If your dog has ongoing skin issues, itching, or digestive upset, your vet may have suggested trying a novel protein — one your dog's immune system hasn't been repeatedly exposed to. Rabbit is one of the most widely used novel proteins in the pet food industry today. It's naturally lean and easy to digest, and because most dogs have never eaten it before, it rarely triggers the same reactions as chicken, beef, or lamb — the proteins most commonly implicated in canine food sensitivities.
Below, we review 10 of the best rabbit-based dry dog foods, along with canned and treat options, based on ingredient quality, protein sourcing, and Guaranteed Analysis (GA) data. We also flag one important thing most rabbit-food roundups leave out: the majority of rabbit formulas on the market are grain-free, legume-based recipes — a category the FDA has been investigating since 2018 for a possible link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition. That investigation is still open as of 2026. We call this out product-by-product below so you can make an informed choice, particularly if you own a breed with elevated DCM risk (Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, or Miniature Schnauzer).
This article is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before switching your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a diagnosed health condition.
Lean and protein-dense. Rabbit meat is comparably lean to chicken breast, with a protein content in a similar range to other common animal proteins — it isn't dramatically higher in protein than chicken or beef, but it is a genuinely lean option, which can help overweight or less active dogs.
Good source of vitamin B12, which supports nervous system health.
A true novel protein for most dogs. Because rabbit isn't a common ingredient in mainstream dog food, dogs are less likely to have developed a sensitivity to it — which is the main reason vets recommend novel-protein trials for suspected food allergies.
Smaller environmental footprint than cattle or pork farming, since rabbits require less land, water, and feed per pound of meat produced.
It's worth noting that only about 10% of canine allergy cases are estimated to be food-related (the rest are typically environmental or flea/parasite-related), so a diet change won't resolve every allergy symptom. If your dog is showing signs of food sensitivity — skin irritation, chronic ear infections, vomiting, or diarrhea — a veterinary workup (not just a food swap) is the most reliable way to confirm the cause.
Rabbit and rabbit liver are the only animal proteins in this recipe, which makes it a genuinely clean option for dogs with a diagnosed rabbit-appropriate protein sensitivity, not just a “grain-free” label. At 46% protein and 32% fat, it's calorie-dense, well suited to active or working dogs, less so to sedentary or overweight ones, where portions should be measured carefully.
Cons: High fat content isn't appropriate for dogs needing weight management or with pancreatitis history; freeze-dried raw carries standard raw-food handling considerations (safe storage, thorough bowl cleaning).
Made with rabbit meat and organs (liver, kidney, lung, heart) as the sole animal protein source. The Guaranteed Analysis is notably protein-forward at 57% minimum, which is high even by raw-diet standards — appropriate for active dogs but worth discussing with your vet for dogs with kidney concerns, since very high protein intake is generally something vets monitor in dogs with existing renal disease.
The ingredient deck includes organic kale, celery, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, cranberries, blueberries, squash, cilantro, ginger, and quinoa (a seed, not a legume), plus apple cider vinegar and fish, coconut, and cod liver oils.
Pros: No legumes, single animal protein, high protein density.
Cons: 57% protein is a lot even for active dogs — not the best fit for senior or sedentary dogs, or dogs with kidney disease, without veterinary input.
USDA-certified rabbit is the sole animal protein here, backed by a whole-food ingredient deck (carrots, celery, apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, papaya, spinach, garlic), with chickpeas supplying most of the fiber.
A note on this formula specifically: chickpeas appear as the second ingredient, which places this recipe in the legume-forward, grain-free category the FDA has investigated since 2018 for a potential link to non-hereditary DCM. The investigation remains open, with no proven causal mechanism established, and most dogs eating legume-containing diets never develop DCM – but if you own a breed at elevated risk, it's worth flagging this formula to your vet before feeding it long-term.
Rabbit leads the ingredient list, but this is not a single-protein formula — salmon meal and menhaden fish meal are also significant protein contributors. That's an important distinction for owners specifically looking for a limited-ingredient, single-protein diet for a confirmed sensitivity: this formula won't work for dogs that also react to fish.
