BRISTOL, England — A British study found that well-meaning owners could be putting their pet rabbits at risk — by feeding them carrots.
While Bugs Bunny might be partial to snacking on a carrot, too many root vegetables can cause tooth decay and other health problems in rabbits, the study found.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that a lack of grass and hay in their diet saw 11 percent of rabbits suffering from tooth decay and digestive problems.
Rachel Roxburgh, an animal scientist for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which commissioned the study, said, “Bugs Bunny was wrong. We want all pet rabbits to be eating hay as their main food.”
She added, “People also think their rabbits should eat carrots because that’s what Bugs Bunny does, but he’s a cartoon. Real rabbits don’t talk, and they shouldn’t be eating carrots too often, either.”
The RSPCA launched a campaign — dubbed Hay Fever — to encourage owners to feed their pet rabbits correctly.
Rabbits do not naturally eat root vegetables or fruit and should be fed on hay, grass and dark greens, including cabbage.