Here are the 10 best rabbit dog foods for your furry friend.
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Allergies and sensitivities are rising, and every pet parent is looking for an alternative meal that fits their dog’s system well. Typical protein sources like beef, chicken, pork, and lamb have become so prevalent in dog food that canines have developed allergies and intolerances. These proteins are to blame for the vast majority of these food sensitivities.
What other sources of protein are there? Rabbits are one of the many alternatives available on the market. The novel protein source of rabbits can aid in managing allergies and sensitivities.
Most premium dog foods include rabbits in their foods. However, finding the correct brand can be challenging. This is because every brand claims to use real rabbits. This should not worry you because we have researched the best formulas with real rabbits. Your only job is to go to the market and purchase them.
We don’t stop with our top ten formulas; we also tell you what to look for when buying rabbit dog food. You can purchase any formula, even ones that aren’t on our list, using these characteristics as your guide.
Choosing the correct meal ensures your dog gets the best nutrition. It also limits the chances of tummy issues, allergies, and unhealthy weight gain. Let’s begin.
What Are the Benefits of Rabbit for Your Dog?
Although not a common protein source, a rabbit has immense health and nutritional benefits for your furry canine friend. Most pet parents have learned its benefits and are now incorporating rabbits into their own meals. Here are the main reasons why you should consider rabbit as an ingredient in your dog’s food:
Rabbit is rich in proteins.
Proteins are essential for your dog’s muscle health. This means it should consume food with high protein content, and rabbit delivers that. It has a high protein content compared to other protein sources like chicken, pork, turkey, duck, and beef. This makes it an excellent protein source for your furry canine friend.
Rabbit is an alternative protein source for dogs with allergies
Dogs that react negatively to some proteins, like chicken, may do well with rabbit meat. Skin and coat problems are common allergic reactions, and consuming this novel protein source lowers such occurrences. Exposing your dog to a hypoallergenic ingredient that it has never consumed is a great way of limiting the chances of sensitivities.
Rabbit contains high levels of vitamin B12
Many different aspects of your dog’s health depend on vitamin B12. It is essential for developing and developing blood cells and properly operating the nervous system and the brain. Your dog needs B12 to maintain healthy digestion because it affects intestinal health.
The deficiency of this vitamin causes lethargy, confusion, poor appetite, and seizures. Rabbit meat is a superb source of vitamin B12.
Rabbit is tasty
This is important, especially for picky eaters. The meat is delicious to delight your fussy eater and provides proteins and nutrients for healthy growth. Wild rabbits have a gamey taste that massages your pup’s instincts.
What Are the Qualities of the Best Rabbit Dog Foods?
Dog foods crafted with rabbits must meet certain criteria to be the best for your dog. Here are the features to watch out for when looking for the best rabbit dog food:
It starts with a whole protein source
Dogs need high-protein meals, so the first ingredient in their food should be a complete protein source. Look for formulas that contain real rabbits as their main component. Although rabbit meat is a good source of protein, it shouldn’t be the main component. Rabbit meal is also an excellent protein source. It has a high protein concentration.
The fact that rabbit is listed after the first five ingredients indicates that the meal contains little. Additionally, no by-products from rabbits should be included in the main ingredients.
Free from artificial additives and fillers
To make the food appealing to dogs and pet parents, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are added. However, they are unhealthy for your dog. They aid in the emergence of allergies and sensitivities. Avoid foods with fillers. They are nutritionally worthless. To increase the food’s bulk, manufacturers add fillers. Wheat, soy, and corn are typical fillers.
Whole rabbit meat is tasty, and hence artificial additives are not necessary. High-quality meals are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols.
Country of origin
Ensure your dog’s food is crafted in a country with high-quality control standards. The products ought to be safe for your fido. Look for recipes made in Western Europe, the U.S.A., New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
Includes healthy supplements and nutrients
Healthy supplements and nutrients boost your pooch’s overall growth. Such supplements and nutrients include probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Probiotics for dogs are frequently used to reduce gas and diarrhea. They are frequently suggested for dogs who have different digestive disorders as well. Vets frequently advise dogs to take probiotics after receiving antibiotic treatment, just like they do for people. This aids in the replacement of the digestive tract’s beneficial bacteria.
For dogs with joint pain, glucosamine and chondroitin are excellent pain relievers. The pain is numbed and relieved by glucosamine. The chondroitin treats any current inflammation while also halting further damage.
Antioxidants protect dogs against free radicals that cause cellular damage. The nutrients reduce inflammation and create a balanced oxidative environment. Healthy sources of antioxidants include blueberries and cranberries.
