How much hay should I feed my rabbit daily?

Rabbits need an unlimited supply of hay. Provide a pile roughly the size of their body each day, and ensure they always have access. It should make up about 80% of their diet.

Can I give my rabbit only one type of hay?

Yes, but offering a variety of grass hays (like timothy, orchard, and meadow) can prevent boredom and provide different nutrients. Mixing types is often beneficial.

Is older hay still safe for my rabbit?

Hay loses nutritional value over time and may become dusty or moldy. Use within six months of purchase and store in a cool, dry place. Discard any hay with an off smell or visible mold.

Should I be concerned about hay dust?

Some rabbits are sensitive to dust, especially those with respiratory issues. Orchard grass hay tends to be less dusty. You can also shake hay outside before feeding to reduce dust.

How much hay does my rabbit need?

Unlimited, fresh hay should be available constantly and make up the majority of the diet. It wears down teeth and keeps the digestive system working properly.

Is alfalfa hay good for adult rabbits?

It is high in calcium and protein, better suited to young, growing or recovering rabbits. Healthy adults usually do better on grass hays like timothy or meadow.

Hay & Grass: A Complete Buyer’s Guide (Rabbits)

When it comes to rabbit care, few things are as essential as hay and grass. These fibrous plants make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet, supporting digestion, dental health, and overall well-being. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose? From timothy to orchardgrass, each type has unique benefits. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for, the top types to consider, and common pitfalls to avoid, all from an owner-to-owner perspective.

What to Look For

First, prioritize freshness. High-quality hay should smell sweet and grassy, not musty or sour. Look for a greenish color (though some types are naturally more golden) and avoid hay that is yellow, brown, or dusty. The texture should be long-stemmed and fibrous, not chopped into tiny pieces. Rabbits need long strands to wear down their continually growing teeth and to promote gut motility. Also, check the packaging for any signs of mold, insects, or excessive debris. A trusted brand should have consistent quality, so read reviews from other owners before buying.

Top Types to Consider

Timothy Hay
The gold standard for adult rabbits. Timothy hay has a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and is lower in protein and calcium than alfalfa, making it suitable for daily feeding. Pros: widely available, palatable, and supports dental health. It’s the go-to for most adult bunnies.

Orchard Grass Hay
A great alternative for picky eaters. Orchard grass is softer and sweeter than timothy, often tempting rabbits that turn their nose up at other hays. Pros: high fiber, lower dust (good for respiratory health), and often more affordable. Many owners mix it with timothy to add variety.

Meadow Hay
A mix of grasses and sometimes herbs, meadow hay offers variety in texture and taste. Pros: encourages foraging behavior, provides different nutrients, and can be more enriching. Look for a reputable source to ensure it’s free from harmful weeds or pesticides.

Oat Hay
Oat hay includes stalks, leaves, and sometimes oat heads (grains). It’s higher in fiber than some other hays and its crunchy texture is excellent for dental wear. Pros: very palatable, good for rabbits that need extra roughage. However, limit the oat heads to avoid weight gain.

How to Choose

Your rabbit’s age and health are key factors. For rabbits under 7 months, alfalfa hay (not covered here due to high calcium) is often recommended, but for adults, stick to grass hays like timothy or orchard. If your rabbit has urinary issues, avoid high-calcium hays like alfalfa and opt for timothy or meadow. Slow feeders or hay racks can help keep hay clean and reduce waste. Always introduce new hay gradually to prevent digestive upset. Check the current price on Amazon to compare brands, but prioritize quality over cost. A 40-ounce bag typically lasts a single rabbit about two weeks, but purchase based on freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is not providing enough hay. Rabbits should have unlimited access to hay at all times – at least a pile the size of their body daily. Another error is choosing dusty or stale hay; always give it a sniff and shake test before buying. Avoid hay with excessive seed heads (like heavy oat hay) if your rabbit is prone to obesity. Also, don’t assume all grass hays are the same – some brands have inconsistent quality. Finally, never use hay that has been soiled or rained on; it can harbor mold.

Bottom Line

Hay is not just a treat; it’s the foundation of your rabbit’s health. Invest time in finding fresh, high-quality hay that your bunny loves. A mix of types can prevent boredom and ensure balanced nutrition. Remember, if your rabbit stops eating hay suddenly, consult a vet immediately – it can indicate dental or digestive issues.

Happy hay shopping! Your bunny will thank you with happy binkies and a shiny coat.

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Sources

AKC
ASPCA

What you need to know

Hay is the single most important part of a rabbit’s diet and should be available at all times, making up the bulk of what they eat. The constant chewing wears down continuously growing teeth and keeps the gut moving, preventing painful dental and digestive problems. Grass hays such as timothy or meadow hay suit adult rabbits, fed fresh, green and sweet-smelling rather than dusty or yellowed.

Richer legume hays like alfalfa are higher in calcium and protein, better reserved for young, growing or underweight rabbits rather than healthy adults. Store hay somewhere cool, dry and airy to keep it fresh and mould-free, and buy in quantities you will use before it ages. Offer it in racks or stuffed into toys to encourage foraging. If a rabbit stops eating hay, treat it as urgent and contact your vet.