What exactly *is* rabbit dog food, and why are so many pet owners looking into it? If you have a dog with a sensitive stomach or allergies, you’ve probably heard whispers about novel proteins like rabbit. It sounds unusual, but for some dogs, it’s the key to happy digestion and a shiny coat.
Choosing the right food feels overwhelming. You want the best for your furry friend, but navigating ingredient labels filled with confusing terms can feel like a chore. Many standard dog foods trigger itching, upset tummies, or chronic discomfort. Rabbit meat offers a lean, easily digestible alternative, but finding trustworthy brands and understanding the benefits takes time and research.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly why rabbit is a great option, what to look for on the ingredient list, and how to smoothly transition your dog to this unique diet. Get ready to discover simple steps that lead to a healthier, happier pup.
Top Rabbit Dog Food Recommendations
- Exceptional grain inclusive dog nutrition made in USA kitchens.
- Fresh rabbit, a novel protein, is the first ingredient! In addition, Omega-3 rich salmon protein supports brain development, good vision & healthy skin & coat for dogs & puppies, even large breeds.
- Nutrition dense ancient grains like barley, oats, quinoa & chia are less refined, making them easily digestible & a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Natural fibers from pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, spinach (& many more) support healthy digestion, along with prebiotic inulin & probiotics for good gut health. Vitamin E provides antioxidant support for strong immunity.
- Bag made from 25% recycled material. - Love Your Pet. Love Your Planet.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Features farm-raised rabbit with whole food ingredients and free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors and preservatives
- POWER OF RAW: Coated in freeze-dried raw for enhanced flavor and nutrition, crafted to remain minimally processed and never cooked
- NUTRIENT DENSE: Contains 71% animal ingredients and oils and 29% vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome foods
- SUPPORTS WELLNESS: Guaranteed levels of live probiotics, natural omegas, and antioxidants help promote healthy digestion, nourish skin & coat, and support immune health
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- GOAT'S MILK: Provides natural probiotics, enzymes, and essential nutrients that support digestion, gut health, and immune function. Rich in calcium, potassium, and vitamins, goat's milk helps promote strong bones, a healthy coat, and overall vitality
- PROMOTES OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Freeze dried raw dog food is packed with protein. Premium meat blended with organic whole fruits and vegetables for the best raw food for dogs to nourish your best friend
- NO SYNTHETIC SUPPLEMENTS, GRAIN, GLUTEN, OR ADDITIVES: We believe in natural nutrition, which is why our recipes are balanced to eliminate the need for cheap, synthetic vitamins and minerals
- FARM TO TABLE SOURCED: Made with holistic freeze-dried dog food raw ingredients. We understand that your fur baby is family and only the best raw dog food is right for them
- LOCALLY FREEZE-DRIED: All Shepherd Boy Farms recipes are freeze-dried in-house, right here in Indiana, USA. We maintain high quality-control standards, and are SQF-Certified. Each batch of product is tested by a third-party lab
- Exceptional grain inclusive dog nutrition made in USA kitchens.
- Fresh rabbit, a novel protein, is the first ingredient! In addition, Omega-3 rich salmon protein supports brain development, good vision & healthy skin & coat for dogs & puppies, even large breeds.
- Nutrition dense ancient grains like barley, oats, quinoa & chia are less refined, making them easily digestible & a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Natural fibers from pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, spinach (& many more) support healthy digestion, along with prebiotic inulin & probiotics for good gut health. Vitamin E provides antioxidant support for strong immunity.
- Bag made from 25% recycled material. - Love Your Pet. Love Your Planet.
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD WITH FARM RAISED RABBIT: Instinct Original is made with 95% rabbit & pork liver, 5% vegetables, fruits and other wholesome ingredients. This is high protein dog food with responsibly sourced farm raised rabbit as the #1 ingredient.
- CANNED DOG FOOD WITH NO FILLERS: Instinct Original wet dog food is high protein dog food. Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan, by-product meals, artificial colors or preservatives - ingredients known to trigger food sensitivities.
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Made from real meat & whole food ingredients, our grain free wet dog food is packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles. Served as a meal or topper, this delicious loaf texture is a taste that small dogs to large dogs crave.
- RAW INSPIRED WET DOG FOOD: Our canned dog food offers complete & balanced nutrition from real ingredients to support your dog's health from puppy to senior. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.
- INSTINCT, THE RAW BRAND: We craft wet & dry dog food from real ingredients. Compare Instinct to Blue Buffalo, Rachel Ray, Hills Science Diet, Purina One, Taste of the Wild, Merrick, Natural Balance, Wellness, Orijen, Royal Canin, Fromm, Acana & Nutro.
- Made with cage-free, hormone-free and antibiotic-free fresh rabbit
- Packed with 6 ancient grains, such as quinoa, buckwheat and chia, that are rich in protein and provide a great source of fiber and vital amino acids.
- Enhanced with 14 superfoods, such as blueberries, cranberries, Spinach and carrots, that are nutrient-rich and packed with Omega fatty acids to help with digestive support and healthy skin and coat.
- Enriched with taurine to help support your dog's heart health.
- Only good stuff, included! This means no peas, no lentils, no legumes, no chicken, no by-products, no potatoes, no fillers, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives.
