ABSTRACT
Mixed rations vary in their composition depending on the source. Most contain a variety of cereals and legumes mixed with dried vegetables and highly coloured biscuits or pellets, and are therefore often deemed more visually appealing to the owner. However, the majority of these constituents are low in fibre and high in starch. Mixed rations encourage selective feeding and therefore are often associated with an unbalanced intake of nutrients. Some of these products are sold loose in pet stores, with no labelling information provided. Many contain chunks of locust bean, which may cause GI obstructions. Both types of food are popular as they are highly palatable, convenient and readily available. b Although some concentrates are marketed as complete diets, they are formulated in this way based on the nutritional requirements of commercially farmed rabbits. In non-breeding adult and geriatric pet rabbits, mixed rations or pellets should only be used as complementary feedstuffs, with the bulk of the diet being provided by good quality hay and grasses.
