Diet and Digestive Welfare in Rabbits

Inappropriate diet is one of the leading causes of dental disease, gastrointestinal stasis, and obesity in pet rabbits, causing significant preventable suffering.

Key Facts

Rabbits require unlimited access to hay or grass forming at least 80% of their diet
Dental disease caused by insufficient hay causes chronic pain in an estimated 75% of pet rabbits
Muesli-style rabbit foods have been linked to obesity and selective feeding imbalancing the diet
Fresh leafy greens and limited pellets should supplement but not replace hay
GI stasis from inadequate fibre is a life-threatening emergency in rabbits

Welfare Considerations

Dietary inadequacy is the root cause of the most prevalent welfare problems in pet rabbits including dental disease, obesity, and GI stasis. Continuous grass hay provides essential fibre for gut motility and dental wear from the grinding action on growing teeth. Without adequate hay, rabbit teeth overgrow causing mouth ulcers, pain, and inability to eat. Pet industry marketing of muesli mixes as balanced rabbit food has contributed significantly to widespread dietary welfare failures. Owner education about rabbit nutritional needs is critical.

What You Can Do

Provide unlimited timothy or meadow hay as the foundation of your rabbit's diet
Transition rabbits away from muesli mixes to pellets and leafy greens
Monitor droppings daily — reduced or absent droppings indicate potential GI stasis
Seek emergency veterinary care promptly if your rabbit stops eating or producing droppings