Romford’s Pets at Home shop will stop selling rabbit muesli – because new research shows it’s bad for bunnies.

The research, carried out by University of Edinburgh and Burgess Pet Care, shows rabbits fed on muesli are more likely to suffer from dental and digestive problems.

Changing a rabbit’s diet should be done gradually – ideally over about two weeks.

So the Rom Valley Way Retail Park store will phase muesli out to give owners time to get their pets used to the change in food.

Maeve Moorcroft MVB MRCVS of Pets at Home said: “Remember that hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet and should make up at least 80 per cent of their daily intake.

“Fresh leafy greens and nuggets should make up the remaining 20pc, and fresh water should also be available at all times.”

The RSPCA’s rabbit welfare scientist Rachel Roxburgh said the charity “welcomed” the move by Pets at Home, which is being rolled out across all its stores nationally.