Hay is the most important part of your rabbit’s diet, it helps to keep their digestive system working, provides natural foraging enrichment and helps to keep their teeth worn down. In this blog we will go through some common queries regarding the best hay for rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Hay?
In short - Yes! In fact, hay should make up around 80–90% of your rabbit’s daily diet with the rest being made up of veggies and leafy greens, a small number of pellets and the occasional treat. Hay is high in fibre, which is essential for keeping your bunny’s digestive system moving smoothly and preventing issues like gut stasis. Chewing hay also helps to naturally wear down their continuously growing teeth, helping to reduce the risk of dental problems.
How to Choose the Best Hay for Your Rabbit
The best hay for your rabbit is the one they will eat - this may take some trial and error in finding a winner but here's some pointers to help choose:
- Freshness - Hay should be sweet smelling and not musty
- Colour - Hay should be somewhere between golden to green in colour.
- Contaminant free - Your rabbits hay should be low in dust and free from non-natural contaminants such as litter (sticks, leaves and natural contaminants shouldn't cause concern, after all hay does come from the fields!).
- High in fibre - Fibre is what keeps your bunny full and their digestive system moving.
The best hay for your rabbit can depend on their age, health, and personal preferences. A hay type one rabbit may adore another may turn its nose up at!
Different Types of Rabbit Hay
When it comes to feeding your rabbit, hay is an essential part of their diet, but not all hay is the same. There are many different types available and sometimes knowing which one is best for your rabbit can be quite overwhelming. Each type of hay provides its own unique set of nutrients, textures, and flavours that can benefit your rabbit in different ways. Some hays are higher in fibre to support digestion, while others are richer in protein and calcium, making them ideal for growing bunnies or nursing mothers. The variety of hay types allows you to make conscious dietary decisions based on your rabbit’s age, health, and personal preferences, helping to keep them healthy and happy.
Stick with us because in the next section we will discuss in further detail the different types of hay available and the benefits of each.
Timothy Hay for Rabbits
What is Timothy Hay?
Timothy Hay is one of the most popular choices for rabbits. It’s a grass hay, naturally high in fibre and low in protein and calcium - it's perfect for maintaining digestive and dental health in adult rabbits.
Can Rabbits Eat Timothy Hay?
Yes! In fact, Timothy Hay is widely recommended as the main hay for most adult rabbits. Timothy hay also has a pleasant aroma and texture that most rabbits enjoy, making it an easy choice for daily feeding.
Is Timothy Hay Good for Rabbits?
Timothy Hay has a balanced nutritional profile which supports a healthy digestive process. It's crunchy texture also makes it great for dental wear. Because of its nutritional profile it’s considered a staple in a rabbit’s diet as it provides the perfect balance of fibre, protein, and nutrients needed to maintain good health and prevent issues such as obesity or overgrown teeth.
What is the Difference Between Timothy Hay & Timothy Blend?
“Timothy Blend” refers to our hay variety that’s mixed with other grasses , such as Fescue and Ryegrass. This adds variety to texture and flavour, keeping your rabbit interested. Timothy Blend is dried in the field which makes it a more cost-effective offering. This blend offers the same core benefits as pure Timothy hay, still high in fibre, supporting healthy digestion and keeps your rabbit’s teeth naturally worn down. The inclusion of additional grasses provides a pleasant mix of textures and flavours, which can make mealtimes more interesting and enjoyable for your rabbit, especially if they tend to lose interest in a single hay type.
Alfalfa Hay
What is Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa hay is a legume hay, not a grass hay. It’s rich in protein, calcium, and energy - more like a leafy, nutrient-dense hay compared to grass hay varieties. Visually Alfalfa is very different to a grass hay as it is so leafy (it’s more like a clover than a grass). The nutrients are stored in the leaf of the plant which makes the small 'bits' the most valuable part.
Can Rabbits Eat Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa hay is best suited for young rabbits (under 6 months), pregnant or nursing does, or underweight rabbits who need extra nutrition.
Is Alfalfa Hay Good for Rabbits?
