Rabbit diet & exercise advice

There is currently a pet obesity epidemic in the UK. Obesity reduces a pet’s quality of life, is linked to a number of serious health problems and can shorten a pet’s lifespan.

Two of the main issues vets commonly see, dental disease and obesity, are directly linked to the inappropriate diets that are commonly being fed (i.e. rabbit muesli and not enough hay or grass). Muesli doesn’t wear their teeth down and, because rabbits often leave the bits they don’t like, this also causes nutrient deficiencies.

Hay and grass are the key elements of a rabbit’s diet as they ensure good dental and digestive health and are important for good mental wellbeing.

What rabbits should eat

Vets recommend the following diet for rabbits:

• At least their own body size in good quality hay each day (it is best to allow constant access to clean, good quality hay that is not part of their bedding).
• A handful of suitable fresh vegetables morning and evening. A tablespoon of commercial rabbit nuggets once daily (or twice daily if the rabbit weighs over 3.5kg). Rabbit muesli (a mix of seeds and flakes) should not be fed because it is linked to painful dental disease. Owners should vary the greens they feed their rabbit. Fruit should only be fed occasionally and in small quantities because it is high in sugar.
• Sugary treats should also be avoided. Packet guidelines and body weight and shape should be taken into account, coupled with veterinary advice, when deciding what and how much to feed rabbits.
• Hay and grass are the key elements of a rabbit’s diet as they ensure good dental and digestive health. To avoid upsetting their digestive system, always change their diet gradually. If they won’t eat hay, take them to see your vet as this can be a sign of dental disease.

Rabbit exercise

Rabbits need lots of space so that they can dig, run and play on a daily basis. But rabbits also need things to do so they don’t get bored. This can be achieved by ensuring they have the company of another rabbit.

• As well as a large exercise run, give you rabbits items and objects that they can explore and interact with
• Tunnels for hiding in, planters filled with potting compost and cardboard boxes can all be great for providing exercise, stimulation and preventing boredom. And change them regularly so that your rabbits don’t become bored.

Shocking rabbit diet statistics

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report (PAW) assessed the overall wellbeing of pets When it comes to the diets rabbits are eating, the Report revealed some worrying findings:

Diet disaster for UK bunnies

• 42% of rabbits eat less than their body size in hay or grass each day, with a further 3% not eating any hay at all. 
• Owners most commonly use ‘common sense’ (22%) or ‘past experience’ with rabbits (18%) when deciding how to feed their pets, and this contributes to bad feeding practices and associated health problems.
• 10% of owners are giving their rabbits leftovers. Human foods that owners report feeding include cheese, cake, toast, crisps, chocolate and biscuits meant for humans.
• 88% of owners give their rabbits carrots, but these should only be fed occasionally as they are high in sugar. The leafy tops however are high in calcium, which is beneficial.
• Rabbit muesli is another serious concern with 49% of owners reporting it is one of the main types of food that their rabbit gets. 
• While 49% of owners think rabbits should have constant access to an exercise area outside their hutch, only 21% actually provide this.

Find out more about the state of our pet nation by reading the PAW Report