Rabbits should not be fed carrots by owners, RSPCA warns

RABBIT owners are risking their pets’ health by feeding them ­carrots and  lettuce,  the RSPCA has warned.

The salad staples are portrayed  as popular food for fictional thumpers such as Bugs Bunny.

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It’s a common misconception that carrots are good for rabbits, with the RSPCA pointing out they don’t eat them in the wild[/caption]

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Lettuce contains a sedative called lactucarium and is also bad for rabbits[/caption]

But the animal charity said carrots’ high sugar content was a problem — while iceberg lettuce contains a sedative called ­lactucarium.

It also recommended simple feeds of grass, hay and leafy greens and pellets.

The RSPCA said: “There are many myths about what rabbits should eat, including lots of carrots and lettuce.

“Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. They don’t eat them wild in nature.”  

Highlighting the problem for  Rabbit Awareness Week, the RSPCA added: “Rabbits have a complex digestive system and owners are storing up trouble by failing to lay on simple feeds.

“Hay isn’t just bedding — fresh, dust-free hay should be their main source of food.

“As well as causing gut problems, the wrong  foods can cause dental disease.”

The charity suggested  kale, cabbage and parsley — and plenty of clean drinking water.