#1. Weight control Here is something that many bunnies can, and do suffer from. Obesity. Feeding lots of pellets and processed treats is like eating lots of Mc.Donalds chicken Nuggets. I know some of you get my meaning to the point, others that don't, why don't you go look up the ingredients in Micky D's chicken nuggets or Micky D's anything. I think by the time you're done, you might even agree that the rabbit pellet is healthier. I know that we may try to control how much pellet they are eating, but in the long run, you really just need to feed less pellets. Feed Fresh. Grow it yourself, or Buy Local. Not from Walmart, from farmers, growers in your area. (it never hurts to emphasize buying local, because it is something we desperately need to do!) I truly believe that feeding less pellet and more fresh, will improve your rabbit's health. Immensely. Now I'm not saying, don't feed pellet, Far From it, but I am saying, maybe consider cutting back just a bit. (not a lot, unless your bunny is overly fat) It will improve your bunny's health. Another thing I'm just throwing out there, if you're bunny is fixed (spayed/neutered) it has a higher chance of becoming obese. I've experienced dealing with it when I had a fixed rabbit, they were obese, and it was hard to get some of that weight off of them. Feed more Fiber like Hay, and of course, raw.
#2. Healthy mental, psychological and physical stimulation I have seen a definite improvement in attitudes and temperament towards me and other bunnies. Feeding our pets raw puts them in touch with their natural, innate, dynamic instincts in a way that feeding them junk pet food (like Walmart treats and the pellet Walmart carries is what I would highly consider "junk food") simply never can.
#3. Softer, Shinier, Healthier Coats It really is amazing to see the obvious improvement in their fur and coats. Before I really started feeding raw, my rabbit's fur even seemed to be somewhat dull in appearance. By contrast, most everyone who switches their pets to raw is amazed at how much softer and cleaner feeling and glossier their pets’ fur becomes.
#4. And of Course, Economically. Read my above comments on this. It really can help cut back your unnecessary feed costs.
So there are my points in feeding fresh and raw. My goal for the next year, Kind of like an early new year's Resolution, is to try and feed my bunnies as healthy as possible. Not like a fad I might try for 2 weeks, (not that I ever try fads) but really try to feed my rabbits as healthy as possible. I DO understand that I may sounds little wacky at the moment, but the bottom line is, I'm feeding fresh greens, seeing improvements in health, attitude, and economics. If you want to try it, go for it!!!!
Another interesting health topic in feeding rabbits: Try feeding them Kefir grains. I'm not to into giving my adult rabbits dairy products, as I see a good bit of loose bowel problem, so I feed Water Kefir. (You're welcome to try milk kefir grains too if you'd like though) We grow our own Kefir grains with Organic Sugar, and we drink the Kefir and feed the Grains to the bunnies and chickens. Kefir is a natural Pro-biotic, so instead of me feeding Pro-bios in a paste (like for cattle that you give orally) to them, just give them some fresh Water Kefir twice (or more) every week. It is cheap, and water Kefir is constantly multiplying. Another one of my fun ideas, and I do use it! :)
Watch for another post later this week!
~Anna