Ingredients, Sourcing & SafetyUpdated 3 days ago
Ingredients FAQ
We know how important it is to feel confident about what you're feeding your little ones. Here are answers to some of the most common product-related questions.
What's in your products?
You'll find full ingredient lists on each product page, including our hay, food, herbal blends, and treats. If you're comparing pellet types, here's a helpful breakdown:
- Soy-Free, Non-GMO Pellets: Made with timothy hay, ground grass, and pumpkin seeds. No soy. No molasses.
- Regular Pellets: Made with timothy hay and soybean meal. A small amount of molasses is used to bind the pellets.
→ Want the full comparison? Click here
Still not sure what's best? We always recommend checking with your exotic vet for personalized advice.
Is the cinnamon in Pestavert safe for rabbits?
Yes — and the type of cinnamon oil matters a lot here.
Pestavert contains Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf oil, not bark oil or root oil. While all three oils come from the same plant, they have very different chemical profiles:
- Bark oil is 60–90% cinnamaldehyde — the compound associated with published irritation concerns.
- Root oil is roughly 60% camphor — the source of neurological risk warnings for small mammals.
- Leaf oil is 80–88% eugenol, a different constituent entirely, with cinnamaldehyde present only in trace amounts.
Pestavert delivers leaf oil at 1% in an aqueous mist, meaning the cinnamaldehyde concentration at the skin surface is no more than 0.05%. Peer-reviewed research evaluated Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf oil applied topically to rabbits at concentrations comparable to Pestavert's formulation, with no rabbit toxicity reported (Fichi et al., Phytomedicine, 2007).
For first use, we recommend the following:
- Apply a small test mist to the flank.
- Allow to dry fully.
- Observe for 24 hours.
If your rabbit shows no sign of sensitivity, proceed with normal application: a light external mist avoiding the eyes, ear canals, mouth, and broken skin. Do not saturate the coat.
Are herbs like comfrey and kava kava safe?
Yes — in the amounts we use, these ingredients are safe for small animals. Comfrey is used sparingly in our Zen Tranquility blend for its calming properties. Kava kava is included in very small quantities to promote relaxation. All herbal blends are made with food-grade, pet-safe ingredients and are vet-reviewed.
That said, every pet is different. If your vet has advised against certain herbs, we can help find an alternative.
What kind of marigold do you use?
We only use Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis), also known as Common Marigold, which is completely safe for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small animals. Calendula has natural soothing properties and is often used to support healthy skin and digestion. It adds a touch of color to our flower products, herbal blends, and bedding, all while being gentle and non-toxic.
It's important to know this is not the same as garden marigolds (Tagetes species), which can cause irritation. We never use those varieties in any of our products.
Can I mix hay or feed types together?
Absolutely! Many pet parents combine:
- Different cuts of timothy hay (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Varieties like orchard, oat, and meadow
- Different herbal blends
Mixing hay keeps things exciting and encourages natural foraging behavior.
→ Learn more: Types of Hay
What kind of honeysuckle do you use?
Our honeysuckle vine rings are made from 100% natural honeysuckle vine sourced from an organic, pesticide-free farm, selected specifically for small animal use. Honeysuckle berries can be toxic and are never used — our rings use the dried vine only, which is commonly used in small animal chews.
As with any new chew or treat, we recommend introducing it slowly.
→ Honeysuckle Vine Ring
What type of goldenrod do you use?
We use Golden Rod Herb Cut from Solidago gigantea, a variety commonly used in small animal herb blends. We carefully select the specific variety to ensure it aligns with forage-based diets. You'll find goldenrod in products like our Vita-licious blend, where it's part of a balanced mix of herbs.
As with any new herb, introduce it gradually and offer it as part of a varied diet. If you're unsure whether it's the right fit, we're happy to help.
Still have questions about a product? We love chatting about ingredients and finding the right fit for your pets. Just contact us and we'll hop to it.