Dogs need vitamins for general growth and development. Important vitamins include vitamins A, C, and E. vitamin A promotes coat and skin health, while vitamins C and E protect your dog against infections. The vitamins strengthen your dog’s immune system to fight infections easily.
Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are best for muscle, bone, and tooth wellness. They strengthen them and keep them in perfect shape.
Select rabbit food that includes the above nutrients and supplements. These would work together to give you a healthy dog.
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies and Sensitivities?
If your dog is sensitive to a certain protein, you should look for alternative protein sources, and a rabbit is the best. Understanding the warning signs ensures you switch to rabbit meat at the right time before things worsen. Here are the signs to prompt you to switch:
Eye discharge or red eyes
Allergies may manifest through constant scratching of the eyes. This causes a discharge or reddish eyes.
Paw chewing
Food allergies cause itching, which forces your dog to chew on its paws.
Gastrointestinal problems
Food sensitivities may also result in GI problems. These include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and tummy pain.
Ear problems
Allergic reactions frequently target the ears. Frequent ear scratching can result in more problems, such as wounds or even damage to the nerves and other important tissues.
Diarrhea and vomiting
Tummy upsets are other typical signs of food sensitivities. Additionally, a sign of possible food sensitivity is runny stools. Due to the digestive system rejecting some foods, dogs may vomit.
What Are the Top Best Rabbit Dog Foods Brands?
Every brand claims to have the best rabbit meat. However, some claims are untrue, and understanding the best brands with high-quality rabbit meat protects you from such claims. Here are the best brands with the best rabbit dog food:
- Merrick
- Earthborn Holistic Venture
- Nature’s Logic
- Instinct
- Lotus
The cost varies depending on the brand. Our top 10 recipes have an average cost of $4.95 per lb and $4.18 per oz. Prices range from $2.96-10.1 per lb and $2.7-5.43 per oz. Choose a diet for your dog based on breed and life stage. Here is a list of our top formulas.
- Best Overall: Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Rabbit – $91.99.99 per 22.5-lb bag ($4.09-lb).
- Best Price-Effective: Merrick Real Rabbit and Chickpea Recipe Dry Food – $65.03 per 22-lb bag ($2.96-lb).
- Best for Sensitivities and Allergies: Instinct Real Rabbit LID Wet Dog Food – $35.64 per 13.2-oz can, case of 6 ($2.7-oz).
- Best Freeze-Dried: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dinner Patties Raw Food – $73.99 per 25-oz bag ($2.96-oz).
- Best for All Life Stages: Nature’s Logic Rabbit Feast Canine All Stages Canned Food – $59.87 per 13.2-oz can, case of 12 ($4.54-oz).
Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Rabbit (Best Overall)
Delight your dog’s instincts with this rabbit formula from Nature’s Variety. It features a farm-raised rabbit as the primary ingredient for thick muscles and minimal chances of allergies and sensitivities. Market availability of the product dates back to March 3, 2017.
It has 71% animal proteins, nutritious oils, and 29% veggies, fruits, and other high-quality ingredients. It has no corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, or artificial additives. Its high amounts of probiotics, antioxidants, and omegas support stomach, immune, coat, and skin health.
The meal is formulated in the U.S.A. and is highly digestible. This ensures maximum nutrient absorption and lower frequencies of tummy problems. Serve it according to your dog’s age, weight, and activity levels.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salmon Meal, Canola Oil, Chickpeas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36.5% min, Crude Fat 20.5% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.
- Calorie Content: 524 kcal/cup.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with size, age, and activity levels.
- Key Benefit: High levels of omegas, probiotics, and antioxidants to boost the skin, coat, digestive, and immune wellness.
- Price: $91.99.99 per 22.5-lb bag ($4.09-lb).
Merrick Real Rabbit and Chickpea Recipe Dry Food ( Best Price-Effective)
This grain-free formula from Merrick Pet Care features a deboned rabbit as the leading ingredient. This raises the food’s protein content for your dog’s muscle power. It also contains other protein sources like pork, turkey, and lamb meals. The initial manufacturing date is January 14th, 2016.
Chickpeas and peas also contribute to the increased protein content. High-quality ingredients, including apples and blueberries, provide antioxidants that support the immune system and offer a balanced oxidative environment. Others, like sweet potatoes, offer fiber for smooth digestion.
