Why timothy and not alfalfa pellets?

[HappyThieves]

I've been reading a lot of posts that sayalfalfa-based pellets are for younger rabs and timothy for adult but Ihaven't read why? Is it a protein thing or maybe a fiberissue?

We use Purina (green bag) but it's an alfalfa pellet. Gettinga timothy one is a little harder (and much more expensive, from whatI've seen). I'll switch if I need to but wanted to understandwhy/if it was necessary. Can someone explain this tome?

Thanks! You guys are the best!

--Karen

 

[redestarrosa]

yes, it is the protein content, young rabbits needs alfalfa cause they are growing fast...

depending on what kind of rabbit you have and how old the rabbit is,the food is typically switch over gradually when the rabbit is 6 monthsold if small rabbit, and at 9 months old when large rabbits one of themgiant breeds...

timothy have lower protein content, if adult rabbit have too muchprotein in their system , it is hard on their kidneys, they may producekidney stones, their bladder might get affected, mainly due tocomplication from the kidney and various other ailments

 

[naturestee]

There's some different opinions onthis. Many adult rabbits do just fine on limited alfalfapellets with timothy or other grass (not alfalfa) hay.Alfalfa pellets have more protein, which can cause excess cecals insome adults and can also contribute to weight gain. Also,some people (including me) find that switching to a lower proteinpellet makes the coat more soft and shed less. Some rabbitsare also sensitive to the higher levels of calcium in alfalfa, whichleads to bladder sludge or stones. Timothy pellets have lessprotein and usually less calcium- check the bag. They alsotend to have more fiber, which is always good.

This is a really good article:
http://www.wisconsinhrs.org/Articles/Pellet Types.htm

We tend to worry a lot about too much dietary calcium.Bladder sludge and stones can be huge problems for somerabbits. But calcium is not the only cause, plus a diet toolow in calcium can cause rabbits to reabsorb calcium from theirbones.:shock: Here's some good articles on calcium metabolismin rabbits and causes of sludge:
http://www.mahouserabbit.org/newsletter/calcium.asp
http://www.carrotcafe.com/n/calcium.html
http://www.ontariorabbits.org/health/healthinfo4.1.html

Every rabbit is different, so no one diet will be the best one foreach. If you are worried about the protein or calciumcontents for your rabbits, you could cut back more on the alfalfapellets and feed more vegetables instead. If they get lots ofhay and veggies, they really only need a few tablespoons of pellets aday to ensure they're getting all the nutrients they need.