Supplements ok?

[deadneonflies]

One of my bunnies is turning 7 next month, which technically puts her into the “senior” category.  She is in great health her entire life and has only need of the vet for checkups.  Her diet is great, and she always has access to hay and water and exercise!  She did sprain one of her paws back in October, but with care in downsizing her pen temerorarily to make her not move so much, it healed just fine!

Due to the fact that she is getting older (doesn’t act like it haha), I’ve been giving her senior supplements by Oxbow.  She absolutely loves them and goes crazy for them in the mornings.  She thinks of them as a treat!  Because of that, I’ve been giving my other rabbit (3 years old) a regular multi vitamin supplement.  She is not as enthuastic about them, but by the end of the day it is eaten.  

Are these necessary?  Do they really help the health of my rabbits?

[tobyluv]

There have been several discussions here about the Oxbow Natural Science supplements, but there has never been a definitive answer as to whether they actually do any good or not. I gave 2 of my senior rabbits the Joint Support tablets when they were having mobility problems, but I really don’t know if they helped. They did enjoy them as a treat, and other members here say the same. I already knew that some of the ingredients listed were good for anti-inflammation and to prevent cartilage degeneration, so I hoped that they would be helpful. I wouldn’t say that these supplements are necessary, but on the chance that they may help, even if just a little, and if a rabbit enjoys them as a treat, I say go ahead with them. I’m not so sure about the multi vitamin supplements, because rabbits should get all the vitamins needed from their hay, pellets and greens, but the other supplements that are for specific needs might be helpful.

[deadneonflies]

Thank you for the info. I only give the other one the multi vitamin because I felt bad that one was getting something and the other was not. Haha. I like to be fair and equal with my rabbits. Right now they are seperated because we are still bonding them, so I don’t want one to feel left out with anything.

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