Increased omegas, chondroitin, and glucosamine boost coat, skin, and joint functions. This formula is also rich in probiotics for gut well-being. It may, however, not be the best selection for pups with sensitivities and allergies. This is because of its multiple protein sources.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Rabbit, Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal, Pork Meal, Chickpeas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
- Calorie Content: 392 kcal/cup.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s poundage.
- Key Benefit: Deboned rabbit tops the list for high-quality proteins that boost muscle wellness.
- Price: $65.03 per 22-lb bag ($2.96-lb).
Instinct Real Rabbit LID Wet Dog Food ( Best For Sensitive & Allergies)
Limited ingredient formulas are best for dogs with sensitive tummies and allergies. This recipe from Nature’s Variety has a short ingredient list and starts with real rabbits. Rabbit is a novel protein source and less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. This meal has been on the market since April 30th, 2017.
Rabbit is the only meat source. Its high digestibility ensures maximum nutrient absorption while minimizing the chances of sensitivities. This tasty meal is crafted with minerals and vitamins for overall wellness.
The increased moisture content boosts digestion and removes toxins from the body. It also keeps your pup hydrated throughout the day. There are zero artificial additives, fillers, chicken, dairy, beef, eggs, and grains.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Rabbit Liver, Water, Montmorillonite Clay, Chickpeas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10% min, Crude Fat 3% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.
- Calorie Content: 361 kcal/13.2 oz can.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight, age, and activity levels.
- Key Benefit: A short ingredient list with a novel protein to lower the chances of negative reactions.
- Price: $35.64 per 13.2-oz can, case of 6 ($2.7-oz).
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dinner Patties Raw Food (Best Freeze-Dried)
This recipe from Stella & Chewy’s mimics your dog’s wild food. Your pet will thrive if you feed it a diet similar to what its ancestors consumed in the wild; a raw diet supports healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, vibrant skin and fur, and muscle endurance and energy. The initial manufacturing date is January 16th, 2013.
Hormone and antibiotic-free farm-raised rabbit tops the ingredients list for amino acids and reduced allergic reactions. It is free from grains, artificial additives, gluten, and fillers. This increases its suitability for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
Including fiber and probiotics ensures your dog’s tummy is healthy, while taurine boosts cardiac wellness. Beets, cranberries, broccoli, and blueberries are antioxidant-dense ingredients for better immunity and protection against free disease-causing radicals.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit With Ground Bone, Olive Oil, Rabbit Liver, Pumpkin Seed, and Organic Cranberries.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 46% min, Crude Fat 32% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calorie Content: 53 kcal/patty.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with metabolism, activity level, age, and health status.
- Key Benefit: Rabbit is the primary ingredient for a muscular look and lower chances of allergies and sensitivities.
- Price: $73.99 per 25-oz bag ($2.96-oz).
Nature’s Logic Rabbit Feast Canine All Stages Canned Food (Best for All Life Stages)
Switching from one formula to the next exposes your fido to sensitivities. This recipe from Nectar’s Pet Inc. is suitable for all life stages and hence best from puppyhood to senior stages. This grain-free formula uses nutrient-rich organs and muscle meat for healthy muscles. It is also crafted with concentrates of well-selected veggies and fruits. The meal has been on the market since October 7th, 2017.
The formula is low in carbs and has no gluten, potatoes, wheat, soy, corn, or trace nutrients, so you can confidently give it to your sensitive pup. Your picky dog won’t resist this delicacy. The highly digestible formula includes animal plasma, a natural source of vitamins, minerals, albumin, globulin proteins, and natural eggshell calcium.
It has a high moisture content for hydration, improved flavor, and smooth digestion.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Pork Liver, Water Sufficient for Processing, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Egg Product.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 12% min, Crude Fat 7% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Calorie Content: 505 kcal/can.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight, age, environment, breed, and activity levels.
- Key Benefit: High moisture content for proper hydration and digestion.
- Price: $59.87 per 13.2-oz can, case of 12 ($4.54-oz).
Earthborn Holistic Venture Rabbit Meal and Pumpkin Formula Dry Food
Sensitivities and allergies call for a limited ingredient formula, and this meal from Midwestern Pet Foods fits the bill. It uses fewer ingredients and features real rabbits as the first and only protein source. The recipe has been on the market since November 4th, 2014.
The recipe supports cardiac wellness thanks to its increased levels of taurine and methionine. There are no GMO ingredients, legumes, wheat, soy, corn, lentils, peas, egg, chicken, or potato. This lowers the chances of allergic reactions.
