Academic Update: Rabbit PelletsTime to Transition to Functional Food for Enhanced Health

Academic Update: Rabbit Pellets—Time to Transition to “Functional Food” for Enhanced Health
By Assist. Prof. Sompoth Weerakul, DVM, PhD

If we examine the primary health concerns in rabbits, malnutrition or inappropriate dieting undeniably tops the list. From a veterinary perspective, we delve deeper into the interplay of three critical factors affecting health:

The role of lignocellulose fibers, pectin, hemicellulose, and various carbohydrates.
The role of microorganisms, specifically lactic acid bacteria and, most crucially, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (which I have detailed in recent articles).
The vital role of volatile fatty acids produced through the fermentation of fiber and carbohydrates by these microorganisms, which significantly impacts overall health—a factor that owners and, especially, veterinarians cannot afford to overlook.
Rabbit nutrition innovation is constantly evolving. Driven by our understanding of fiber, numerous studies confirm its vital importance in preventing gastrointestinal (GI) stasis and enteritis. Nearly twenty years ago, we began classifying appropriate fiber-rich diets for rabbits (as well as horses, cattle, goats, and sheep) as "basic foods," while low-fiber diets were labeled "inappropriate" and meant to be avoided or restricted.

Development continued as we began to understand "cool energy," which involves limiting unsuitable energy sources and focusing on the animal's natural energy pathways. This led to a focus on energy derived from proper microbial fermentation and the consequences of imbalances between the three factors mentioned above. This understanding has sparked a wave of nutritional innovation in just the last few years.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to people spending more time at home, fostering the "pet humanization" trend where pets are treated as family members. Consequently, the pet food market in the US grew from 110 billion to 160 billion USD. Thailand’s market, valued at 41.8 billion THB, is expected to grow by another 6–8%. This has paved the way for premium health-focused pet foods. Although the "Standard to Premium" market segment represents only a 30+10% share, it is growing steadily in value due to increased health consciousness and the availability of high-quality products that help reduce long-term medical expenses.

In the dog and cat markets, nutrition has shifted toward nutritional therapy. While not always explicitly labeled as such, these products are undeniably "functional" and increasingly specific to various symptoms and diseases. Most of these are imports, as international markets are over 30 years ahead of us. Thailand must evolve alongside global trends in terms of policy and law to remain competitive. Some universities have begun partnering with the private sector for development, which is a positive step.

Regarding rabbit food, many brands have reached a standstill because their academic foundations haven't advanced. Meanwhile, research has uncovered vast amounts of data linking nutrition to health and biochemical changes. Most brands remain trapped in the "Hi-Fiber" concept, which is merely a "basic food" requirement, lacking a nuanced understanding of specific fiber types and the unique digestive physiology of rabbits.

Let’s discuss a model for advanced health-oriented rabbit food. Previously, one of the most recognizable functional products—unique to its brand—was "Bunny Senior" by Randolph, designed to delay the onset of aging. For those interested, you can read more about its properties, but let’s look at whether the newest innovations surpass it.

VETREC is pushing rabbit nutrition further into the realm of health science, setting a benchmark that other brands may find difficult to follow without understanding the following:

Why VETREC Rabbit Maintenance is currently the premier pellet choice:
High Fiber measured by ADF: It uses Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) as a direct formulation parameter rather than just "crude" or "total" fiber. Research indicates specific ADF levels are required to prevent GI stasis, bloating, and abdominal pain (colic).
Saccharomyces Yeast for pH Balance: It utilizes yeast to mitigate the effects of excessive lactic acid in the digestive tract. Many pellets containing excessive starch—as well as treats, fruits, and vegetables—lead to high lactic acid bacteria populations. This results in acidosis, pain, and triggers a massive release of histamine, known as “histaminosis.” This yeast helps reduce acidity in the early stages by utilizing it to produce fatty acids. Therefore, it serves both a therapeutic role for sick rabbits and a preventative role for healthy ones by maintaining a balance of beneficial protozoa and bacteria. It ensures an optimal ratio of volatile fatty acids—Acetic, Butyric, and Propionic, respectively—to prevent inflammation and improve physical condition.
Functional Food Additives: Functional foods go beyond basic nutrition to promote specific health outcomes. While Saccharomyces or probiotics are functional, VETREC goes further:

3.1 Herbal Alkaloid Extracts: These act as antioxidants and reduce abdominal pain. Together with yeast, these extracts directly prevent GI stasis, reducing the need for veterinary intervention. Another key ingredient is Milk Thistle extract (Silymarin/Silibinin/Flavonoids), which supports liver and kidney function by aiding Phase I detoxification, helping the liver expel toxins more efficiently.
3.2 Vitamin C, E, and Selenium: These are supplemented in precise ratios to support the C-E-Selenium cycle, which eventually produces Glutathione. This protects against muscle and body degeneration. Glutathione also acts as a primary detoxifier in the liver, providing antioxidant benefits and anti-aging effects.
This academic and innovation update should serve as a model for those interested in studying or producing healthier animal diets. It is time to transition to better options; innovation never stands still.