To coincide with this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week, Supreme Petfoods has led a ‘dietary rethink’ to support the event’s theme “Feeding Bunnies Better”.
Following new research revealing a lack of clarity about the nutritional needs of rabbits and guinea pigs, the Selective Nutrition Guide app, a new web-based tool, removes any guesswork about what to feed them and offers reassurance that their pet’s nutritional needs are being met.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are the UK’s most popular pets after cats and dogs, with nearly two million of them living in UK households. However, while the latest data suggests that many rabbit owners take their guardian role very seriously, current guidelines may not meet basic dietary needs and, at best, are confusing.
When surveyed about feeding regimens, some veterinary professionals advocated weighing out food portions, while others suggested a volume-based approach or measuring by eye. So, which is it?
Social media trends can add to that uncertainty, with rabbits and guinea pigs frequently shown eating large quantities of fruit and vegetables. Appropriately fed fresh vegetables can be a valuable part of a balanced diet, but excessive amounts can reduce hay intake and affect dental and digestive health.
To end the confusion, Supreme simplified its feeding guidelines, providing a definitive guide that’s easy to understand and even easier to follow. The new Selective Nutrition Guide app is a first-of-its-kind digital tool, developed in partnership with specialist veterinary expert Molly Varga from The Exotics Animals Vets.
How Supreme’s Selective Nutrition Guide web app works
Body condition scoring (BCS) guidance
Step-by-step visual tools help owners accurately assess their pet’s weight and body condition.
Personalised portion calculator
Exact daily measurements for Selective nuggets, including which to feed and how much, based on the pet’s individual requirements, body weight and BCS.
Safe food database
A comprehensive guide explains which leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruit treats are safe to feed, how often, and in what quantities.
Weekly menu creator
Featuring customisable options and saveable weekly menus, this planner balances individual pet preferences with nutritional variety and accessibility.
Claire Hamblion-Jennings, Supreme’s marketing director, said: “Rabbits and guinea pigs are intelligent, social, and deeply rewarding companions, and we know that most pet parents want to do the right thing. But our research has shown that what’s been missing until now is definitive, actionable feeding guidelines.
“Our simple, expert-led approach should finally clarify any confusion, and the new app will put precise, expert-level nutritional guidance in the palm of everyone’s hand.”
