Companion Animals

Rabbit Dental Health and Diet

Dental disease is the leading cause of chronic suffering in pet rabbits, almost entirely preventable through proper diet.

Key Facts

Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life at 2-3 mm per week
80% of pet rabbits develop dental disease at some point
Hay must form 80-90% of the diet to provide sufficient tooth wear
Soft diets cause malocclusion that leads to pain and inability to eat

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in rabbits is frequently undiagnosed because prey animals hide illness. By the time signs are visible, significant suffering has often occurred. Providing unlimited grass hay is the single most important preventive measure owners can take.

What You Can Do

Provide unlimited timothy or meadow hay as the dietary staple
Schedule annual veterinary dental checks for all pet rabbits
Avoid muesli-style feeds that encourage selective eating of soft components
Learn signs of dental pain including drooling, weight loss, and reduced appetite