The kibble is coated with raw rabbit meat and organs, and includes canola oil (omega fatty acids for skin/coat) along with carrots, apples, cranberries, and rosemary extract.
A note on this formula: chickpeas appear in the first five ingredients, placing it in the legume-forward, grain-free category under ongoing FDA/DCM review (see intro above). Discuss with your vet if your dog is a higher-risk breed.
Pros: Rabbit-first, raw-coated kibble at a more accessible price point than freeze-dried options.
Cons: Multi-protein (not ideal for strict elimination diets), contains chickpeas.
5. Evanger's Meat Lover's Medley with Rabbit
First 5 ingredients:
Beef Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Green Lentils, Rabbit Meal, Pork Meal
This is worth flagging clearly: rabbit is not the primary protein in this recipe. Beef meal is the first ingredient, with rabbit meal appearing fourth, behind sweet potatoes and green lentils. If you're shopping this list specifically to avoid beef (a top canine allergen) or to run a single-protein elimination trial, this formula isn't the right fit, it belongs on this list as a multi-protein, rabbit-inclusive option rather than a true rabbit-first diet.
For dogs without a beef sensitivity, it does offer a varied protein blend (beef, pork, rabbit) plus sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, and yucca schidigera extract (used to support joint health), along with a fortified vitamin/mineral profile.
A note on this formula: green lentils appear as the third ingredient — this is a legume-forward, grain-free recipe under the same ongoing FDA/DCM review noted above, and worth a vet conversation for higher-risk breeds.
Pros: Varied protein sources, fortified nutrient profile.
Cons: Not a single-protein or rabbit-first diet; contains beef (a common allergen) and lentils; not suitable for elimination diets.
Often overlooked, this premium chow belongs to this list of the top rabbit dog food formulas because of its unique fusion of high-quality ingredients.
Rabbit meal from trusted European sources is the first ingredient, backed up by other animal proteins namely turkey meal, dried pork liver, and menhaden fish meal.
But this kibble also has other incredible ingredients not typically used in dog foods like dried almonds, apricot, artichoke, mushroom, and pineapple extract, which all offer fabulous nutrients advantageous to your pooch.
It also boasts of a high 36% crude protein and 15% fat.
7. Earthborn Holistic Venture LID Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin
Sourced from distinguished traditional rabbit farms in France, rabbit meal is the first ingredient in this dog’s diet, with Alaskan Pollock meal as the only other animal ingredient.
This kibble is surely great for dogs with food allergies being a limited ingredients diet. Pumpkin is a superb main component for the carbohydrate content, and also as an agent for healthy digestion.
Sunflower oil, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols, is another major part of the formula, which has ample omegas to boost skin health and the immune system.
But despite the minimal ingredients, this meal is in no way wanting in nutrition. It is bolstered with important nutrients for a dog’s health like potassium chloride, beta-carotene, various vitamins supplements, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and riboflavin supplement.
Additionally, this premium dog's diet includes other minor but beneficial components like Yucca Schidigera extract, rosemary extract, and green tea extract, which contains antioxidants that are favorable to the cardiovascular system.
Dog owners would be pleased to know too that this recipe is free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
This a fresh take on premium pet nutrition from a relatively new brand that’s already making waves.
Made with wholesome venison rabbit meat, this recipe is packed with high-quality protein to keep your pup strong and satisfied.
It also features whole goat’s milk for added digestibility and nutrition, along with a blend of fresh fruits and vegetables to round out a well-balanced meal.
It’s made more balanced with an excellent line up of high-quality ingredients that include flaxseed, kelp and organic sweet potato as sources of fiber and carbohydrate content, plus canola oil, organic carrots, apples, blueberries, cod liver oil, pumpkin seeds, organic spinach, chicory root, cranberries and ginger for a wealthy supply of gainful nutriments.
Plus, it’s 100% sourced and made in the USA, so you can feel good about what’s in your dog’s bowl. Whether used as a meal or a topper, this freeze-dried goodness is a tasty, nutrient-dense option for your furry friend.
9. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein PR
First 5 ingredients:
Potato, Rabbit Meal, Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Potato Protein
Now here’s a diet that’s surely hypoallergenic. Well, this dry dog food is actually a prescription diet for dogs suffering from severe allergies. It has very few ingredients to eliminate potential allergens.
Other than the lone animal ingredient, the other healthful components are potato, coconut oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, potato protein, vegetable oil, and fish oil for the essential components in a dog’s health.
This dog food requires a veterinarian’s authorization to purchase and is quite pricey.
10. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Pork and Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
Completing our top rabbit dog food formulas list is Merrick’s unique blend of raw coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites that are guaranteed to satisfy your finicky tail-waggers.
This premium diet offers an incredible 38% protein and 17% fat load, which is great for dogs of all life stages.
Deboned beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal head the list of ingredients although it also includes pork meal, rabbit meat, and beef liver for a protein-heavy dog's diet. Pork meal adds even more flavor to this recipe.
The main plant-based ingredients are sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, pea protein, and sunflower oil.
It also contains numerous healthful nutrients including various vitamins, niacin, folic acid, and riboflavin supplement, which helps support the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates in the body.
Bonus: Best Rabbit Canned Dog Foods and Treats
Apart from the available rabbit-based kibbles and raw freeze-dried chows, there are also some noteworthy canned dog foods and treats that can be awesome extras to keep your dog hopping with glee.
The wet recipes may also serve as delightful toppings to your dogs' regular kibble.
1. Nature's Logic Canine Rabbit Feast
First 5 ingredients:
Rabbit, Water Sufficient for Processing, Pork Liver, Dried Egg Product, Montmorillonite
This primo rabbit dog food in pate form is made of first-rate natural ingredients with real rabbit meat as the headliner.
It is complemented with a host of great wholesome ingredients like pork liver, herring oil, dried apples, apricots, artichokes, broccoli, and spinach to name a few.
Many dogs just love this delicious feast from Nature's Logic, which must be on the checklist of best dog foods today.
Here’s another superior dog food pate with real rabbit meat as the primary and single protein ingredient.
Made by renowned pet food maker Instinct, this grain-free wet diet is also teeming with great components like rabbit liver, chickpeas, and a splendid array of vitamin supplements and mineral additives for overall wellness.
The limited ingredient diet is perfect for allergic dogs. Based on reviews, it seems many dogs get a kick out of this premium diet.
If the best rabbit dog foods are a bit over your budget, you can opt to give your pets high-quality treats instead. Vital Essentials presents a great rabbit-based treat that is absolutely limited ingredients and grain-free.
Real rabbit meat that’s free of any added hormones or antibiotics is the single-protein ingredient in this savory treat. It has a remarkable 37% protein load and only 11% fats, which is perfect for older dogs.
Its appetizing taste is surely a great reward for your good boys and girls especially during training.
By the way, giving treats as rewards is a very effective way of getting your dogs to follow your commands. It's just a great dog training advice shared by many dog trainers.
Wysong’s Dream Rabbit treats are truly the stuff dreams are made of for both dogs and cats.
Made with freeze-dried raw rabbit meat infused with other natural ingredients like organic blueberry, organic barley grass, chia seeds, broccoli sprouts, and plums.
It is also enriched with a myriad of nutrients, especially taurine, and amino acids that are valuable for your pet companions. And it has an exceptional 48% minimum protein content too.
Guide to Feeding Your Dog Rabbit Dog Foods
Is Rabbit Good For Dogs?
Yes, rabbits have been found to be a great meat ingredient and protein source for dogs. Over the past few years, rabbit has made it to many dog food brands. Even rabbit organs are excellent components in dog meals because of the many nutritional benefits they offer.
Lean Protein and Low Cholesterol
A rabbit’s meat is leaner than other traditional meats used in dog foods. This means less fat and cholesterol, which is great for overweight and older dogs.
Rabbits surprisingly also have higher protein contents and amino acids than chicken, beef, and most other animal ingredients, which are essential to your dog’s muscles and tissues. This makes rabbit as one of the best choices for a dog's diet.
