17 Jun Rabbit Awareness Week 2026

Rabbit Awareness Week 2026

This June is Rabbit Awareness Week and the chosen these this year is ‘Feeding Bunnies Better’. In this blog we’ll explore how the right diet can help your rabbit live a longer, healthier, happier (and hoppier) life.

Rabbit Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the UK’s most popular pets. Intelligent, affectionate and full of personality, rabbits make wonderful companions. They can form strong bonds with their owners, enjoy learning routines and, when cared for properly, can live for ten years or more.

This year’s theme, ‘Feeding Bunnies Better’, highlights on one of the most important aspects of rabbit welfare – nutrition.

What many owners don’t realise is that a rabbit’s diet has a direct impact on almost every aspect of its health, from digestion and dental care to behaviour and lifespan. Feeding the right foods can help prevent common health problems, while an unsuitable diet can lead to serious illness and costly veterinary treatment.

So, what should rabbits be eating, and what should they avoid?

The golden rule? Hay, hay and more hay.

If there’s one thing every rabbit owner should know, it’s this: hay should make up around 85% – 90% of a rabbit’s diet.

Unlike humans and many other pets, rabbits have teeth that never stop growing. Constant chewing on fibrous hay helps wear those teeth down naturally, preventing painful dental issues. Hay also keeps the digestive system moving efficiently, reducing the risk of gut stasis – a common and potentially life-threatening condition.

Good quality hay should be available at all times and should smell fresh and sweet. Think of hay as the foundation of your rabbit’s health. Everything else is simply a supplement.

The best foods for rabbits

Fresh Leafy Greens

A daily selection of fresh greens provides important vitamins, minerals and variety. Some of the most popular, rabbit friendly veggies include:

• Romaine lettuce
• Spring greens
• Kale (in moderation)
• Coriander
• Parsley
• Mint
• Basil
• Dill
• Pak choi

It’s important to introduce new foods gradually, as sudden dietary changes can upset their sensitive digestive system.

High quality rabbit pellets

Rabbit food, or pellets, can provide additional nutrients when fed in appropriate amounts. It’s important to choose pellets that are high in fibre, plain in colour (rather than colourful muesli-style mixes), and always make sure they are age appropriate for your bunny.

Many rabbits will happily eat the tastiest pieces first from mixed feeds, which can lead to nutritional imbalances. Uniform pellets help ensure they receive a balanced diet.

Fresh water

It sounds obvious, but fresh water is just as important as food. Clean water should always be available, preferably in a heavy bowl as many rabbits drink more naturally from bowls than bottles. During the summer months it’s important to check the supply regularly to make sure they don’t run out.

The worst food for rabbits

Muesli-Style Rabbit Food

Despite its popularity, many veterinary professionals advise against muesli rabbit feeds. These mixes encourage selective feeding, where rabbits pick out sugary ingredients and leave behind healthier components. Over time, this can contribute to obesity, dental disease and digestive problems.

Sugary treats (including fruit!)

We all love a sugary treat from time to time. And the same goes for your rabbit. Rabbits may love sweet foods, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for them.

Foods to limit or avoid include:

• Yoghurt drops
• Commercial sugary treats
• Breakfast cereals or other human snack foods
• Sugary fruits and vegetables

Many of these foods can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in a rabbit’s gut. Fruit isn’t toxic to rabbits, but it should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

Apples (without seeds), strawberries and blueberries can be offered in very small quantities, but excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. Ironically, carrots should be avoided in large quantities.

Iceberg lettuce

Many owners assume all lettuce is safe, but iceberg lettuce offers very little nutritional value and can cause digestive upset in some rabbits. Instead, choose darker leafy varieties that provide more nutrients.

Why does good nutrition matter so much?

Poor diet remains one of the leading causes of preventable health issues in pet rabbits.

A balanced diet helps support healthy teeth, good digestion, a strong immune system, healthy weight, good mobility and joint health and overall positive behaviour and wellbeing.

Many of the most common veterinary problems seen in rabbits are linked, either directly or indirectly, to nutrition. By feeding correctly from the start, owners can help their pets enjoy a better quality of life and potentially avoid serious health complications.

The joy of owning a rabbit

When people think about companion animals, dogs and cats often take centre stage, but rabbits have plenty to offer.

They are social animals that can develop close bonds with their owners and with other rabbits. Many enjoy gentle interaction, can recognise familiar voices and routines, and display a wide range of charming behaviours, from playful ‘zoomies’ to the famous ‘binky’ leap that signals pure happiness.

Watching a content rabbit stretch out in the sunshine, explore its environment or enjoy a fresh pile of hay is one of the simple pleasures of rabbit ownership.

Rabbits rely entirely on their owners to provide the correct diet, housing and healthcare. That’s why understanding their nutritional needs is one of the most important steps towards responsible ownership.

Rabbit Awareness Week

Rabbit Awareness Week is a reminder that even small changes can make a big difference. By prioritising hay, offering a balanced diet and avoiding unsuitable treats, owners can help their rabbits stay healthier for longer.

We believe that informed owners make the best pet parents. Whether you’re welcoming your first bunny or caring for a much loved rabbit companion, feeding them correctly is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

This Rabbit Awareness Week, let’s celebrate our rabbits by giving them what they need most – a healthy diet, plenty of care and every opportunity to thrive.