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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/small-hay-wears-teeth

Why can a rabbit fed mostly pellets get overgrown teeth?

Pellets do not wear teeth down the way hay does.

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  1. Pellets make teeth softer
  2. Pellets do not wear teeth down like hay ✔
  3. Pellets contain growth hormones

Why: Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Chewing tough, fibrous hay grinds them down, but pellets crumble too easily to do that job.

Huh, didn't know that: Merck says overgrown cheek teeth can form sharp points that cut the tongue or cheeks.

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Why did the guinea pig chew hay? To keep his tooth do list short.
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References

Answer: Pellets do not wear teeth down like hay. Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Chewing tough, fibrous hay grinds them down, but pellets crumble too easily to do that job.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual: Dental Care of Rabbits www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rabbits/dental-care-of-rabbits
    rabbits that eat mainly pellets instead of hay can develop overgrown teeth because chewing on pellets doesn’t wear the teeth down effectively
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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