No One Likes A Grass - RSPCA's New Campaign To Educate Rabbit Owners About Correct Diet

Rabbits have long been one of the UK’s favourite pets, with many owners falling for their cute looks, but also common misconceptions about how they should be kept. One of these misconceptions is that ‘rabbit food’ (eg pellets) and carrots are the most important elements of a bunny’s diet. As many readers will know, hay and grass are in fact the key components, and a new study* commissioned by the RSPCA shows a lack of hay and grass in rabbits’ diets is one of the most important welfare issues affecting them today. Indeed, in a recent poll only 8% of rabbit owners knew hay and grass are the most important parts of a rabbit’s diet. The RSPCA is tackling this serious animal welfare problem with their new Hay Fever! campaign which encourages people to mainly feed their rabbits hay and grass. Hay (dried grass) and grass should make up the main part of a rabbit's daily diet. Not only because it is good for them but also because it gives them something to do.

• Wild rabbits spend most of their time above ground eating – so if you only give your pets a bowl of pellets they finish in minutes, they'll be bored silly for the rest of the day!
• Giving them hay to eat (and sleep on) will keep them healthy – but takes time to eat so keeps them busy.
• You should also give them some leafy greens every day and you can give them a few pellets too (see our guide). Try hiding the greens and pellets in toys or toilet rolls – it'll give them something to do while you're out.

For more ideas on how to make feeding time fun, check out our dietary enrichment tips.

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