Rich in Vitamin B12 and Other Nutrients
Rabbits are also rich in various essential nutrients, but especially vitamin B12, which is vital to the dog’s nervous system health.
And since rabbits are relatively new ingredients in the pet food business, they’re considered novel proteins.
Shifting to a novel protein diet like rabbit can relieve the immune system from reacting to the common proteins, thus freeing the pups from uncomfortable allergic symptoms.
The vast majority of domesticated canines have not been exposed to rabbit-mixed meals yet.
Low Carbon Footprint and Cost Efficient
Raising rabbits for commercial purposes, including pet food components, has become more popular since they’re easy to breed and raise, and have a much smaller carbon footprint than most farm animals.
The gradual proliferation of rabbit farms will also bring down the cost of rabbit-based pet food eventually.
However, as more dogs start consuming rabbit dog foods, it’s possible to develop allergies and intolerances from this protein in the distant future.
For now, rabbit ingredients in dog food are safe and healthy for your dog.
Why Should You Consider Rabbit Dog Food?
As discussed earlier, rabbit meat offer many health benefits to your dogs, although most other animal sources likewise present the same benefits, more or less.
If your beloved pets don’t have any issues with their current meals, and they appear to be in tiptop shape, a diet change is not necessary.
If however, you notice that your dogs lack energy or are sluggish, don’t have a thick and shiny coat, or worse, show symptoms of food allergies and intolerances like skin problems and stomach issues, perhaps a shift to a novel diet will help.
We strongly recommend however consulting the local veterinarian before making any major decisions, especially for more serious health issues and severe allergies.
Most Common Food Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
For your guidance, here are the most common dog allergy symptoms:
Skin Issues. These are some of the common symptoms of allergies in most dogs, which are extremely uncomfortable.
Dogs will constantly scratch different parts of the body, but especially the feet, ears, and face as well as the front legs and abdomen.
Skin irritation and redness may also manifest in more severe ways like in hot spots and bald patches, which are indications of the parts that are scratched more frequently.
Sneezing. Just like in humans, allergic reactions in most dogs also include flu-like symptoms like frequent sneezing, coughing, and even nasal issues like runny or stuffed noses.
Red Eyes or Discharge in Eyes. Allergies may also manifest in your pup’s eyes when they scratch them often or when they tear up. You may notice redness in the eyes and even some discharge.
Paw chewing. When you see your dog often chew on their paws, this may be because of itchiness caused by food allergies.
Gastrointestinal Issues. Although not as common as skin irritation, G.I. issues may also arise from food sensitivities. These may come in the form of stomach aches, increased gas, dehydration, and lack of appetite, among others.
Ear Infection. The ears are common targets of allergic reactions. Constant scratching of the ears may lead to more complications like wounds or even damage to the nerves and other vital parts.
Diarrhea. Stomach upsets are also common symptoms of food intolerances. Watery stools are also an indication of potential food sensitivity.
Vomiting. Some foods may cause dogs to vomit as they’re rejected by the digestive system.
Swelling of the face, ears, mouth, or eyelids. Inflammation of the face and facial parts may also be a result of food allergies in dogs as in humans. Severe swelling will require immediate medical attention.
Among the most common food ingredients that cause food allergies and sensitivities in dogs are beef, dairy, chicken, eggs, wheat, soy, corn, some grains, and even lamb.
However, it is important to note that only about 10% of dog allergies are attributed to food. There are other more probable causes of allergies in dogs like parasites and environmental elements.
There’s no better way to determine if your pup is suffering from food sensitivities than to visit the doggy hospital. Your pooch may be subjected to laboratory tests including blood extraction to better identify the real culprits.
Having said this, a diet change to a novel protein may be beneficial to dogs in general, not just allergic dogs. And rabbits are a great ingredient to try.
What to Look for in Rabbit Dog Food?
More pet food companies are now including rabbits in their ingredients line-up. This is because of the many benefits derived from rabbits, not to mention being a more cost-efficient option compared with other more exotic sources like venison, bison, and wild boar.
