Rabbits have specialised digestive systems that require a high-fibre diet dominated by hay, yet many pet rabbits are fed inappropriate diets that cause serious health problems.
Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of preventable suffering in pet rabbits. Dental disease caused by insufficient hay is extremely painful and difficult to treat. GI stasis causes severe abdominal pain and can be fatal. Many rabbit owners are unaware that pellets and commercial mixes are unsuitable as the primary food source. Veterinary and rescue organisations have campaigned extensively to change rabbit feeding practices, but poor husbandry remains widespread.