Pellet Fuel?

Question
QUESTION: I recently got 3 40 lb bags of stove chow it says thats its white wood i checked to see if their was lighter fluid in them but i guess their isn't i couldn't find it but it says 100% wood or something like that so i assumed they didn't have any lighter fluid in them are they safe?
how do  you know a product doesn't have lighter fluid?
also do you recommend papaya tablets?

ANSWER: Dear Marc,

I wouldn't know if the pellet products are required to list lighter fluid or any other combustion promoters in their product.  I would recommend you check the label to find out the manufacturer and contact them by email or phone.  Since every manufacturer is different, I wouldn't be able to tell you if your particular brand is safe.  But you're wise to be cautious.

I'm not a fan of papaya tablets, unless you just give them as a little treat.  There's no evidence to suggest they improve digestive function in rabbits.  They're kind of like expensive bunny candy.  :)

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: And what about the fact that its white wood does the process it take to make them kill what ever is bad for rabbits?

Answer
Dear Marc,

I teach Botany at the University of Miami, and I've never heard the term "white wood" used to describe a lumber product.  A quick Wikipedia search tells me that the term is not very descriptive. It can mean anything from spruce (a softwood) to Sea Grape (a hardwood)!  Neither of those woods is harmful.  I would not worry about the wood itself, unless there is walnut wood in the pellet.  That can be very dangerous if ingested, but it usually is marked on the label if there is walnut.

If in doubt, why not call some local feed stores and fine someone who stocks Equine Pine.  It's made for bedding, and is very safe.  It's what we use, and we love it. Makes great compost, too!

Dana