The 7 Best Hay For Rabbits

Medically reviewed by This article was reviewed by Michael Vogelsang
Rabbits May 12, 2022
Written by | Updated Mar 8, 2024
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The 7 Best Hay For Rabbits

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Though you should be offering your rabbit nutritionally balanced commercial pellets, they shouldn’t be the staple of its diet.

All rabbits need an unlimited supply of fresh hay in their diet because it helps them maintain good dental and intestinal health. There are different types of hay for rabbits, however, and some are better than others.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Hay For Rabbits

Overall Best
Small Pet Select Second Cut Timothy Hay Small Animal Food

1. Small Pet Select Second Cut Timothy Hay Small Animal Food

Runner Up
Oxbow Oat Hay Small Animal Food

2. Oxbow Oat Hay Small Animal Food

Best Natural Hay
Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay Pet Food

3. Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay Pet Food

Best High Fiber
Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass

4. Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass

Best For Budget
Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay Small Animal Food

5. Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay Small Animal Food

Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay for Rabbits & Small Pets

6. Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay for Rabbits & Small Pets

Alfalfa King Double Compressed Oat, Wheat & Barley Hay Small Animal Food

7. Alfalfa King Double Compressed Oat, Wheat & Barley Hay Small Animal Food

Type
Timothy
Type
Oat
Type
Orchard
Type
Timothy
Type
Meadow
Type
Alfalfa
Type
Oat, Wheat & Barley Blend
Amount
10 pounds
Amount
15 ounces
Amount
10 pounds
Amount
10 pounds
Amount
15 ounces
Amount
5 pounds
Amount
4 pounds
Cutting
Second
Cutting
Unknown
Cutting
Third
Cutting
First or second
Cutting
Unknown
Cutting
Unknown
Cutting
Unknown

Top Picks Explained

What To Look For In Hay For Rabbits?

There are several different types of hay your rabbit can eat, but some are better than others. Young rabbits can eat alfalfa hay because it is high in protein, but adult rabbits need more fiber with slightly lower levels of protein.

Timothy hay is best, though you can also offer your rabbit orchard grass, meadow hay, and oat hay. Just be sure they hay is fresh and contains no additives.

Here Are Some Important Things To Look For In Rabbit Hay:

  • All-natural hay. Because you’re already feeding your rabbit commercial pellets, there is no need to add anything to fresh hay. Your rabbit’s hay should be 100% all-natural.
  • Second or third cut. The first cut of hay is a little tough – it has a coarse texture and can be more difficult for your rabbit to digest than second or third cut hay.
  • Optimal protein and fiber content. As you’ve already learned, high-protein hays (like alfalfa) should be reserved for juvenile rabbits while adults can enjoy timothy, orchard grass, oat hay, and meadow hay.
  • No additives or preservatives. Feed your rabbit fresh hay and only fresh hay. You should never feed your rabbit hay that contains artificial additives or preservatives.

Our Top Picks For The Best Hay For Rabbits

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a rabbit hay, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 7 picks for the best rabbit hays.

Overall Best
1.

Small Pet Select Second Cut Timothy Hay Small Animal Food

Product Info

  • Type: Timothy
  • Amount: 10 pounds
  • Cutting: Second
Pros
  • Second cutting with soft, leafy stems
  • Minimally handled and delivered fresh
  • Delivered in a handy box for easy storage
Cons
  • Somewhat more expensive than other brands
  • 10-pound size may be too large for some rabbits to eat quickly
Available in a wide variety of sizes, this timothy hay is from a second cutting which gives it the ideal taste and texture your rabbit will love. This hay is packaged fresh and minimally handled so it maintains its freshness right up to when it arrives on your doorstep.

It’s nice and leafy with soft stems and plenty of flower heads, plus it is free from dust and additives of any kind. Plus, you can store it in the box it comes in to keep it fresh and dry.
Runner Up
2.

Oxbow Oat Hay Small Animal Food

Product Info

  • Type: Oat
  • Amount: 15 ounces
  • Cutting: Unknown

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 7%
Crude Fat: 1.5%
Crude Fiber: 32%
Moisture: 15%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 8.24%
Fat: 1.76%
Fiber: 37.65%
Carbs: 52.35%
Pros
  • Contains 100% oat grass hay
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Harvested fresh, hand-sorted and -packed
Cons
  • Some rabbits find the texture to be too tough
Jazz up your rabbit’s diet by offering it some fresh oat hay. This oat hay features a crunchy texture and savory flavor your rabbit is sure to love, plus it is harvested fresh and delivered at the peak of freshness.