DHA boosts brain and vision wellness, while vitamins C and E promote immunity. Including L-carnitine ensures your dogs do not gain unhealthy weight, while increased omega levels keep the coat bright and the skin soft.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit Meal, Tapioca, Pumpkin, Sunflower Oil, Alaska Pollock Meal.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max.
- Calorie Content: 335 kcal/cup.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight.
- Key Benefit: Uses fewer ingredients to minimize the chances of allergies and sensitivities.
- Price: $76.16 per 25-lb bag ($3.05-lb).
Nature’s Logic Rabbit Meal Canine Dry Food
This formula from Philiph’s Feed & Pet Supply features rabbit meal as the top ingredient. Rabbit meal is a protein-dense meat that has been dehydrated. Its low water content means it has more proteins for your pup’s muscles. This formula has been on the market since May 11th, 2013.
It includes minimally processed ingredients like spinach, cranberries, blueberries, and dried kelp. These ingredients are superb sources of antioxidants and fiber that promote the immune and digestive systems. Digestive enzymes and probiotics are added for smooth digestion.
The formula is free from gluten, corn, wheat, soy, and peas. It is grain-inclusive and may not suit dogs with grain allergies. It is also a bit expensive.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit Meal, Millet, Turkey Meal, Pumpkin Seed, Chicken Fat.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calorie Content: 388.56 kcal/cup.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with life stage and weight.
- Key Benefit: Rabbit meal tops the ingredient list for amino acids that support muscle functions.
- Price: $114.99 per 25-lb bag ($4.59-lb).
Lotus Canned Rabbit Loaf Dog Food
Exposing your dog to a new protein helps with allergies and sensitivities. This recipe from Lotus Pet Foods starts with a real rabbit to ensure your dog does not experience negative reactions after consuming it. The formula has been on the market since June 28th, 2017.
It includes healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, and asparagus. These ingredients are excellent sources of fiber and antioxidants to prevent infections and tummy issues.
The single protein source makes it great for fidos with sensitive tummies and irritable bowel syndrome. Its high water content keeps dogs hydrated and detoxifies the body. Superfoods like flaxseed, green mussels, salmon, and coconut oils work together to give your pooch soft skin and a beautiful coat.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Rabbit Broth, Pea Flour, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Ground Flaxseed.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8% min, Crude Fat 5% min, Crude Fiber 1% Max.
- Calorie Content: 1,106 kcal/kg.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with poundage.
- Key Benefit: Increased omega levels for smooth skin and a beautiful coat.
- Price: $65.88 per 12.5-oz can, case of 12 ($5.27-oz).
Grandma Lucy’s Grain-Free Rabbit Pureformance Freeze-Dried Food
Is your dog susceptible to food sensitivities and digestive issues? Then this all-natural grain-free recipe from Phillips Feed & Pet Supply is the right selection. It suits all life stages, so you won’t worry about switching problems. This formula has been on the market since January 18th, 2012.
Chickpeas are used in place of grains. A great source of protein, folic acid, fiber, and the crucial amino acid lysine, chickpeas are low-glycemic legumes. Energy production depends on folic acid, which is crucial for heart health.
Fiber is essential for promoting healthy digestion. Lysine is necessary for various bodily processes, such as developing and maintaining tissues and muscle mass. Other ingredients like apples, cranberries, and blueberries provide antioxidants for a healthy immune system. This recipe may be a bit pricey.
- Top 5 Ingredients: USDA Rabbit, Chickpeas, Flax, Carrots, Celery.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 7.1% Max.
- Calorie Content: 523 kcal/cup.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight.
- Key Benefit: Uses low-glycemic chickpeas for digestive and cardiac well-being.
- Price: $101.00 per 10-lb bag ($10.1-lb).
Merrick Backcountry Alpine Rabbit Stew
Give your sensitive dog the best meal with this Merrick Pet Care recipe with a deboned rabbit as the top ingredient. It also includes whole veggies and added gravy for a tasty meal that will force your picky eater to lick their plate. The initial manufacturing date is February 24th, 2015.
This natural formula includes added minerals and vitamins for overall health. Including flaxseed and salmon oil ensures your dog gets a shiny coat and smooth skin, while turkey and chicken add to the protein content for muscular wellness.
You can serve it as a standalone meal or add it as a topper for better taste and nutrition. The daily intake varies with your dog’s weight.
- Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Rabbit, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Deboned Turkey.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 4% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with weight.
- Key Benefit: Deboned rabbit is the main ingredient for a muscular and energetic pup.
- Price: $68.99 per 12.7-oz can, case of 12 ($5.43-oz).
