Rabbit Hay

Hay should make up around 80% of a rabbit’s daily diet. It supports healthy digestion, keeps their gut moving, and helps prevent issues linked to low fibre. Hay also plays a vital role in wearing down a rabbit’s teeth, which never stop growing. When you provide your bunny with fresh hay regularly, it encourages natural foraging and chewing behaviours that help keep your rabbit calm, active, and healthy.

Adult rabbits do best on high fibre, low calcium hay such as Timothy Hay, Meadow Hay, or a mix of both. Young rabbits can have alfalfa because it contains more protein and calcium, but once they reach adulthood it is better to switch to a lighter hay to avoid excess weight gain or bladder issues. Offering different hay varieties can give your rabbit more enrichment and helps you discover which texture and flavour they enjoy the most.

It is extremely uncommon for rabbits to have a true allergy to hay. If your rabbit sneezes or seems irritated while eating, it is usually caused by dust rather than the hay itself. Choosing a clean, dust extracted hay reduces irritation and helps keep your rabbit comfortable.

Fresh hay should be green in colour, smell pleasant, and feel crisp rather than damp or powdery. Avoid hay that contains excessive dust. Rabbits often enjoy hay with long strands and a mix of textures. Quality can vary from crop to crop because it depends on sunshine, rainfall, and the growing season, so it is normal for hay to look slightly different throughout the year. Trying a few types is a good way to find your rabbit’s favourite.

You can also check out our guide to buying hay if you would like more information on choosing the right hay for your bunny.

The first cut comes from the first harvest of the season and usually has longer, coarser strands with more stems. The second cut grows back after the field has been fertilised and tends to be softer and leafier. Both are suitable for rabbits. First cut offers more crunch, while second cut is ideal for rabbits that prefer a softer texture.

It depends on the size of your rabbit, their appetite, and how much hay they use for nesting or litter. As a general guide, a 10 kilogram bale lasts around five to six weeks for two average sized rabbits. Some rabbits eat more or waste more hay, so the exact amount can vary.

We also have our trusty hay feeding calculator, which you can use to estimate how much hay your rabbit needs.

Some rabbits can be selective with their hay. Offering a mix of hay types, filling foraging toys, or placing hay in different areas can encourage interest. You can lightly spray the hay with a small amount of pineapple juice to create a sweet scent, although this should be used sparingly. If your rabbit is particularly fussy, try different hay varieties or blends to find one they prefer. Sample boxes are also helpful for discovering the best match.

Fresh grass is safe for rabbits, but it is less dense in fibre than hay and should not replace it completely. Hay is essential for digestive health and for wearing down teeth. If you offer grass, choose natural grass such as Timothy or ryegrass rather than grass cut with a lawnmower. Lawn clippings begin to ferment immediately and can upset your rabbit’s stomach.

Yes, rabbits can enjoy treats as long as they are given in moderation. Small portions of rabbit safe fruits or herbs are acceptable, but high sugar foods can cause digestive problems. Natural chew toys (enrichment toys) or hay based snacks are healthier options that support your rabbit’s dental health while keeping them entertained.

At Happy Hay, we provide fresh, dust extracted hay that is hand packed for quality and consistency. Every box is prepared with care to give your rabbit clean, tasty hay that they can eat, nest in, and forage through. Many owners choose Happy Hay because their rabbits show a clear preference for its freshness and texture, and our customer reviews reflect this.

You can also check out our Happy Hay reviews to see what customers say about their experience with our rabbit hay products.