PFMA | PET GAZETTE | 11
RABBIT NUTRITION -
RABBIT AWARENESS WEEK
Do you have plans for Rabbit Awareness Week? Nicole Paley at the PFMA shares some
rabbit nutrition tips to help retailers make sure rabbit owners are well informed
R
abbits can be sociable, entertaining
and wonderful companions. With
gentle handling, the right diet and
good veterinary care a rabbit can
live between eight to 12 years; some
may live longer. With the right care, rabbits can make
great pets for children and adults alike. Our latest
research has shown that there are approximately
900,000 rabbits in the UK with two percent of UK
households owning at least one.
The aim of Rabbit Awareness Week is to educate
on how to provide the best care for rabbits. Retailers
are at the forefront on these discussions with owners
and PFMA is here to equip you with the key nutrition
messages to get across to owners:
1. Rabbits should have a
body-sized portion of hay a day
Rabbits have teeth that grow continually and need
to be worn down. High levels of fibre in the diet are
vital for good dental health and digestive wellbeing, so a plentiful
supply of good quality hay is needed. Another good source of fibre
is grass (freshly pulled long grass). Rabbits should be provided with
good quality hay ad lib and should eat a portion the size of their
own body everyday.
2. Provide a carefully controlled portion of manufactured rabbit
food every day
A portion of commercially manufactured rabbit food will ensure
rabbits receive all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay
healthy. As with cats and dogs, there are different types of diets
for different lifestages including foods for growing rabbits or older
rabbits that are inactive or prone to weight gain. Whatever type of
manufactured rabbit food is fed, portion size should be measured
and controlled in accordance with the on-pack guidelines.
3. Fresh leafy greens
A small handful of leafy greens can also be provided for additional
fibre, variety and enrichment.
4. Occasional treating
Occasional treating with a piece of fruit or root vegetable is good for
bonding but such treats are high in sugar. Rabbits have evolved to
require a high fibre, low sugar diet, so any sugary foods should only
be fed occasionally.
5. Clean fresh water should always be available
Specially designed bottles with metal spouts are a good option but
some animals prefer to drink from a heavy bowl. Encourage owners
to offer both and see which their pets prefer. Any water spillage
should be cleared up so that bedding stays clean and dry.
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RABBIT HEALTH WATCH-OUTS
Rabbits eat their own poop and they need to do this to stay healthy –
the first pass of poop, which they eat directly from source, is called a
caecotroph and it is softer than the second pass of poop, which looks
more like a round, dry fibrous ball. If there is any evidence that they
stop eating or pooping, veterinary advice should be sought.
Weight and wellbeing should be monitored and food portions
adjusted accordingly. Like cats and dogs, it is easy to do regular
weight and body size checks at home. The PFMA rabbit size-o-meter
is a great place to start. Exercise is important too. Rabbits need regular
access to a large run. Raised platforms allow them jump on and off
and stretch their legs hide their treats. Suitable toys can be provided
and treats hidden for extra stimulation.
For rabbit focused educational posters which can be displayed in store
during Rabbit Awareness Week (and any other time!), please visit:
www.pfma.org.uk/factsheets-and-tools
RABBIT NUTRITION SYMPOSIUM
When: 21 June
Where: Central London
Speakers: Dr Wanda McCormick (Anglia Ruskin University), Dr
Ambrose Tinarwo (Hadlow College), Richard Saunders MRCVS
(Bristol Zoo and RWAF Veterinary Advisor) and Molly Varga MRCVS
(Rutland Referrals)
If you are interested in attending please email
[email protected] – places are limited and will be allocated
on a first come, first served basis.
May 2018