No matter what kind of angora you have, its important to know about specific requirements for the Angora diet. In this article, I will review different options for feed, supplements, treats and I will touch on different issues that a proper diet can help with.

Pellets

A high quality pellet is a good foundation for a healthy diet. A good pellet contains everything your rabbit needs nutritionally. There are other options if you do not want to use a pellet, we will get to that further down. There are a lot of rabbit pellets available on the market, but not all of these feeds are equal nor are the all ideal for Angoras.

Protein

Angora rabbits need 18% protein pellets to help maintain their wool coats. If the protein is too low, the coats can become brittle, short, and your rabbit may lose weight as a result. Different brands offer an 18% protein pellet option, but not all feeds are 18%. Many are actually 16% or lower.

Here are some suggested products that are an 18% protein diet (click the links to be taken to their product information pages):

Where to buy? Before buying rabbit pellet online, contact your local Farmer’s Cooperative and ask what brands of rabbit pellets they have access to. It is usually much more cost effective to special order a pellet from your local farmer’s co-op. If you do not have access to a co-op or yours does not carry an 18% feed, follow the links above to access the company’s websites and find a list of retailers near you. It is more cost effective to buy rabbit feed locally than to purchase it online.

Mold

One of the main issues with rabbit feed is it can develop mold very easily. mold will kill your rabbits, fast. Always check your new bags of feed upon opening. Always check feeders/hoppers for mold collection on the inside. Always store your rabbit feed in a cool, dry location or seal in an airtight container. Any moisture contact has the potential to ruin your entire bag of feed.

Hay & Roughage

Hay and other forms of roughage are additives to a diet that can help prevent certain conditions in angoras and to help with overall gut health and provide enrichment. There are many different types of hay and dried grasses, and not all of them are equal. Here is an article that discusses different nutritional values for different types of hay.

Adding hay to the diet does not have to be expensive. Purchasing your hay from a local farmer’s cooperative can drop your hay prices from $20 for a large bag to $5-7 for a square bale (I don’t have the exact measurements, but its a lot more hay for cheaper).

When shopping for hay from a co-op, you need to ask: What kind of hay is it (google to make sure it is a safe type of grass/legume for rabbits)? And is it horse quality? (Horse?! We are talking about rabbits! If its good for horses, its good for rabbits.) You can also try to source hay from local farmers.

Wool Block

Wool block is a condition that angoras can develop by eating too much of their own wool. The wool can build up in their intestines and cause a blockage. Hay and other roughage can help reduce the chances of wool block. Feeding dried pineapple and dried papaya can also help prevent wool block. I will write a separate article on wool block in the future.

Forage & Fodder

Rabbits over 6 months of age can also be fed forage and fodder. Forage is mostly things you will find around your yard that are safe for rabbits to eat. This can be grasses, twigs from safe trees, flowers that are safe to eat. Always double check something is safe before feeding. Never feed anything from an area that has been treated with pesticides or weed killers or other chemicals. You can also feed scraps from a garden or from food prep. You can also grow your own fodder. Fodder is sprouted grains or legumes like wheat, barley, or field peas. You can grow it as a mix or a single source in a system. There is some debate of growing fodder as a pellet replacement. Forage does need to be given in some moderation, as some plants and vegetables and fruits can cause issues or be high in sugars.

Gastrointestinal Stasis

Feeding rabbits forage and fodder can be tricky. If you have a young rabbit that has never been introduced to these foods, avoid them until your rabbit is, at least, 6 months old. Feeding new foods or too many greens to a young rabbit can cause GI stasis. This is bloating in the intestines, and it can kill a young rabbit. Introduce new foods carefully and watch for bloating, especially if you did not raise the rabbit yourself.

Herbs, Seeds, & Grains

A great additive to a diet are various herbs, seeds, and grains. A go to staple for most angora breeders are black oil sunflower seeds (called BOSS) and oats. Many breeders give a small amount of BOSS and oats on a daily basis to help keep their rabbits in condition. Other types of Sunflower seeds need to be approached with caution, as some varieties have hulls that are problematic. Barley, oats, and wheat are all good grains that can be added in moderation.

Various fresh herbs can have added benefits and can be used for medicinal usages, as well. Research which herbs are safe and which are not before feeding.

Treats

Treats should always be given in moderation, but there are many commercially available rabbit treats. Shop around and check reviews on various treats. Dried fruit (with no sugar) is a good treat. There are several retailers that offer dried fruits for rabbits, or you can invest in a food dehydrator and make the fruit yourself.

Other Additives

Other commercial supplements can be given to help improve condition. There are various rabbit show supplements and also Calf Manna. Calf Manna is a good pick me up for a rabbit that has lost weight. Give Calf Manna in small amounts.

Conclusion

For proper nutrition, a good base pellet with supplements, as needed, can ensure your angora rabbits are receiving the required nutrition to keep and maintain their coats and condition. Research for products that will be readily available to you locally. Shipping can be delayed, so always prepare to replace feed before you run out to accommodate this. Happy feeding!