What Facts Should You Know About Rabbit Dog Foods?
As mentioned earlier, rabbit is a novel protein source and is a great selection for dogs with sensitivities. The likelihood of developing allergies to a new protein source is minimal. Here are other facts about the best rabbit dog food:
- Compared to beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, the rabbit has more protein per ounce and almost no saturated fat. It is a good source of lean protein for animals needing a low-calorie, fat-free treat. It is also heart-healthy and low in cholesterol.
- The nutrient-dense organs of the rabbit are a particularly good source of vitamin B12, which helps to maintain the health of the nervous system in dogs. Additionally, normal cell growth requires it. As vitamin B12 helps maintain a dog’s energy level, if it is acting lethargic, it may be because it is deficient in B12s.
- If your dog isn’t used to eating raw meat, raw rabbit meat may upset its stomach. If your dog consumes raw rabbit meat, watch out for tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. This rare bacterial condition can significantly affect your dog if not treated. Your dog will need antibiotics.
What Are the Best Rabbit Dog Foods According to Dog Sizes?
Best Rabbit Dog Foods for Small Dogs
- Small dog breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers, are prone to sensitive tummies, and Holistic Select Grain-Free Adult Health Rabbit & Lamb Meal Dry Food is the best choice. It has omegas, antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine for skin, coat, immune, digestive, and cardiac health. Rabbit and lamb meals provide proteins for muscle functions.
What Is the Best Rabbit Dog Foods for Medium Dogs
- Medium-sized dogs like Labs are susceptible to stomach issues, and consuming a novel protein may help with the sensitivities. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Selected Proteins Dry Food features rabbit meal, potato, and hydrolyzed soy to lower the chances of sensitivities. The meal can be used for elimination diet trials and long-term nutrition.
Best Rabbit Dog Foods for Large Dogs
- Your sensitive Great Dane needs a protein that it has never consumed, and a rabbit comes to mind. Evanger’s Rabbit Grain-Free Canned Food uses a single protein source from high-quality rabbits to support your big dog’s muscles and prevent sensitivities. It has no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial additives.
What Are the Best Rabbit Dog Foods With Different Ingredients?
Best Rabbit Dog Foods with Blueberries
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants support immunity and prevent free radicals that cause inflammation. Inflammatory diseases like cancer can be fatal, and serving an antioxidant-dense meal could save your pup’s life. Earthborn Holistic Roasted Rabbit Unrefined with Ancient Grains and Superfoods Dry Food starts with real rabbit and includes superfoods like blueberries and cranberries.
What Is the Best Rabbit Dog Foods with Taurine
- Taurine keeps your dog’s heart healthy. The heart is a major organ, and its failure to function properly can be fatal. Wysong Archetype Freeze-Dried Rabbit Formula Raw Dog Food has rabbit, taurine, and organic blueberry ingredients. It has a natural protein source abundant in amino acids and antioxidants, which naturally ward off free radicals.
Best Rabbit Dog Foods with Lentils
- Lentils are excellent fiber sources. Fiber is key for healthy digestion. Healthy digestion means reduced risks of tummy sensitivities and allergies. It also ensures maximum nutrient absorption. Wellness Core Grain-Free Rawrev Wild Game Duck, Wild Boar, and Rabbit Dry Food has a rabbit and features lentils for maximum health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits of Organic Rabbit Dog Foods
Rabbit is a powerhouse of health and nutritional benefits for your dog. Here are some examples:
Allergies and sensitivities
Since rabbit is a novel protein, your dog has probably never or only occasionally been exposed to this type of food, making it a great protein option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who have food allergies to other protein sources.
Introduce a novel protein, such as rabbit, into your dog’s diet to refresh your dog’s system and give your dog’s immune system a break from fighting off the proteins it may be reacting to. If your dog seems itchy or has some GastrointestinaL problems, it is the right time to introduce rabbit to its diet.
High protein content
Rabbit is rich in protein. Its protein content is higher than other protein sources like chicken and turkey. This ensures proper muscle functions.
Low-calorie meat
Rabbit is white meat with reduced levels of calories. This makes it an excellent selection for weight management.
High levels of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 ensures normal cell growth while supporting the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Main Health Concerns for Rabbit Dog Foods
Consuming rabbits comes with its fair share of health problems for your furry canine companion. Besides raw rabbits carrying tapeworms, consuming rabbits can lead to tularemia. This is a condition commonly known as rabbit fever. Here is a detailed description.
What Causes Tularemia?
