FANTASTIC NEWS! New research conducted by The University of Edinburgh & Burgess Pet Care has shown that rabbits fed on a muesli diet are more likely to suffer from dental and digestive problems. Pets at Home have taken a HUGE step by announcing the following: “We’re phasing out rabbit muesli in our stores & advising all our rabbit customers to transition onto rabbit nuggets and hay.”
 
Why are Pets at Home discontinuing rabbit muesli?

Pets at Home the largest pet retailer in the UK with more than 360 stores support the latest thinking in pet welfare standards and this decision has been taken in light of the weight of feeling amongst the veterinary community towards the feeding of muesli based diets, and their potential negative effects on the health of rabbits.

What is selective feeding?

A muesli diet consists of lots of different ingredients that make up the mix. A rabbit fed on muesli may pick out their favourite bits and ignore the rest, which can mean your rabbit isn’t getting the crucial vitamins and minerals they need to stay happy and healthy.

Why are nuggets ok?

A nugget diet contains all the ingredients, vitamins and minerals in one kibble; this means they cannot pick and choose which bits they prefer. These kibbles also contain longer strands of hay which will help to keep their teeth nice and healthy.

  

Do I still need to feed hay?

Yes! Rabbits are herbivores and good quality hay should always make up 80% of their diet. It’s important that there is always a fresh supply of hay available for your bunnies.

Why are Pets at Home also removing muesli foods for guinea pigs and chinchillas?

In the beginning, as the studies were performed on rabbits, Pets at Home were advising the change for rabbits only. But because guinea pigs and chinchillas have similar digestive system as rabbits, they are now also removing muesli type diets for guinea pigs and chinchillas from their shelves.

How do I transition my rabbit from muesli to nuggets?

Changing a rabbit’s diet suddenly can upset their digestive system, so always introduce nuggets gradually over at least a week, unless your vet tells you otherwise.

Who do pet stores throughout South Africa still sell rabbit and guinea pig muesli?

The majority of pet stores in South Africa are not aware of these scientific studies, even though it was published more than a year ago. Also muesli foods are really cheap and rabbits and guinea pigs love them and telling customers to switch to a more expensive nugget/pellet diet is not going to be easy. Many customers that have been feeding their pets muesli for years are in denial and refuse to be believe the food has deadly consequences.

Evetually all manufacturers will end the production of muesli foods and focus on marketing heathy pellet type foods without artificual colourings and chemical preservatives.

For more information on the research and to find out more about a rabbits diet, please visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk

There is also now a facebook page called Campaign To Ban Rabbit and Guinea Pig Muesli food by pet owners across UK. You can support their course by liking their facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campaign-To-Ban-Rabbit-and-Guinea-Pig-Muesli-food