You’ll be glad to know that this hay is all-natural and completely free from any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It simply contains oat grass hay which has the ideal balance of protein and fiber to support your rabbit’s dental and digestive health.
Best Natural Hay
3.

Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay Pet Food

Product Info

  • Type: Orchard
  • Amount: 10 pounds
  • Cutting: Third
Pros
  • Hand-selected and hand-packed
  • Packed in a convenient storage box
  • Contains only 100% natural orchard hay
Cons
  • 10-pound size may be too much for some rabbits to eat quickly
  • Larger quantities may be tough to keep fresh
If you’re looking for something other than timothy hay for your rabbit, this Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay is a great option. It is hand-selected and hand-packed in small batches to ensure freshness; plus the box it comes in is the perfect way to keep your hay fresh.

This hay is minimally handled and contains only 100% orchard grass hay. Plus, being a third cutting, it is the perfect texture for rabbit to enjoy and the high fiber content supports its dental and digestive health.
Best High Fiber
4.

Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass

Product Info

  • Type: Timothy
  • Amount: 10 pounds
  • Cutting: First or second
Pros
  • Hand-selected and packaged fresh
  • All-natural and free from additives
  • Low in protein and high in fiber
Cons
  • 25 pound box may be too much for some rabbits
  • Larger quantities may be tough to keep fresh
Timothy hay should be a staple in your rabbit’s diet and this Standlee Hay Company Premium Timothy Grass is a great option. Packaged in a 25-pound box, this hay is all-natural and completely free from any additives.

It features long stem fibers that appeal to your rabbit’s natural foraging instincts while also supporting its dental and digestive health. This hay is hand-selected for quality and freshness and is delivered fresh right to your door. You couldn’t ask for more.
Best For Budget
5.

Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay Small Animal Food

Product Info

  • Type: Meadow
  • Amount: 15 ounces
  • Cutting: Unknown

Guaranteed Analysis

loader
Crude Protein: 7%
Crude Fat: 1.5%
Crude Fiber: 32%
Moisture: 15%

Dry Matter Basis

loader
Protein: 8.24%
Fat: 1.76%
Fiber: 37.65%
Carbs: 52.35%
Pros
  • 100% certified organic meadow hay
  • Low in protein and high in fiber
  • Grown all-naturally, no additives at all
Cons
  • Quality may vary from one shipment to another
Another great option to supplement your rabbit’s timothy hay is this organic meadow hay. It comes from a reputable company and is 100% certified organic, so you can be sure it contains no chemical preservatives, pesticides, or fertilizers.

This meadow hay is high in fiber and rich in flavor, supporting your rabbit’s digestive tract as it enjoys this tasty hay.
6.

Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay for Rabbits & Small Pets

Product Info

  • Type: Alfalfa
  • Amount: 5 pounds
  • Cutting: Unknown
Pros
  • 100% pure alfalfa hay with no GMOs
  • Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals
  • Certified as weed-free hay
Cons
  • Contents may be dry, brittle and dusty
Alfalfa hay is packed full of fiber, calcium, amino acids and vitamins, and its low-sugar content encourages a healthier diet and lowers the chance of your rabbit becoming overweight. This hay helps to promote good dental hygene, a healthy digestive system and a shiny coat.

Plus, its certified as weed-free and non-GMO, and Viking Farmer is part of the Sustainable Forestry Inititative. Also, the recloseable box will help maintain its freshness.
7.

Alfalfa King Double Compressed Oat, Wheat & Barley Hay Small Animal Food

Product Info

  • Type: Oat, Wheat & Barley Blend
  • Amount: 4 pounds
  • Cutting: Unknown

Guaranteed Analysis

loader
Crude Protein: 7%
Crude Fiber: 32%
Moisture: 14%

Dry Matter Basis

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Protein: 8.14%
Fiber: 37.21%
Carbs: 54.65%
Pros
  • 100% natural hay blend
  • Contains lots of seed heads and fiber
  • Double-compressed for extended freshness
Cons
  • Packaging is not resealable
This all-natural oat, wheat and barley blend uses a double-compression method which removes excess air to help preserve its freshness and hang on to its aroma. It contains a mixture of chunky stems, broad leafs and seed heads, and offers plenty of nutritious fiber to help your rabbits thrive.

It’s a sun-cured hay blend that isn’t too brittle or dusty, and your bunnies are sure to enjoy the variety of flavors and textures.

Final Remarks

Rabbits enjoy many different types of hay, so don’t be afraid to provide your rabbit with a variety of options. Just make sure the hay you choose is all-natural and comes from a reputable manufacturer.

Follow the tips provided above to choose the best hay for rabbits and to keep your hay fresh.

If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a rabbit hay, try out one of the top 7 best rabbit hays we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!

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Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
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