As the proud guardian of three rescued house rabbits—two of whom are Californians, a breed commonly used as “meat rabbits”—and a rescue dog, I am deeply disturbed by Stella & Chewy’s inclusion of rabbit meat in their pet food products.

Offerings like “Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Patties” and “Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels” are anything but compassionate; in fact, they are absolutely cruel. By including packaged pet food products that include rabbit meat in their product line, Stella & Chewy’s directly enables an industry that treats these sentient beings as mere commodities, unworthy of love and care, destined for slaughter.

Stella & Chewy’s positions itself as a brand that champions mindful, high-quality pet nutrition. They claim to prioritize the health and happiness of our pets. But how can this claim hold any merit when they choose to package a companion species like rabbits into pet food? In many households, rabbits peacefully cohabitate with dogs and cats, forming strong emotional bonds with their families, just as any dog or cat would. By promoting rabbit-based products, Stella & Chewy’s completely undermines the values of compassion and care that they advertise, hiding behind the guise of ethical sourcing.

According to Rabbit.org, there is no difference between a “meat rabbit” and a “companion rabbit.” The USDA may classify rabbits as multi-use animals, but in the homes of millions of families like mine, rabbits are cherished pets deserving of protection—not consumption. It’s time to challenge this outdated and harmful perspective.

As someone who cares for two rabbits whose breed is commonly exploited for meat production, I can tell you firsthand that there is absolutely no difference between a so-called “meat rabbit” and a companion animal rabbit. The only reason rabbits bred for meat may seem more docile is because they are specifically raised for easier handling during slaughter, which is nothing short of abhorrent.

Why This Matters:

Ethical Contradictions: Stella & Chewy’s claims to stand for the well-being of pets, yet they fail to recognize rabbits as loving, sentient companions. Selling rabbit meat is not only a contradiction but also a betrayal of the trust that pet owners place in companies that profess to care about animals’ welfare.

Rabbits as Beloved Pets: Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the U.S., sharing homes with millions of families who also have cats and dogs. These gentle, intelligent animals form deep bonds with their families and deserve to be recognized as cherished companions, not commodities for consumption.

Widespread Support for Change: I am not alone in finding this practice deeply troubling. Many multi-pet families, including those with both cats and dogs, also include rabbits as part of their family. Families like mine will never support companies that reduce their pets to food products.

Take Action Now:

We call on our community—whether you are a rabbit guardian or simply someone who cares about ethical practices—to join this effort. You don’t need to own a rabbit to understand that no beloved pet should be reduced to a food product.

Here’s how you can help:

• Sign this Petition: Add your name to urge Stella & Chewy’s to stop using rabbit meat in their products. Compassionate pet care should extend to all animals, not just some.
• Share the Petition: Spread the word to friends, family, and fellow pet lovers. Every voice counts in making a difference.
• Contact Stella & Chewy’s Directly: Call 855-617-2959 or email help@stellaandchewys.com to demand they stop selling rabbit-based products.
• Raise Awareness on Social Media: Use your platform to post about this issue. Tag Stella & Chewy’s and call on them to end this cruel practice. Use your voice to advocate for a more humane approach to pet care.

A Final Call for Compassion:

We must challenge the narrative that it’s acceptable for our pets to consume other beloved companion animals. Let’s send a strong message to Stella & Chewy’s that as consumers, we expect better. Together, we can push for change that respects all animals, especially those we welcome into our homes as cherished family members.

Please, sign this petition, share your thoughts, and help ensure that rabbits are treated with the dignity they deserve. It’s time for Stella & Chewy’s to live up to their promises and act with the compassion they claim to represent.