Doc's Rabbit Enhancer? Anyone used it / familiar with it? Thoughts?

[Baerana]

hey folks - long time, no post :)

If you don't remember me - and why would you? I have a New Zealand
White male. I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and got him
neutered at 4 months. I love him more than almost anything in my life
(my boyfriend would argue with that statement and say I love him MORE
than anything in my life :)

Anyway, Nibbler is now 7 and 1/2 years old. Thinking of that makes me
proud sometimes, and other times makes me terrified. He's a large
breed bunny - he's 9 lbs - and the statistics of life expectancy for
large v. small bunnies worry me.

But he's always had the best diet - Bunny Basics w/ alfalfa when he
was young and growing, then Bunny Basics T his entire maturity. Fresh
hay and lots of it, and a small amount of bunny safe salad twice a
day. Plus regular vet visits, of course. And he gets a lot of
exercise - he has a huge cage (from Leith Petwerks - HIGHLY
recommended, and lots of toys, playtime, and lots of people
attention.

But I worry more and more that I'm not doing enough about his age. My
vet thinks it's fine, but while he's an exotic animal specialist, and
I trust him, that doesn't actually mean he knows EVERYTHING there is
to know about rabbits. I bought the rabbit textbook they used and
there isn't a lot of focus on increasing the lifespan and quality of a
bunny that is almost becoming elderly.

He's still frisky and playful and affectionate, but I feel like his
weight is too low. Every bone - not just ribs, but his spine, hip
bones, everything, have become more prominent. His weight being ok
for an "average" bun his age doesn't mean it's ok for HIM.

So I've been trying to find other diet options, particurarly one for
an elder bun. I found "Doc's Rabbit Enhancer" -
http://www.petwerks.com/prodpage.cfm?prod_code=BT150 - the directions
are to add a small amount (like a teaspoon) to his regular food and it
can "can stimulate your rabbit’s appetite, improve good health,
provide firm bodies and enhanced fur development and reduce odor".

Anyone ever used this? Or heard anything, good or bad, about it? If
it sucks, or is just useless, I want to know. If it does stimulate a
rabbit's appetite but causes them to gain weight in an unhealthy way,
I want to know. But if it delivers what promised, I want to know that
too. Thanks!!

P.S. - Check out Nibbler's cuteness and see his huge wonderful cage -
http://baerana.com/nibbler/ - since that pic, I added a couple of
shelves so he has even more flop/toy room

[jerseybunny]

i see a lot of crap in there. i don't see how this would help.. you need to get some good bunny vits. and i also will use colloidal minerals , they can do a few good things fro the health. and help absorb vitamins better.. gaining weight is a hard thing to do.. some banana will help.. it is kinda a guessing game on which things to try. some peanuts in the diet are good for older bunnies and young alike. i tend to add a small treat of alfalfa pellets thrown in too

[Richard Rudd]

HI

Nibbler - 7.5 years - A New Zealand White. Whatever you're doing it must be
right so why change.

The list of ingredients seems to be yeast by-products and some of those
supposed bacteria yogurts claim benefit humans But Rabbits? I'm sceptical.

Above is for what it's worth.

Richard
"Baerana" <bae...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:36ea00c4-b8ce-4c1d...@d7g2000vbv.googlegroups.com...

[Nona]

I recommend walnuts--Diamond, in the can, for weight gain. Ask my chubby
bunnies!

If Nibbler has never had them, he may be suspicious at first.

But I've never had a bun who tried those walnut chunks and did not love
them!

Don't go overboard. They are a very rich addition to the diet. One or
two chunks should be plenty.

Nona

[Nona]

PS

My super vet Dr. Stanzione thinks a slim bun is better--healthier.

He thinks mine should *lose* weight.

Nona

[Donna R]

I gave my 2 big New Zealand Whites pellets, timothy hay blocks, and
piece of carrot everyday. They way between 9 and 10 pounds, and they're
very healthy. Donna in northeast Pennsylvania

[Professor]

Of Course We Remember You. I would return to bunny basics with
alfalfa. Both of my vets recommend that for older rabbits. What you're
observing is some loss of muscle mass. I am also very strongly agreeing
with Nona. Walnut provides extra protein and fat that an older rabbit
needs. I would also definitely look into giving your rabbit glucosamine
sulfate. Almost all older rabbits suffer from arthritis. My Jump, now 10
years old is on glucosamine sulfate and metacan. This increased his
mobility and activity. And that will help retain his muscle mass. Good
luck and keep us posted. And yes of course we remember who you are.

--
Magic Brenda & The Professor
The Jump. Zolo, Wizard, & Kunai

[Professor]

My four boys get quite a bit of carrot every day. I was told that my
10-year-old jumps body fat was excellent. You don't want the bones along
the back of the spine to be sticking out.

--

[whob...@gmail.com]

Old post, but for what it's worth if anybody looks here....
I used Doc's rabbit enhancer 20 yrs ago when showing Netherland Dwarfs. It did not make a huge difference, but did notice the fur quality was slightly better when the rabbits got it, that was the only difference I ever saw and it was slight. Other breeders noticed the same thing slightly better fur quality that's it. If you show and are looking for any edge or if fur quality is an issue probably a good thing. I suppose fur quality could indicate an overall better health, but the rabbits that didn't get it didn't seem less healthy or anything.