit has specific health issues like dental problems or digestive disorders. Vets can provide key points on what to look for in rabbit pellets based on your pet's health needs.