About F.M. Brown's
F.M. Brown's is a Pennsylvania-based company that has been around for generations, focusing on pet bird and small animal nutrition. For rabbit owners, their most recognizable lines are Tropical Carnival and Encore — staples in big chain pet stores and general merchandise stores across the US.
Products are manufactured in the USA and positioned in the accessible, budget-friendly segment, making them a common first choice for new rabbit owners.
What we like
- Accessibility and Price: Widely available in most pet stores and even supermarkets. Very affordable.
- Variety of Hay: Various Timothy and Alfalfa options are convenient, even if not premium tier.
- Basic Supplements: Some basic vitamin and mineral supplements available — useful in specific cases under vet guidance.
What to watch out for
- Muesli-Style Pellet Mixes: Tropical Carnival and Encore mixes contain colorful pieces, seeds, dried fruits, and nuts. This encourages selective feeding, is too high in sugars and starches, and lacks proper uniform fiber. Strongly avoid for rabbits — pick a uniform pellet instead.
- Sugary Treats: Yogurt drops and "fruit and nut" sticks are extremely unhealthy for rabbits and can cause digestive upset, obesity, and dental problems. Avoid completely.
- Alfalfa in Adult Pellets: Some pellet options have alfalfa as the primary ingredient even for adult rabbits — too high in calcium for most adults.
Best for
Best for owners on extreme budgets who are diligent about selecting only the appropriate hay items. The pellets and treats are generally not recommended for rabbits — better to spend slightly more on Oxbow, Sherwood, or Supreme.