Timothy hay is the foundation of an adult rabbit’s diet and should be available at all times, since the constant grazing wears down continuously growing teeth and keeps the gut moving. Good timothy hay is fresh, green, fragrant and low in dust, with a high fibre content. We compared timothy hays on cut, freshness and quality, so your rabbit gets the unlimited, high-fibre hay it needs to stay healthy.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Rabbits
★ Top Pick: Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
Which Timothy Hay Is Best for Rabbits?
Discover why Oxbow Western Timothy Hay tops our list for rabbits. Learn what makes it a favorite among owners for quality and nutrition.
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★ Top Pick: Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Overall: Oxbow Western Timothy Hay. Oxbow Western Timothy is a consistently fresh, high-fibre timothy hay from a trusted rabbi.
- Best Soft Cut: Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Pet Food. Small Pet Select second cutting is a soft, leafy timothy that tempts fussier eaters while.
- Best Value: PremiYum Standlee Western Timothy Grass Hay Small Animal Feed. Standlee western timothy grass hay offers good-quality fibre in larger, better-value quant.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Oxbow Western Timothy Hay | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Ti… | Best Soft Cut | Check price → |
| PremiYum Standlee Western Timothy Grass Hay S… | Best Value | Check price → |
The Rankings
Top 3 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
Oxbow Western Timothy is a consistently fresh, high-fibre timothy hay from a trusted rabbit brand, a reliable staple that most rabbits eat readily.
#2
Best Soft Cut
Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Pet Food
Small Pet Select second cutting is a soft, leafy timothy that tempts fussier eaters while still delivering the fibre a rabbit needs, from a small-pet specialist.
#3
Best Value
PremiYum Standlee Western Timothy Grass Hay Small Animal Feed
Standlee western timothy grass hay offers good-quality fibre in larger, better-value quantities, a sensible choice for a multi-rabbit home or heavy hay users.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Fibre is everything
Timothy hay is high in fibre, which wears down teeth and keeps the digestive system moving, preventing dangerous gut slowdowns. It should make up the bulk of an adult rabbit's diet, available at all times.
02
Cut and texture
First cut is coarser and higher in fibre, while second cut is softer and leafier and often preferred by picky rabbits. Many owners mix cuts to balance fibre and palatability.
03
Freshness
Good hay is green, fragrant and fresh, not yellow, dusty or musty. Fresh hay smells sweet and is far more likely to be eaten, so buy a size you will use before it goes stale.
04
Low dust
Dusty hay can irritate a rabbit's and your airways, so low-dust, well-cured hay is kinder. A little natural dust is normal, but avoid very dusty or mouldy batches.
05
Timothy over alfalfa for adults
Adult rabbits need grass hay like timothy, not alfalfa, which is too high in calcium and protein for adults and can contribute to problems. Alfalfa suits only babies and pregnant or nursing rabbits.
06
Quantity and storage
A rabbit eats a bundle of hay roughly its own body size daily, so buy enough and store it somewhere dry and airy. Keep hay out of sealed plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mould.
Frequently asked questions
How much timothy hay should a rabbit eat?
A rabbit should have unlimited access to timothy hay, eating a bundle roughly the size of its own body each day. Hay makes up the bulk of a healthy adult rabbit's diet, wearing down teeth and keeping the gut moving, so a full, fresh hay supply should always be available.
Is timothy or alfalfa hay better for rabbits?
For adult rabbits, timothy or other grass hay is best, since alfalfa is too high in calcium and protein for adults and can contribute to health problems. Alfalfa is suitable only for baby rabbits and pregnant or nursing does, so adults should have grass hay like timothy.
Why won't my rabbit eat its hay?
Rabbits can be fussy, and stale, dusty or coarse hay is often the culprit, so try fresh, fragrant hay or a softer second cut. If a rabbit that normally eats hay suddenly stops, or eats nothing at all, contact a vet urgently, as loss of appetite in rabbits can signal a serious problem.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Rabbits, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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