A bacterial disease, this can affect people, and wild and domestic animals, including dogs, and occurs most frequently in rabbits, hares, and rodents. Francisella tularensis, a bacteria, produces toxins in the blood that cause the disease.
How can dogs get infected?
Though rare in dogs, tularemia gets to your pup in several ways.
- Consuming an infected rodent, rabbit, or other animals
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Bites from infected insects
- Skin-to-skin interaction
- Bacterial aerosol inhalation
Here are the symptoms to look out for
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Organ failure
- Skin ulcers
- White patches on the tongue
- Jaundice
- Throat infection
- Lack of appetite.
Antibiotics are the main treatment options. Ensure your pup completes the full treatment. This ensures full recovery while lowering the chances of recurrence.
What are the nutrients in Rabbit Dog Foods?
Rabbit is rich in minerals and vitamins. Below are the main ones:
Potassium
Along with sodium, potassium helps your dog’s body maintain a healthy balance of water and acid base in the blood. Potassium has an impact on the heart health of your dog because it is essential for muscle contractions.
If the levels of this mineral are balanced, the heart should beat regularly, and the blood should flow properly.
Phosphorus
Your dog’s body requires phosphorus for strong bones, teeth, and normal metabolism. Usually, calcium and phosphorus work together to support homeostasis. Additionally, this mineral is necessary for supporting healthy kidney function.
Selenium
This is a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidation and inflammatory diseases. It also increases the effectiveness of vitamin E and protects the kidney against toxicity from chemotherapy drugs.
Vitamin B3
This vitamin aids in the breakdown of fatty acids in your pup’s body. This results in a healthy coat and skin. It also supports proper blood circulation.
Vitamin B12
Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is crucial for many aspects of your pup’s health. It is essential for developing and developing blood cells and properly operating the nervous system and the brain. Your dog needs B12 to maintain healthy digestion because it affects intestinal health.
Is Rabbit dog foods suitable for dogs with allergies?
Yes. Rabbit is a novel protein source that helps alleviate the effects of allergies and sensitivities. Dogs with food allergies frequently struggle with itchy skin, unruly coats, and intestinal disturbances. The main protein in dog food, typically chicken, beef, or pork, is frequently an allergen.
How do you cook rabbits for dogs?
Cooking rabbit is easy and less time-consuming. Here’s a rabbit stew recipe to try at home:
Ingredients
- 4 lbs of rabbit.
- 10 cups of water.
- 2 cups brown rice.
- 1 cup peeled potato.
- 1 cup chickpeas.
- ½ cup chopped carrots.
- 1 chopped sweet potato.
- 1 chopped apple.
- 1 cup plain yogurt( optional).
- 3 tablespoons tapioca.
Procedure
- Boil the rabbit for 30-35 minutes.
- Debone the rabbit and return to the boiling pot.
- Add rice and veggies and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add the tapioca for gravy.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chickpeas and apples.
- Cool, then stir in yogurt.
- Refrigerate or freeze.
Can I feed my dog raw rabbit meat?
Yes. Raw rabbit is nutrient-dense meat. However, If your dog isn’t used to eating raw meat in their diet, raw rabbit meat may upset its stomach. Watch out for rabbit fever.
What three meats should you not feed your dog?
Some cured meats, including salami, prosciutto, soppressata, pepperoni, and chorizo, are highly processed, have a high salt and fat content, and may contain dangerous nitrates and spices which harm your dog.
How many rabbits can a dog eat?
Serve the rabbit moderately. This means giving it to your dog 2-3 times per week. Follow the AAFCO guidelines and do not exceed the daily serving. The daily intake depends on your pup’s weight.
Is rabbit meat easy to digest for dogs?
Yes. Rabbit meat is highly digestible. This reduces the chances of tummy problems and ensures maximum nutrient absorption for your dog’s overall wellness. Its high digestibility boosts its health and nutritional values.
Can dogs eat rabbits every day?
No. It is important to vary your dog’s protein sources. Eating rabbits daily does not expose your dog to other high-quality protein sources like bison and kangaroo. Dogs also need fruits and veggies.
Over to You
There you have it. Our top ten rabbit formulas. A rabbit is a great option to switch the protein source in your pet’s meal.
Whether your dog has become selective or has grown bored of his usual diet, rabbit is likely to please its palate, as rabbit meat is quite alluring to many dogs.
And rabbit is a great novel protein for sensitivities and allergies. Our best overall and best-budget meals, Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Rabbit and Merrick Real Rabbit and Chickpea Recipe Dry Food, are a good start to exploring rabbit meat.