Raw feeding

Rabbit Dog Food: Why Rabbit Is a Go-To Novel Protein

By Smallbatch TeamOctober 28, 20262 min read

Dog sitting on the grass beside bags of Smallbatch rabbit recipe dog food

Rabbit has become one of the most popular proteins for dogs with food sensitivities. It is lean, flavorful, and still uncommon in conventional pet food, so most dogs have never eaten it.

Here is why rabbit works so well, who it is best for, and the different ways to add it to your dog’s bowl. Shop all rabbit for dogs.

Is Rabbit Good for Dogs?

Yes. Rabbit is a high-quality animal protein that is naturally lean. When it is part of a complete and balanced recipe made with meat, organ, and bone, it delivers the same species-appropriate nutrition as other proteins in a lighter package.

To compare, a Smallbatch frozen raw rabbit patty has about 255 calories, while a beef patty has about 395.

What Makes Rabbit a Novel Protein?

A novel protein is simply one your dog hasn’t eaten before. Because chicken and beef are so common in dog food, many dogs have been eating them their whole lives. Rabbit is far less common, so for most dogs it is genuinely new.

That matters because food sensitivities usually develop to proteins a dog has eaten repeatedly. Switching to a novel protein like rabbit is one of the first steps many veterinarians recommend when a food sensitivity is suspected.

Who Is Rabbit Dog Food Best For?

Dogs with suspected food sensitivities who need a protein they haven’t eaten before
Elimination diets guided by your veterinarian
Rotational feeding, to add variety to your dog’s diet
Dogs who need a leaner option
Picky eaters who enjoy something new

Not sure where to start? Read food allergies vs. food sensitivities in dogs.

Smallbatch freeze-dried rabbit small bites for dogs

Ways to Feed Rabbit

Product	What it is	Best for
Frozen Raw Rabbit Patties and Sliders	Complete and balanced, 78% rabbit, organ, and bone	Raw feeders, all life stages*
Freeze-Dried Rabbit Small Bites	Complete and balanced, 85% rabbit, organ, and bone	Adult dogs, travel, a meal or topper
Frozen Raw Rabbit Base Blend	100% rabbit, organ, and bone, no produce	DIY raw feeding (not a complete meal)
Rabbit SuperBoosters	Rabbit with dandelion greens and probiotics	Topping any meal

*Excluding growth of large breed dogs.

Frozen raw rabbit and the base blend are available at independent pet stores. Find a store near you.

How to Switch Your Dog to Rabbit

Introduce rabbit gradually over about a week, mixing a little more into your dog’s current food every couple of days. If you are doing an elimination diet, follow your veterinarian’s plan and keep treats to the same protein. Rabbit SuperBoosters or a single-ingredient novel protein treat can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rabbit good for dogs?

Yes. Rabbit is a lean, high-quality protein. In a complete and balanced recipe with meat, organ, and bone, it provides full nutrition for dogs.

Is rabbit good for dogs with allergies?

Rabbit is a novel protein for most dogs, which makes it a common choice when a food sensitivity or allergy is suspected. Work with your veterinarian to confirm the cause and plan an elimination diet.

Is rabbit a lean protein for dogs?

Yes. Our frozen raw rabbit patties have about 255 calories each, compared with about 395 for our beef patties.

Can puppies eat rabbit dog food?

Our frozen raw rabbit recipe is formulated for all life stages, excluding growth of large breed dogs. Our freeze-dried rabbit Small Bites are formulated for adult dogs.