12/12/2025
Raising my own meat isn’t just about providing for my human friends and family, it started with feeding our dogs.
In 2013 we had three English mastiffs, one who was very sensitive to all the standard types of kibble. In hopes of helping her, I discovered BARF, biologically, appropriate raw feeding, a whole prey model.
Rabbits for this need perfectly. We were urban micro farming at the time and needed a species that worked for our limited space, was sustainable, provided without loads of inputs and that could feed our needs in a timely manner.
The fine muscle fibers and low-fat content make rabbit meat easy to digest, which can be particularly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs, gastrointestinal issues, or food allergies. As a "novel protein", less common in commercial foods, it is less likely to trigger adverse reactions in pets with sensitivities to other proteins like chicken or beef.
Rabbit meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein with a complete amino acid profile, vital for muscle development and repair. It is significantly leaner and lower in fat and cholesterol than many other common meats like chicken, beef, or pork, making it ideal for weight management or pets prone to obesity.
The healthy fats in rabbit meat, including a favorable omega-3 fatty acid profile, can help reduce inflammation and support a sleek, shiny coat.
And lastly, rabbits are harvested at any size depending on who you are feeding. From newborn pinkies all the way up through old breeding stock.
We lost the last of those three mastiffs last year, she lived to the incredibly old age of 11. Homegrown rabbit meat was a huge part of her long healthy life💛