- CRUNCHY FREEZE-DRIED RAW RABBIT DOG FOOD: Vital Essentials Crunchy Freeze Dried Dog Food packs more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves, especially when compared to dehydrated dog food. This complete and balanced freeze-dried raw dog food is made with premium butcher cut rabbit, responsibly sourced in the EU.
- USA MADE WITH THE FINEST GLOBALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS: Premium freeze dried dog food made with European sourced proteins. Give your pet a wholesome and nutritious meal, packed with the goodness of high-quality proteins sourced from trusted farms.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog food on the market uses premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog food and treats are farm-raised and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every bite of Vital Essentials freeze dried dog food.
- WHOLE ANIMAL PROTEIN: We harvest high-quality protein from the whole animal, with no fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, legumes, grains, or rendered by-products.Plus, Vital Essentials offers the widest variety of single-protein raw pet food products on the market, making our these crunchy mini nibs a great option for picky eaters, pets with allergies, or for any pet parent looking to add excitement and nutrition at meal time.
- Made with high-quality kangaroo as the #1 ingredient
- Kangaroo is low in fat & rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Limited-ingredient formula may make this a great option for a rotational diet
- Available in our Small Bites Formula
- Fortified with probiotics to help support gut health
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Rabbit Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your dog is a big deal. If you are looking at rabbit-based dog food, you are likely seeking a novel protein source. This guide helps you pick the best option.
Key Features to Look For
Good rabbit dog food should meet several important standards. Look closely at the label before you buy.
1. Protein Source Quality
- Real Rabbit First: The first ingredient listed should be rabbit, either as “dehydrated rabbit” or “rabbit meal.” This means it has the most rabbit in the food.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Check the guaranteed protein percentage. For adult dogs, aim for at least 20% crude protein. Puppies need slightly more.
2. Complete and Balanced Nutrition
- AAFCO Statement: Every quality dog food must have a statement from the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). It should say the food is “complete and balanced” for a specific life stage (e.g., “for maintenance of adult dogs”).
- Added Nutrients: Look for essential vitamins and minerals like Taurine, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Omega Fatty Acids (like fish oil).
Important Ingredients and Materials
Rabbit is a lean, novel protein. This means many dogs have not eaten it before, which is great for sensitive tummies.
What Should Be In The Bag:
- Rabbit: This is your main ingredient. It provides necessary amino acids for muscle health.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, or brown rice provide steady energy.
- Healthy Fats: Fats like chicken fat or sunflower oil deliver energy and help keep the coat shiny.
What Should Be Limited or Avoided:
- Excess Fillers: Foods heavy in corn or wheat might lower the overall quality, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
- Artificial Additives: Avoid foods with artificial colors (like Red 40) or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) are better.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the food is made greatly affects how well your dog uses the nutrients.
Quality Boosters:
- Grain-Free Options: If your vet suggests it, grain-free recipes using lentils or potatoes are available.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: These ingredients support gut health, which is key when introducing new proteins like rabbit.
Quality Reducers:
- Low Digestibility: If the protein source is poorly processed, your dog will pass most of the nutrients. High-quality manufacturing processes help dogs absorb more goodness.
- Ingredient Swaps: Some companies change the main ingredients without notice. Reliable brands keep their formula consistent.
User Experience and Use Cases
Rabbit dog food is often used for specific reasons. Think about why you are choosing it.
Best Use Cases:
- Allergies: If your dog reacts poorly to common proteins (like chicken or beef), rabbit is a great “novel protein” to try.
- Weight Management: Since rabbit is generally lean, it can be a good choice for dogs needing to maintain a healthy weight.
What Owners Report:
Most owners report positive changes when switching to high-quality rabbit food. Dogs often show improved coat condition and less itching. Some dogs might need a slow transition period (one week) to avoid stomach upset when first eating it.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rabbit Dog Food
Q: Is rabbit dog food safe for all dogs?
A: Yes, generally it is safe. However, you should always discuss a major diet change with your veterinarian first.
Q: Why is rabbit dog food usually more expensive?
A: Rabbit is often considered a specialty or novel protein, meaning it costs more for manufacturers to source and process compared to chicken or beef.
Q: Can my puppy eat rabbit dog food?
A: Only if the bag specifically states it is formulated for “all life stages” or “growth and reproduction” (puppies). Puppies need different nutrient balances.
Q: How do I switch my dog to a rabbit-based diet?
A: Mix a small amount of the new food with their old food, slowly increasing the new food over seven to ten days. This prevents digestive upset.
Q: Does rabbit dog food smell bad?
A: Quality brands usually have a mild, meaty smell, similar to other premium dog foods. Strong, unpleasant odors can signal poor ingredients.
Q: What if my dog has a reaction to rabbit food?
A: Stop feeding it immediately. If symptoms are severe (like heavy vomiting or lethargy), call your vet right away.
Q: Is rabbit dog food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A: Often, yes. Because rabbit is novel, it rarely triggers allergies or sensitivities seen with common proteins.
Q: Should I look for limited ingredient rabbit formulas?
A: If your dog has many allergies, a limited ingredient diet (LID) with rabbit as the single protein source is often the best starting point.
Q: Does the cooking method matter for rabbit food?
A: Yes. Kibble is cooked with heat, but the best manufacturers use gentle heating to preserve nutrient quality.
Q: Where can I find the AAFCO statement on the bag?
A: Look near the guaranteed analysis or the ingredient list, usually on the back or side panel of the packaging.