Rabbit Pellets in Australia: Ol' Jacks, Barastoc, Oxbow and Vetafarm Compared

Choose rabbit pellets by your rabbit's age first, then check how each maker says pellets fit the daily diet, because the makers do not agree on that part. This guide compares the Laucke Ol' Jacks, Barastoc, Oxbow Essentials and Vetafarm Rabbit Origins pellets we list, reporting what each maker says without ranking them. For the wider basics, read our small pet nutrition guide.

Laucke Ol' Jacks pellets

Laucke says the Ol' Jacks Premium Rabbit Pellets are a nutritious, palatable food specially formulated for growing, breeding and lactating rabbits. Laucke says it is a complete food, so no other supplementary feeding is required, and that rabbits should be fed ad lib. along with cool, clean, fresh water. It also warns against sudden diet changes, as digestive problems may occur, and says the Premium pellets should not be fed to any other species.

Laucke says its Rabbit and Guinea Pig Micro Pellets are also a complete diet, with added vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which Laucke calls an essential nutrient for guinea pigs. If you also keep guinea pigs, see our guinea pig food guide.

Barastoc pellets

Barastoc describes its Rabbit and Guinea Pig Pellet as a nutritious, balanced pelleted ration for the supplementary feeding of pet rabbits and guinea pigs of all breeds. It says the ration contains cereal grains and fresh lucerne, with a vitamin and mineral supplement. Barastoc says the pellet provides vitamin C, which guinea pigs require in their diet, and that feed should be kept fresh and replenished each day.

Oxbow Essentials

Oxbow says Essentials Young Rabbit Food is a high fibre pellet for growing or active rabbits under 1 year, with a lucerne hay base that provides more energy, protein and calcium. For Essentials Adult Rabbit Food, Oxbow describes a timothy grass hay based, high fibre pellet with 25% fibre for mature rabbits over one year old that are not gestating or lactating. Oxbow says Essentials Senior Rabbit Food is specially formulated for rabbits aged 5 years and over, with three high-quality fibre sources, targeted protein levels to maintain muscle and natural antioxidants.

Vetafarm Rabbit Origins

The product we list as Vetafarm Origins Rabbit Diet 1.5kg is the one Vetafarm calls Rabbit Origins. Vetafarm says it is formulated by veterinarians as a completely balanced diet when fed at 75% high fibre hay, 20% pellets and 5% treats and fresh foods. Vetafarm says its cup amounts for mature rabbits are a guide only, in addition to unlimited high fibre grass hay: 500g to 1.5kg, 1/8 cup daily; 1.5kg to 3.5kg, 1/3 cup; 3.5kg to 4.5kg, 1/2 cup; and 4.5kg and over, 3/4 cup.

Vetafarm says Rabbit Origins Senior is veterinary-formulated, with fresh farm-grown virgin hay at its core, and lists fescue grass hay and lucerne hay among its ingredients. Vetafarm says that as rabbits age their metabolism slows, so the high fibre keeps digestion regular and allows optimum digestion of nutrients. Ageing rabbits generally need a lower-calorie diet, Vetafarm says, as they expend less energy. Its general directions for most senior rabbits are 20% pellets, 75% lucerne hay and 5% treats, and veterinary advice should be sought on feeding quantities if a senior rabbit has trouble maintaining weight.

Choosing by rabbit age

Under 1 year, Oxbow says Young Rabbit Food suits growing or active rabbits, and can also suit elderly pets having problems maintaining weight, or gestating and lactating animals. Vetafarm says young, pregnant or nursing rabbits should have free access to Rabbit Origins.

Over 1 year, Oxbow's Adult Rabbit Food is the matching line. Oxbow says Essentials Senior is for rabbits aged 5 years and over, and Vetafarm says Rabbit Origins Senior is for ageing rabbits.

How each maker says pellets fit the daily diet

The makers disagree:

  • Laucke says its Premium pellets are a complete food, that grass and hay may be fed if desired, and that rabbits should be fed ad lib.
  • Barastoc says its ration should make up approximately 50% by weight of a rabbit's total diet. Its amounts are 100 grams per animal per day for dry does and bucks, 160 grams for pregnant does and 350 grams for lactating does.
  • Vetafarm says Rabbit Origins should make up 20% of the diet, with 75% high fibre hay and 5% treats and greens.
  • Oxbow's Australian catalogue entries for Essentials describe fibre levels and life stage and give no diet percentage for the pellets.

If you are unsure how much of your rabbit's diet should be pellets, ask your vet. Since hay is central to most of these diets, read our hay for rabbits and guinea pigs guide first.

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Frequently asked questions

How much of a rabbit's diet should be pellets?

There is no single figure. Barastoc says approximately 50% by weight, Vetafarm says 20% with 75% high fibre hay, and Laucke says its Premium pellets need no other supplementary feeding. Oxbow's Australian catalogue gives no percentage.

Are Ol' Jacks rabbit pellets a complete food?

Laucke describes both Ol' Jacks pellets as complete diets that need no other supplementary feeding. Barastoc calls its ration supplementary, and Vetafarm describes Rabbit Origins as a completely balanced diet when fed with 75% high fibre hay.

What is the difference between young, adult and senior rabbit food?

Oxbow splits its Essentials line into three life stages: Young for rabbits under 1 year, Adult for those over 1 year that are not gestating or lactating, and Senior for those aged 5 years and over. Oxbow says Young has a lucerne hay base for more energy, protein and calcium, while Adult is timothy grass hay based.

Can rabbits live on pellets alone?

The makers differ. Laucke says its Premium pellets are complete and that grass and hay may be fed if desired. Barastoc says its ration is supplementary, fed with hay, chaff, fruit and vegetables. Vetafarm says Rabbit Origins is balanced when fed with 75% high fibre hay, 20% pellets and 5% treats and fresh foods. Oxbow says its Essentials formulas provide all the nutrition pets need to thrive. If you are unsure, ask your vet.

How should I store rabbit pellets?

Barastoc says to store its pellets under cover in a cool, dry place below 30 degrees C, protected from direct sunlight. Vetafarm says Rabbit Origins should be kept in a dry area below 30 degrees C, and that Rabbit Origins Senior should be used within 30 days of opening for optimum freshness. Vetafarm gives an expiry of 2 years from the date of manufacture for both products. For Laucke and Oxbow, check the storage directions on the bag.

Browse the full range in Small Pet Food.

Sources

Product facts in this guide are taken from the manufacturers' own pages listed below and from the product listings on this site; general care points are given as practical guidance, not veterinary advice. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.

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