Alfalfa-Powered Daily Growth Formula for Young Rabbits Product Description Young rabbits grow quickly in their first year, and pregnant or nursing does need extra fuel to keep up, which is what Oxbow Essentials Young Rabbit Food is built to provide. Starting with high-fiber alfalfa meal and adding balanced protein and calcium, this uniform pellet is designed to support strong bone development, steady energy, and healthy growth during these higher-demand life stages. Benefits Alfalfa-Led Nutrition: Alfalfa meal leads the ingredient list, delivering concentrated fiber and protein to fuel rapid early growth. Bone and Muscle Development: Balanced calcium and protein levels support strong bone growth and lean muscle in young rabbits. Supports Pregnant and Nursing Does: Formulated to also cover the higher energy needs of pregnant and nursing rabbits throughout that period. Complete Vitamin Coverage: Delivers 100% of a young rabbit's daily recommended vitamins and minerals in every pellet you feed. No Artificial Additives: Free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, using only genuine, purposeful ingredients throughout the entire formula. Variants 5 lb Bag 10 lb Bag 25 lb Bag Ingredients Alfalfa Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Hulls, Soybean Oil, Salt, Cane Molasses, Lignin Sulfonate, Sodium Bentonite, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Yeast Culture, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate. Guaranteed Analysis Nutrient Amount Crude Protein (min) 15.00% Crude Fat (min) 2.50% Crude Fiber (min) 22.00% Crude Fiber (max) 25.00% Moisture (max) 10.00% Calcium (min) 0.60% Calcium (max) 1.10% Phosphorus (min) 0.25% Vitamin A (min) 10,000 IU/kg Vitamin D (min) 900 IU/kg Vitamin E (min) 190 IU/kg How to Use Dosage Chart Life Stage Daily Amount Growing (under 1 year) Unlimited pellets Pregnant/Nursing Unlimited pellets Dosage & Administration Instructions Pair with Unlimited Hay: Keep fresh grass hay in the cage at all times, not just when you remember to add it. Refill Throughout the Day: Start with 1/8 to 1/4 cup in the morning, then check midday and top it off if empty. Limit Alfalfa Hay for Pregnant or Nursing Rabbits: Alfalfa is fine for does that are pregnant or nursing, but it should stay a small part of their diet, not the main hay. Transition Gradually Over a Month: Mix old and new food together, shifting the ratio toward the new food a little more each week for four weeks. Consult Your Vet: Talk to your vet if your rabbit looks noticeably thinner or heavier than it used to. Additional Information Precautions Guidelines Only: Feeding amounts are general guidelines only, so adjust as needed for your individual rabbit's body condition. Shipping & Return We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details. For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What life stages is Essentials Young Rabbit Food meant for? Ans: Essentials Young Rabbit Food is built for growing rabbits under one year old, along with pregnant and nursing does, since both groups need more energy and protein than a typical adult rabbit. It isn't meant to replace an adult formula once a rabbit reaches full maturity. Q2: How much Young Rabbit Formula should I feed a young rabbit? Ans: The feeding guidance for Young Rabbit Formula calls for unlimited pellets for growing rabbits under one year, always paired with unlimited grass hay. In practice, start with about 1/8 to 1/4 cup in the morning, then check the dish midday and refill as needed rather than filling it to the top. Q3: Can I feed Essentials Young Rabbit Pellets to a pregnant or nursing rabbit? Ans: Yes, Essentials Young Rabbit Pellets are formulated specifically to also meet the higher energy needs of pregnant and nursing rabbits, not just growing ones. Like young rabbits, pregnant and nursing does are fed this pellet on an unlimited basis alongside unlimited grass hay throughout that stage of life. Q4: How do I switch my rabbit over to Young Rabbit Food safely? Ans: A gradual four-week transition is recommended to avoid digestive upset when switching a rabbit to Young Rabbit Food. Mix three parts of the old food with one part new in week one, gradually increasing the new food's share each week until feeding it exclusively by week four. Q5: Why does Essentials Rabbit Formula for Young Rabbits lead with alfalfa instead of timothy hay? Ans: Alfalfa hay is naturally higher in protein, calcium, and energy than the grass hays used in adult formulas, which better matches what growing and reproducing rabbits need. That's why Essentials Rabbit Formula for Young Rabbits leads with alfalfa meal instead of a timothy hay base. Q6: Can I give alfalfa hay to a pregnant or nursing rabbit alongside Essentials young rabbit pellet? Ans: Yes, but feeding directions recommend offering alfalfa hay only in small quantities to pregnant or nursing rabbits, rather than unlimited amounts. Since Essentials young rabbit pellet already uses alfalfa meal as its leading ingredient, adding a lot of extra alfalfa hay could push the diet out of balance. Q7: Does the young rabbit recipe from the Essentials line contain any artificial preservatives? Ans: No, the young rabbit recipe from the Essentials line leaves artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors out entirely, relying only on purposeful, natural ingredients throughout. That's a standard across the product line, not something unique to just this particular formula, based on the available product listings.
