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.
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Compare Best Hay For Rabbits
7. Alfalfa King Double Compressed Oat, Wheat & Barley Hay Small Animal Food |
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|
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.
Small Pet Select Second Cut Timothy Hay Small Animal Food
Product Info
- Type: Timothy
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Cutting: Second
- Second cutting with soft, leafy stems
- Minimally handled and delivered fresh
- Delivered in a handy box for easy storage
- Somewhat more expensive than other brands
- 10-pound size may be too large for some rabbits to eat quickly
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.
Oxbow Oat Hay Small Animal Food
Product Info
- Type: Oat
- Amount: 15 ounces
- Cutting: Unknown
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Contains 100% oat grass hay
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Harvested fresh, hand-sorted and -packed
- Some rabbits find the texture to be too tough
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.
Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay Pet Food
Product Info
- Type: Orchard
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Cutting: Third
- Hand-selected and hand-packed
- Packed in a convenient storage box
- Contains only 100% natural orchard hay
- 10-pound size may be too much for some rabbits to eat quickly
- Larger quantities may be tough to keep 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.
Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass
Product Info
- Type: Timothy
- Amount: 10 pounds
- Cutting: First or second
- Hand-selected and packaged fresh
- All-natural and free from additives
- Low in protein and high in fiber
- 25 pound box may be too much for some rabbits
- Larger quantities may be tough to keep fresh
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.
Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay Small Animal Food
Product Info
- Type: Meadow
- Amount: 15 ounces
- Cutting: Unknown
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- 100% certified organic meadow hay
- Low in protein and high in fiber
- Grown all-naturally, no additives at all
- Quality may vary from one shipment to another
This meadow hay is high in fiber and rich in flavor, supporting your rabbit’s digestive tract as it enjoys this tasty hay.
Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay for Rabbits & Small Pets
Product Info
- Type: Alfalfa
- Amount: 5 pounds
- Cutting: Unknown
- 100% pure alfalfa hay with no GMOs
- Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals
- Certified as weed-free hay
- Contents may be dry, brittle and dusty
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.
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
Dry Matter Basis
- 100% natural hay blend
- Contains lots of seed heads and fiber
- Double-compressed for extended freshness
- Packaging is not resealable
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!