Alfalfa hay can be an excellent choice for young, growing, pregnant, nursing, or recovering rabbits, as it’s packed with valuable nutrients that support growth and recovery. It’s naturally rich in protein, calcium, and energy, making it ideal for rabbits that need an extra nutritional boost.
There are a couple precautions to note when it comes to Alfalfa Hay, while it is good for young, pregnant or nursing/recovering rabbits it is too rich for healthy adults, and feeding too much Alfalfa to adult rabbits can cause weight gain and urinary issues due to the high calcium content.
In summary, Alfalfa hay is highly nutritious and beneficial in the right circumstances, but for healthy adult rabbits, it’s best to stick with grass-based hays like Timothy to ensure a balanced, fibre-rich diet.
Cotswold Sweet Hay
What is Cotswold Sweet Hay?
Cotswold Sweet Hay is a premium-quality grass hay grown in the UK. It’s known for its naturally sweet aroma which many rabbits find irresistible. The way it is cultivated means it delivers a soft, fragrant, and highly palatable hay that your rabbits absolutely love. The “sweet” name is taken from its naturally sweet aroma and taste while its natural nutrients and golden-green colour come from the fact that the hay is sun-dried out in the field providing a wholesome options that is as close to nature as possible.
Can Rabbits Eat Cotswold Sweet Hay?
Yes, absolutely! It’s safe and nutritious for rabbits of all ages making it a perfect all-rounder that even the pickiest rabbits will struggle to resist.
Is Cotswold Hay Good for Rabbits?
Cotswold Sweet is very popular among fussy eaters! A lot of owners will mix it in with other hay varieties to encourage maximum hay consumption. It’s rich in fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion and helps prevent issues such as gut stasis. The hay’s natural texture also promotes good dental health by supporting the natural wearing down of teeth, which continuously grow throughout a rabbit’s life.
What Other Types of Hay Can Rabbits Eat?
In addition to Timothy and Cotswold Sweet, rabbits can also enjoy:
- Meadow Mix Hay - A broad mix of different grasses and herbs; great for variety.
- Orchard Grass Hay - Soft and sweet-smelling, ideal for sensitive rabbits.
- Oat Hay - Harvested before the grain has developed - this is a crunchy and fibrous offering and great for adding variety to your pets diet.
How Much Hay Does a Rabbit Typically Need?
Your rabbit should always have unlimited access to hay. A good rule to follow is a pile of hay about the same size as your rabbit’s body each day - and then top it up as they eat. Rabbits love to graze, so keeping hay available always is essential.
Keep it Fresh by Mixing it Up!
Rabbits naturally love variety. In the wild, they forage across different grasses and plants, each offering its own mix of nutrients, textures, and flavours. By giving your rabbits a variety of hay types, you’re not only keeping them interested at mealtimes but also helping to mimic their natural diet. Mixing hay supports digestive health, encourages natural foraging behaviour, and can even reduce picky eating habits.
Here’s how you can mix it up:
- Mix it up – Treat your rabbits to Premium Canadian Timothy or Silky Soft, rich, green, and full of tasty seed heads. Perfect for spoiling them!
- Mix it down – Try Timothy Blend or Cotswold Soft Cut, a great value option that’s still fresh, fragrant, and full of goodness.
- Mix it different – Add some variety with our Meadow Mix, offering a new texture and taste your rabbits will love.
A little variety goes a long way in keeping your pets happy and healthy, and did you know when you support The Little Hay Co. by ordering various hay, you keep our farming more sustainable!
Can a Rabbit Survive on Just Hay?
Hay alone provides most of what your rabbit needs. However, for optimal health, their diet should also include:
- A small portion of fresh leafy greens
- A measured amount of rabbit pellets
- Fresh water daily
A hay-based diet ensures a healthy digestive system and natural dental wear, while greens and pellets provide extra vitamins and minerals.
Choosing the right hay for your rabbit is key to their health and happiness. For most adult rabbits, Timothy, Meadow or Cotswold Sweet hay makes the perfect daily choice as they offer plenty of fibre, a delicious aroma, and just the right nutrition. Younger or pregnant rabbits may benefit from Alfalfa hay for added protein and calcium.
Whatever type your rabbit may choose, make sure it’s fresh, dust-free, and available at all times!
