Rabbit Food (Alfalfa)

[frmcreamer]

After a bit of time of reading in my Iguana's for Dummies I have noticed a lot of the word Alfalfa used in the food. Out of curiousity i was reading up on it and noticed its found in rabbit feed, and to my luck my aunt has three rabbits. So i looked at the rabbit feed and the pellets ingredients were listed something like cured protein, calcium, phosporous, vitamin a, and something else can remember (was small percent.) I didnt really see alfalfa listed in the ingredients but I was wondering if this would be safe for them? It says in the book that iguanas lack much on protein from the plants, (even though i was taught to believe they didnt need any protein at all).

I tried reading around on forum but noticed noone has posted anything about this so i definitely want to check and make sure on this before i go and start giving this to my igs.

Another thing is supplements I dont see to much for use with them as long as you give them basic greens and veggies along with a little fruit it seems like they get all the nutrients they need. But in this book it says at their baby and juevinile age that calcium supplements should be used about a pinch like 4 of 7 days a week and to add vitamin supplements about 3 days a week. And they say if you cant get supplements to just crush up a centrum pill in their food and give it to them... is it just me or does all this seem a little much, maybe im just overreacting and i guess too much supplements can hurt that badly.

[Merlin]

Indeed too much supplementation can be deadly!

There are cases where some supplementation is suggested such as rapidly growing babies and gravid females that are egging. Many people do not use supplements and many people do. If you wish to supplement, a good way is to put the vitamins and calcium powders in SEPERATE salt shakers and once or twice a week lightly dust the food. Use it as if you were salting your own food. If you end up being able to see powder all over everything you are using too much.

The confusion is, yes iguanas do need protein,...but PLANT proteins not animal. Various vegetable contain plant proteins. Beans for example.
You have to be careful about rabbit pellets Just like anything there is good stuff and bad stuff. Some cheap rabbit pellets contain animal by products. You can get quality alfalfa pellets that do not contain animal proteins. People that raise show rabbits are prohibited from feeding pellets containing animal protein as it will cause their animals to be disqualified. If it doesn't say alfalfa on the ingredients I would be suspicious. You can also get alfalfa powder at the health food store.

[frmcreamer]

Okay thanks for the info merlin preciate it!

[indnajns]

All the rabbit pellets I've come across also contain corn, which is on the list of "can't haves". Is there a brand of pellets that's pure alfalfa?

[prism_wolf]

Series Sho Formula Rabbit 50 Feed

Tractor Supply Co. sells it out here.

[maryah123]

I have seen alfalfa Tabs over at our health food stores, will those work?

[Jen]

Im curious, would giving my 3 brats alfalfa pellets benefit them? Kind of like giving calcium.

[prism_wolf]

jfogle78 said:

Im curious, would giving my 3 brats alfalfa pellets benefit them? Kind of like giving calcium.

Alfalfa is a high source of plant protein. Proteins are building blocks for good growth, muscle repair/building, and so much more. It's a huge benefit to growing igs especially. As with anything...moderation is needed. It IS still a protein and too much can lead to kidney problems. I just sprinkle liberal amounts to Zair's food a couple of times a week. Everyday would not hurt a growing ig at all.

[Jen]

Ok thanks. I just want to keep them all healthy.