The Oxbox Hay Company and Your Rabbit

The Oxbox Hay Company has long been known to produce fresh and reliably healthy nutrition for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, prairie dogs, and adult pet rats. Oxbow has many feeding options such as fortified feeds, fresh hay, healthy treats, and supplements. The Oxbow Advisory Board is a group of researchers, scientists, top exotic veterinarians, private practitioners, and animal nutritionists that are dedicated to quality control of the Oxbow brand and specialize in the dietary necessities for small, exotic animals.

The most important nutritional requirement that rabbits, in particular, have is their fiber intake. Hay is a dried, cured preserved plant fed to animals and the variations Oxbow produces are high in quality and fiber. Hay is also important for rabbits because it stimulates motility in the digestive tract and keeps their systems working efficiently. Oxbow suggests using grass hay (timothy) over legume hay (alfalfa) for the average adult house rabbit. This is because it is highest in fiber.

Alfalfa is best for young bunnies (under six months) because it provides them with extra calcium although it is important to provide grass hay as well. Alfalfa is also useful for rabbits recovering from surgeries and older rabbits because it is a tasty treat and promotes weight gain. Oxbow suggests for pellet diets that the fiber is over 20% and less than 16% protein. As a general rule of thumb, Oxbow recommends 1⁄4 cup pellets per 2 1⁄2 pounds of body weight, though this may vary depending on your pet.

Pet owners also wonder about healthy treats to give pet rabbits. Many pet owners like the idea of giving treats straight from the fridge. It is important to introduce foods one at a time to your animal to be sure your rabbit’s digestive tract can handle it. Oxbow suggests approximately one cup of vegetables for every 4 pounds of body weight to offer. Romaine, collards, dandelion greens, and kale are all great choices. In small quantities herbs or fruits can be offered like bananas and apples.

Not to be forgotten, Oxbow produces yummy and healthy treats for rabbits. Their Papaya Tablets contain freeze dried papaya and pineapple and may assist in the digestion of hairballs. The also offer Critter Carrots that are high in fiber and carotene and a 100% carrot treat. Other choices are Natures Treat and Critter Berries with Cranberry.