Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food is a pelleted diet formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of adult rabbits over 1 year old. With a primary ingredient of timothy hay to support healthy digestion and a balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, Oxbow aims to provide complete daily nutrition in an easy to eat pelleted form. In this article we talk about Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food and its Pros, Cons & Review.
Brand Overview Oxbow Animal Health was founded over 30 years ago by a team including top veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Their goal is to support the health and wellbeing of small animals with specialized products formulated for the needs of each species and life stage. Oxbow has a reputation for quality and reliability among rabbit owners and is recommended by veterinarians.
Table of Contents
Pros of Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
Here are some of the most notable advantages of this Oxbow rabbit food:
- Made with Premium Timothy Hay: The first ingredient is timothy hay, which provides healthy fiber to support digestive health. Oxbow uses premium hay.
- Fortified with Vitamins & Minerals: Contains added vitamins like Vitamin E and minerals like calcium to ensure complete, balanced nutrition.
- Uniform Pellets Prevent Selective Feeding: Unlike mixes, the uniform pellets prevent rabbits from selectively picking out only their favorite pieces.
- Supports Immune Health: Fortified with prebiotics, antioxidants and nutrients to support immune function.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Developed with guidance from veterinary professionals. Oxbow has a long-standing reputation.
- Easy to Chew Pellet Form: The small, compressed pellets are easier for rabbits to chew and digest compared to hay alone.
- Made in the USA: Manufactured in Nebraska from North American sourced ingredients.
Cons of Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food
Here are a few of the downsides to consider before switching to this Oxbow formula:
- Contains Non-Organic Ingredients: The oat hay, barley and other ingredients are not certified organic.
- Higher Calorie Than Some Foods: At 2.5 calories per gram, it’s slightly higher in calories than some competitor’s foods. Best paired with unlimited hay.
- Contains Soybean Hulls: The soybean hulls provide fiber but are controversial ingredient for some owners wishing to avoid soy.
- Pellet-Only Diet Not Recommended: It’s not intended as a complete diet without also offering unlimited grass hay.
Ingredients Analysis
The first two ingredients are timothy hay and oat hay, providing a hefty dose of essential fiber. It also contains processed grain products like ground soybean hulls, wheat middlings and barley to balance out nutrition.
Natural antioxidant-rich ingredients like yucca schidigera extract, rosemary and lemon balm promote immunity. Prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) feed good gut bacteria. It has added vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, etc.) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium).
Overall, this rabbit food contains a thoughtful balance of quality natural ingredients tailored to the nutritional needs of adult rabbits. However, it does contain soy, wheat and other controversial grains for owners preferring a short ingredient list.
Feeding Guidelines & Transition Tips
Oxbow provides the following daily feeding guidelines:
- 1-4 lbs: 1⁄8 cup
- 4-8 lbs: 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 cup
- 8-10 lbs: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 cup
- 10+ lbs: 3⁄4 cup
It’s meant to be fed in addition to free-choice grass hay. When transitioning, mix it gradually with the previous food over 2-4 weeks. Monitor stool and appetite closely. Decrease pellets if soft stool develops. Have fresh water available at all times.
The uniform pellets and hay ingredients support dental health. There’s no need to supplement with other treats if feeding the recommended portions.
Price & Value
A 5-pound bag costs approximately $12-$22 depending on the retailer, making it a mid-range priced rabbit food. Given the high-quality ingredients, veterinary formulation and trusted Oxbow brand, it offers very good value. Larger bags are available for added savings.
When fed as directed along with unlimited hay, one 5-pound bag can last a single medium-sized adult rabbit 2-3 months. For owners of multiple rabbits, buying in bulk offers opportunities for further savings.
Reviews & Ratings
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food earns consistently positive reviews, holding an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 3500 reviews. Well-loved features include the premium timothy hay, balance of vitamins/minerals, reputable brand and results in healthy, active adult rabbits. Negative critiques focus on the soybean hulls and desire for more organic ingredients.
Final Verdict: Excellent Adult Rabbit Food
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food delivers high quality nutrition tailored specifically for adult rabbits over 1 year old. It strikes an ideal balance between timothy hay, premium fortified pellets and functional ingredients to support digestion, dental health, immunity and wellbeing. While non-GMO and soy-free formulas exist for owners preferring them, this food makes an excellent choice for most adult house rabbits. Following Oxbow’s feeding guidelines and pairing with unlimited grass hay sets the stage for healthy buns. I sincerely hope you find this “Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food Pros, Cons & Review” article helpful. you can buy it from amazon.
Tara Ragatz is an accomplished writer specializing in rabbit care and housing, holding a Master’s degree in Animal Science. With over 8 years of experience, Tara provides expert advice on creating the perfect living environments for rabbits through her articles on RabbitCage.org. Her extensive knowledge and practical tips help pet owners ensure the best care for their rabbits. For more insights and inspiration, follow her on Pinterest.