Why Chewing Isn’t “Bad Behavior” - It’s Essential for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

If you’ve ever groaned watching your bunny nibble the corner of a baseboard or caught your guinea pig going to town on a cardboard box, you’re not alone. I used to think my pets were being “naughty” when they chewed on things they weren’t supposed to. But here’s the truth: chewing isn’t bad behavior at all. It’s essential.

Understanding why chewing matters - and how to redirect it safely - can make a world of difference for both your sanity and your pet’s wellbeing.

1. Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Need to Chew

Unlike humans, rabbits and guinea pigs have teeth that never stop growing. In fact, their teeth can grow up to 2–3 mm every week! Chewing is their natural way of keeping those teeth worn down to a healthy length.

Without enough chewing opportunities, overgrown teeth can lead to painful conditions like malocclusion, difficulty eating, drooling, or even dangerous infections. Chewing isn’t optional - it’s a built-in survival tool.

2. What Counts as “Healthy Chewing”

Not all chewing is created equal. The best chewing materials:

• Hay - unlimited access to fresh hay is non-negotiable. It’s nature’s toothbrush and keeps teeth and digestion in balance.

• Safe woods - untreated apple, willow, pear, or hazel branches are excellent for gnawing.

• Cardboard - simple, cheap, and endlessly entertaining. Cardboard tunnels, boxes, or toilet rolls can double as enrichment.

• Specially made chew toys - from grass mats to wooden blocks, these give variety and keep things interesting.

3. What Doesn’t Count as Healthy Chewing

Some things may look tempting to pets but can cause harm:

• Painted or varnished wood

• Electrical cords (a common danger!)

• Plastic items, especially hard plastics that can splinter

• Fabrics that could cause blockages if swallowed

A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t feel comfortable letting a toddler chew on it, it’s probably not safe for your pet.

4. Redirecting “Problem Chewing”

If your rabbit has a taste for furniture legs or your guinea pig keeps chewing the bars of a pen, it doesn’t mean they’re misbehaving. It means they’re bored or don’t have enough safe outlets.

• Provide alternatives - place chew toys, hay cubes, or willow sticks right where the chewing happens.

• Rotate toys - change up what’s available every few days to keep them curious.

• Block access - use corner guards, cable protectors, or safe barriers to keep teeth away from things that can’t be chewed.

5. How Chewing Affects Mental Health Too

Chewing isn’t just about teeth. It’s also about enrichment. Gnawing, shredding, and digging mimic natural wild behaviors. Pets who can chew freely are usually calmer, more confident, and less prone to stress-related habits.

I’ve noticed that when my bunny gets a fresh willow branch or my guinea pig finds a new cardboard tunnel, it’s not just a dental workout - it’s pure joy.

Conclusion

The next time your pet starts chewing, try shifting your perspective. It’s not mischief - it’s biology. By giving rabbits and guinea pigs safe, enriching chewing opportunities, you’re not only protecting your home-  you’re protecting their health and happiness.

Chewing is life for our little floofs. And once you embrace it, you’ll start to see those chewed-up cardboard boxes as a badge of good pet parenting.