Why Muesli Mixes Might Harm Your Rabbit – And Better Foods to Try

Rabbit owners across the UK love treating their pets to the best care, but there’s growing concern about one common food choice: muesli.

Those colourful blends of grains and pellets might seem like a good option, but they could be doing more harm than good. 

Here’s a look at why muesli mixes are falling out of favour and what UK rabbit owners can feed their bunnies instead.

What’s the Issue with Muesli?

Muesli, often found in pet shops, is packed with a range of different foods such as pellets, flaked maize, peas, seeds and grains.

They might look appealing, and rabbits will pick out their favourite bits – however, muesli is not recommended for rabbits as they can cause dental and digestive problems. This habit, known as selective feeding, can lead to an unhealthy and unbalanced diet.

Vets warn that muesli’s high sugar and starch content may cause health problems over time, ranging from digestive issues to dental problems.

How Muesli Can Affect Your Rabbit

  • Dental: Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, and muesli’s softer texture won’t wear them down properly, which can lead to painful dental issues.
  • Digestion: Too much sugar or starch can disrupt a rabbit’s sensitive stomach, causing problems such as discomfort.
  • Weight Gain: The calorie-rich components of muesli can lead to an overweight rabbit, negatively impacting their health and mobility.
  • Missing Nutrients: By selectively choosing, rabbits may not receive the full range of nutrients they need to stay healthy.

What Should UK Rabbit Owners Feed Instead?

It is key to feed your rabbit a healthy and balanced diet to keep them in top shape. Here’s what vets and the experts at HayDay recommend:

1. Plenty of Hay

Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet, making up 80 to 90% of what they eat. Timothy hay, meadow hay and ryegrass hay are excellent forage choices for rabbits. 

HayDay’s in house nutritionist Briony states that “ensuring your rabbits are eating sufficient quantities of rabbit hay and fresh grass is essential to ensuring dental and digestive function and can also be an excellent opportunity to get creative! Experiment with a buffet of forage choices, for example timothy and meadow hay and be sure to apply these changes gradually and consistently as part of the daily routine”

2. Fresh Greens

Rabbits can enjoy leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, parsley or watercress, which you can find in any UK supermarket – or even grow yourself! Fresh veggies should make up 5 to 10% of your pets diet and aim for 1-2 handfuls daily for an average-sized rabbit. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which lacks nutrients, and save fruits as very occasional treats due to their high sugar content.

3.  Rabbit Pellets

Rabbit safe pellets should make up 5 to 10% of your rabbit’s diet, however it’s important to ensure you are feeding the recommended amount of the dry food and not overfeeding so that your small animal is motivated enough to consume sufficient hay.  

4. Occasional Treats

Rabbits love a treat, but keep them to a minimum. A small piece of fruit, for example a small bite of apple or a banana, once or twice a week is plenty. 

5. Clean Water

Always provide fresh water in a bottle or bowl, changed daily as it is key that rabbits stay hydrated.

How to Change Your Rabbit’s Diet

If your rabbit is used to muesli, like any diet change, switch to a healthier diet gradually over 7 to 14  days. Slowly increase the amount of hay while reducing muesli to avoid upsetting their stomach. 

If you’re worried about changing your rabbit’s diet, your vet or a nutritionistcan offer advice tailored to your bunny.

Practical Feeding Tips for UK Owners

  • Hay Deliveries: Buy hay online and deliver directly to your door from brands like www.hay-day.co.uk to ensure the best nutrition and to save money with subscriptions without compromising on quality.
  • Garden Greens: Grow herbs like parsley or mint in your garden for a cheap, fresh supply of rabbit-safe veggies and herbs.
  • Check Droppings: Healthy rabbit poo should be large, round and golden in colour with no smell.. If it’s soft or irregular, it is best to review their diet and speak to a vet for further advice.

Why a Good Diet Matters

Feeding your rabbit properly helps them live a longer, healthier life, with fewer trips to the vet. A diet rich in hay, greens, and pellets supports their digestion, teeth, and overall well-being. It’s a simple way to show your bunny some love and keep them hopping around your home or garden.

Final Thoughts

Muesli mixes may still be on UK shop shelves, but the word is spreading: they’re not the best choice for rabbits. 

By focusing on hay, fresh greens and quality pellets, you can give your rabbit a diet that keeps them healthy and content!