06/05/2026
Why were these ingredients selected for the cookies and powders?
Rice bran:
Rice bran is essentially nature’s multivitamin wrapped in a fibrous package. It is very palatable, a “cool” energy source, not known for causing bacterial blooms like other grains such as corn, and is very easy on the stomach. Plus, the fiber helps to keep the gut moving.
https://agriculture.institute/paddy-processing/benefits-limitations-rice-bran-animal-feed-human-food/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8655829/
Tempeh:
There have been numerous studies that suggest Soybean Tempeh encourages lactobacillus growth, helping the gut naturally out compete parthenogenetic bacteria, as well as helping to prevent E. coli in particular, from adhering to the intestinal wall and creating deadly diarrhea, which will help your rabbit keep hydrated. Plus, it is quite nutritious.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38220337/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861723011657
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/high-molecular-weight-soluble-fraction-of-tempeh-protects-against-fluid-losses-in-escherichia-coliinfected-piglet-small-intestine/DD29E8956C1C819BA81640448D67AB8F
Willow Bark:
Willow is nature’s aspirin. This addresses the pain of gut issues. It is also a great source of Vitamin A and C
https://nutrientoptimiser.com/nutritional-value-willow-young-leaves-chopped-alaska-native/
https://www.healthline.com/health/willow-bark-natures-aspirin -composition
Moringa:
There’s a million claims about this being the “miracle tree”. How much of it is true or not, is quite debatable, with many research articles both for and against the claims. I have a tree as an indoor plant that I have to trim often, and the rabbits absolutely love it. Miracle or not, it is nutrient dense and palatable, so I included it in the mix.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9916933/
Bromelain:
An extract from the stem of pineapples, it is an excellent anti-diarrheal treatment. Several studies indicate that bromelain prevents disease from e.coli for 30 hours from a single dose, and piglets fed bromelain also had increased weight gain and growth vs the control.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9207276/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10189844/
Probiotic powder:
This one is self-explanatory. If your rabbit is sick, the wrong kind of bacteria have taken over. Providing a source of the right kind of bacteria will help them recover quicker, or, prevent them from getting sick in the first place.
Cassava/Yuca Root Powder:
Cassava root offers significant health benefits primarily due to its high content of resistant starch, fiber, vitamin C, and minerals like copper and magnesium.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cassava-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cassava
Pumpkin:
Vets recommend pumpkin for ANY animal that suffers from constipation- even cats. It is nutritious and very high in fiber. Pumpkin- it's not just for lattes in the fall!
https://www.ummhealth.org/simply-well/the-health-benefits-of-pumpkin
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pumpkin-constipation
Apple puree/sauce:
Apples are highly palatable, so I include the small amount in the mix to entice picky eaters, plus it is more sticky than pumpkin, so the dough for the cookies will hold together better. Also, if you’ve ever been very sick and unable to eat for an extended period of time, doctors will recommend the BRAT diet to start your stomach back on solid food again without rebelling. BRAT stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-applesauce
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-applesauce-good-for-you
Masson Pine Pollen:
The pollen from the masson pine is an androgenic herb- meaning it is a plant-based testosterone mimic. It has been used in Chinese medicine as a potent cure for many ailments.Recent studies show it has many protective properties for the liver.
It has also been used to replace synthetic steroids that have traditionally been used to make farmed tilapia mature out as all male. It was included in the Buff Buck cookies as a way to boost testosterone levels that may be depleted due to environmental factors, or excessive amounts of soy in the feed. And helping the liver isn’t a bad side benefit.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aff2.59
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513422004033
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4694268/
Cranberry:
Cranberries have been used to help prevent UTI’s (urinary tract infections) for a very long time. It works by making it very difficult for bacteria- especially e.coli- to adhere to the lining of the bladder urethra. There are many studies that suggest it may help to improve overall bladder health, not just prevent UTIs. Plus, it is an all around power house of nutritional benefits, including promoting gut health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37068952/
https://www.renalandurologynews.com/news/dried-cranberries-powder-500-mg-women-dry-oab/
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-cranberries
Blue Spirulina:
Originally purchased to add into mixes as a natural dye, to visually separate the different formulas from one another, it actually is quite the little powerhouse nutritionally. So, a little bit has been added at different levels to a few of the formulas, instead of just being used as a dye as originally intended.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina
https://www.webmd.com/diet/spirulina-health-benefits
Beet Root:
Beetroot is a nutrient-dense root vegetable rich in nitrates, betalains, fiber, folate (great for developing babies), and iron (to combat anemia), offering significant benefits for cardiovascular health, physical performance, and inflammation management.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-beetroot
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425174/
Nettle Leaf:
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutrient-dense herb used to support lactation by providing essential vitamins and minerals that replenish maternal stores depleted during breastfeeding. It is considered a galactagogue that may help increase milk supply and flow, potentially by supporting prolactin levels and improving potassium balance.
https://www.birthbox.co/blog/2023/8/1/5-benefits-of-nettle-leaf-for-postpartum-people
https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/nettle-leaf-nursing-tea/
Fennel:
acts as a natural galactagogue (milk-boosting agent) primarily due to anethole, a phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen to signal the pituitary gland to increase prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for milk production. It is also thought that by relaxing smooth muscles, fennel may help alleviate tension, and facilitate a more efficient let-down reflex and smoother milk flow
https://latchette.com/blogs/blog-posts/the-magic-of-fennel-for-breastfeeding-mums
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/fennel-during-breastfeeding_00393851/