As mentioned earlier, rabbit meat is leaner and offers more protein than most other popular animal sources. It’s also known to have the lowest cholesterol content of any other animal ingredient for pet food.
But not all rabbit-based pet diets are great. Some are absolutely admirable, while some are less attractive, just like in other animal ingredient-heavy pet meals.
This is why it is highly crucial to review the ingredients deck of each product, together with the guaranteed analysis and sources of ingredients.
If you have time to spare, it absolutely helps to check out product reviews from credible online sites to get a better picture of the diet before purchasing it. Comments from loyal and new customers provide valuable inputs about these dog diets.
Here are some of the important details to look for in the rabbit dog food:
Real rabbit meat or rabbit meal as first ingredient
The best rabbit dog foods have real rabbit meat, deboned rabbit or rabbit meat with ground bones, as the first ingredient and main protein source. If rabbit is listed beyond the first five ingredients, it’s not as prime quality as those with rabbit as the headliner.
Some use rabbit meal instead of real rabbit as the first ingredient. It is a concentrated protein source made by rendering rabbit meat. Some pet foods in the budget category use rabbit by-products instead of meat and organs.
Limited ingredients especially protein sources
It’s especially helpful for sensitive dogs to be served with limited ingredients diets. This will help you and your vet easily identify ingredients that induce allergic reactions.
Some brands will have rabbit as the first ingredient but mix other animal proteins into the formula including common allergens like chicken and beef.
Quality ingredients
Always choose pet foods that are comprised of quality ingredients. Wholesome and natural ingredients are safer and healthier than artificial ones. Avoid unnamed animal ingredients like meat meal, meat by-product, or animal derivatives.
A meat meal is commonly made of poor quality animal ingredients, which could be more of the by-products of various slaughtered animals and fish.
Free of gluten and other common food allergens
Again, if you have pups that are prone to food allergies, it’s best to do away with common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
Many of these ingredients are common in most dog foods. These days, there are a lot of brands that offer grain-free and gluten-free options.
Free of artificial preservatives, flavoring and coloring
Select dog foods with all-natural ingredients. Some artificial ingredients commonly used in cheap brands pose some health hazards to dogs.
Enhanced with essential nutrients for dogs
You can never get all the complete nutrition a dog needs in just one form of diet, including fresh and raw food. Pick the best dog foods that are fortified with essential nutrients crucial to a dog’s health.
You’ll find it in the ingredients list if the diet is enriched with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and probiotics, and omega fatty acids that are all highly valuable to your pooch’s overall health.
Manufactured in countries with high safety and quality standards
Pet food manufacturers are mostly in the business to make money. So many of them will maximize profits by minimizing costs, which sadly typically includes using poor quality ingredients and sub-par safety standards.
This is why there are thousands of cases of recalls in pet foods as a result of health issues and even fatalities caused by dog meals.
The best products are those created in countries with strict quality and safety standards such as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
The finest ingredients are also usually sourced from these countries. It’s best to find labels that are approved by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Parting Words
If you’re looking to shift your furry pal’s meal to another protein source, rabbit is a great choice.
Whether your pup has grown tired of his regular diet or has turned into a picky eater, it is likely to suit his taste buds as rabbit meat is quite enticing to a lot of dogs.
And if your Fido has developed food sensitivities to his old brand, rabbit is an excellent novel protein to give him.
Rabbit meat-based canine diets may be a little more costly than traditional protein sources since they’re relatively new in the market.
But it’s also an affordable option compared to wild animals or other more exotic animal food sources like buffalo, kangaroo, and alligator.
We mentioned the many advantages of rabbit as an animal ingredient in dog food. Their high-protein and low-cholesterol load make them a prime choice among animal meats. And most dog foods with rabbit are made by the more eminent pet food companies in the world.
But it's not enough to just choose a dog food with rabbit. A review of the other accompanying ingredients is also crucial in deciding which diets to give your beloved four-legged kids.
And, if your pet companions are suffering from more serious allergic symptoms, dog food change may not be sufficient to ease their condition.
It’s imperative to see the vet immediately. Some cases may require medication and extra care than just a simple diet change.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
