Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, with the vast majority of cases preventable through appropriate hay-based diets that wear teeth correctly and maintain gut health simultaneously.
Rabbit dental disease represents a largely preventable welfare crisis driven by inappropriate diet. The connection between hay consumption and dental health is well-established but still poorly understood by many owners. Rabbits fed predominantly pelleted or muesli diets develop malocclusion and dental spurs that cause chronic pain from sharp points lacerate the tongue and cheeks. The masking of dental pain through continued eating means many rabbits suffer for extended periods before diagnosis. Providing unlimited hay from day one is the single most important preventive welfare measure.