The Best Rabbit Hay
Quality hay is an absolute essential when it comes to rabbit care. This product serves as a main source of food, mimicking the grass they would eat in the wild grazing. It's important to have an unlimited supply of rabbit hay, and it should be the type that your specific pet likes best. Of course, there are a plethora of choices these days, so we've spent some time researching the best of the best. Read on to find some of the top hay available.
What to Look For
We kept a few key questions in mind while we searched for the best rabbit hay on the market today: Is it made of natural ingredients? Does it have the key nutrients rabbits need? Is the flavor enjoyable for pets? Right away, the Kaytee All Natural Timothy Grass stood out for its clean ingredient list and well-loved flavor. We also appreciated Oxbow’s Orchard Hay because every package is hand-packed with care. Which version will be right for you and your rabbit? Simply scroll through the following products to find out.
Kaytee All Natural Timothy Grass Rabbit Hay
Tried and true
From the field location to the watering schedule, every aspect of this hay’s growing process ensures it’s as healthy as possible for your pet rabbit. The timothy grass is a common favorite in regards to texture and flavor. It contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or pesticides. And the large, 12-pound bags are convenient as well.
Pros:
- This hay comes from Kaytee, a trusted name in small animal care.
- Unlike some brands, the bag comes packed full of hay, not air.
Cons:
- This is designed for rabbits over seven months old. It shouldn’t be used for baby bunnies due to the fiber/protein/calcium ratio.
Small Pet Select Second Cutting Rabbit Hat
This rabbit hay has benefits for both pets and humans. To start, it comes in a breathable cardboard box to reduce plastic waste. The 12-pound quantity keeps you from having to run to the store every week. And for rabbits, the timothy hay is second-cut, hand-picked, and all-natural. It literally comes from the field to your front door, picked and packed by a small, family-owned business.
Pros:
- The second-cutting feature ensures your rabbit will receive top-notch nutrition from this hay.
- Hay actually stays fresher in the breathable cardboard box than it would in the typical plastic bag.
Cons:
- This isn’t compressed, so the box may feel less full than other brands, though this is purposeful for the integrity of the hay. It ensures you’ll receive a fresh product that isn’t broken up into small pieces.
Oxbow Oat Hay
Delicious oats
If your rabbit isn’t eating its normal hay, oat hay could be worth a try. It’s crunchy and flavorful, as well as high in fiber to support your pet’s digestion. It can be used on its own from time to time or mixed in with other grasses for optimal nutrition. This product is also all-natural, with no added preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Pros:
- This can be a good treat to try if your rabbit isn’t eating as much as normal.
- The various textures can be fun for foraging.
Cons:
- It’s worth noting that not all rabbits enjoy oat hay.
High Desert Natural Dried Alfalfa Rabbit Hay
Naturally nutritious
This alfalfa hay from High Desert is designed to provide increased nutrients to our pet rabbit. It contains heightened amounts of vitamins, fats, protein, calcium, and fiber. This supports healthy growth in young rabbits under seven months and can be used as an occasional treat for older pets. The cardboard box provides breathable storage for keeping the hay fresh as well.
Pros:
- The boxes arrive with almost no dust.
- This is 100% alfalfa hay. It contains no artificial ingredients, GMOs, or pesticides.
Cons:
- You shouldn’t feed this to an adult rabbit as its main source of food.
Oxbow All Natural Orchard Rabbit Hay
Packed with care
If your pet doesn’t like timothy grass, orchard grass could be a good option. It provides similar nutrients, with the correct fiber, protein, and calcium values for an adult rabbit. The ingredients are all-natural and veterinarian-recommended. The sweet smell and soft texture may even entice rabbits to eat when they were previously struggling with appetite.
Pros:
- This package is small and affordable, making it worth a try to see if your pet rabbit enjoys it.
- It’s a good alternative for pet owners who are allergic to timothy grass.
Cons:
- Not all rabbits will enjoy the new texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of rabbit grass is healthiest?
This depends on the age of your rabbit. Pets under seven months old should be eating high-protein grass like alfalfa. Once they are grown, timothy and orchard grass are well-balanced options. Other hays, such as oat hay, can be used occasionally or as a treat.
Is it important for rabbit hay to be from a second cutting?
All rabbit hay on the list above is designed for your pet’s optimal health. However, second-cutting high is typically more nutrient-dense and, therefore an even better option for your pet.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.