Feeding Guide

Ideally the diet of the pet rabbit, guinea pig or chinchilla should mimic that of their wild cousins. Grass and hay must be the bulk of the diet. Hay should always be available and supplemented with fresh vegetables, wild plants and herbs. Dry pelleted food and cereal mixes should form the smallest part of the diet and may be weaned out completely on advice from a vet if your pet is overweight or suffering from a health problem. However, these can only be weaned out if your pet is eating a good variety of wild plants, herbs and vegetables every day. Young, pregnant or nursing rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas or those housed outdoors may still have a need for a high fibre dry pelleted food.

Hay is the foundation of the feeding pyramid and should not be considered as simply bedding material. A variety of hay and grass should form the bulk of the diet as its high fibre content supports digestive function. Chewing hay and grass also helps to promote healthy teeth.

With enough variation of hay, herbs, vegetables and wild plants there may be no need for dried cereals, pellets or flaked food in the diet. This should not be attempted without first seeking advice from a vet or a Burns nutritionist.

For advice about this product, managing specific health problems or simply fine tuning feeding amounts contact our Pet Nutrition Helpline