Rabbits on a museli-style diet
Rabbits that eat museli-style food are more likely to suffer dental and digestive health problems, according to a recent study.
Research by the University of Edinburgh has suggested that museli brings on slower gut motility in rabbits and enables them to selectively feed – thereby often excluding vital nutrients from their diet.
As a result, rabbits were found to not be eating all their caecotrophs (vitamin-rich droppings) and were put at high risk of gut stasis.
Furthermore, the rabbits who were fed museli ate less hay, which can lead to abnormal teeth growth and dental disease, as well as reduced water intake that can cause urinary tract problems.
Anna Meredeth, of the university's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "The findings of this research have significant implications for the feeding of the nation's rabbits.
"Vets have suspected for a number of years that feeding museli-style foods could lead to health issues in rabbits, and now we have to proof to substantiate that."
With Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) fast approaching (May 4-12), a mass education programme is being prepared to make owners aware of how muesli can affect rabbit health.
RAW will also see various veterinary practices and pet shops take part, with rabbit-related events being held nationwide, as well as free rabbit health checks in some areas.
Practices and retailers that would like to be involved with RAW can sign up here.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
