Best Hay for Rabbits: Don’t Think Your Pet Can’t Tell the Difference

Choosing the best hay for a rabbit may seem like a simple decision, but in actuality, it can be quite complicated. Rabbits need high-quality hay with specific calcium and protein levels in order to remain healthy. Therefore, finding the best hay for rabbits is a very important choice for bunny owners

10. Rabbit Hole Hay Ultra Premium Hay 3rd Cut Timothy Hay

Ideal for: Rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs

Timothy hay is an excellent choice for rabbits because it’s low in calcium and protein. This means it can be fed to rabbits in a free-grazing way, and they can eat as much as they like. This particular hay is packaged to be fresh and green with soft grass blades and few stems.

• Can be given for free-grazing
• Packed to be fresh
• Has soft leaf blades and few stems for rabbits with sensitive digestion

• More expensive than other hay choices

9. FarmerDavePetSupply 1st Cut Timothy Hay (3 lbs)

Ideal for: Rabbits

This timothy hay is grown organically, so there are no pesticides or chemicals present. It’s also sun dried naturally so as to reduce the risk of mold. This hay also features lots of stem pieces, which can help stimulate natural chewing behavior and can assist in tooth health.

• Organically grown
• Stimulates natural chewing behavior
• Sun dried to reduce mold

• More expensive than other hay options
• Quality may be inconsistent

8. Rabbit Hole Hay Ultra Premium Hay, Alfalfa

Ideal for: Rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs

Alfalfa hay is rich in protein and calcium, which makes it some of the best hay for rabbits under seven months old, as it promotes healthy growth. It can also be a healthy, natural treat for adult rabbits. This hay is packaged fresh so as to maintain a high quality.

• Packaged fresh
• Packed with calcium and protein for young rabbits

• Must be given in moderation to adult rabbits

7. Rabbit Hole Hay Ultra Premium Soft Orchard Grass

Ideal for: Older rabbits or rabbits with sensitive digestive systems

Orchard grass is a great choice for the best hay for rabbits because it’s low in both calcium and protein, so it can be given during daily feedings. It’s also very soft, which makes it easy to digest, so it’s perfect for older bunnies or rabbits with sensitive digestive systems. A wide range of bag sizes means you can choose a hay that suits your needs.

• Soft hay is easy on digestion
• Low in protein or calcium
• Many sizes of bags to choose from

• May be dry or not as fresh as other hays

6. Viking Farmer Alfalfa Hay

Ideal for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas

This alfalfa hay is perfect for regular feeding for young rabbits and as a treat for older rabbits. It’s grown without additives, pesticides, or GMOs, and has no preservatives. It’s also grown by a small farmer, so the quality is consistent.

• No additives, chemicals, or pesticides
• Grown by a small farmer
• Competitively priced

• Must be given in moderation to older rabbits

5. Standlee Hay Companion Premium Timothy Grass Hand-Selected Forage

Ideal for: Rabbits

This timothy hay is free of any additives and is grown naturally, so it’s a good choice for the best hay for rabbits. This particular cutting features long stem pieces, which encourages natural chewing behaviors and can promote tooth health.

• Cutting features long stem pieces for dental health
• All-natural with no additives

• More expensive than other hay options

4. Oxbow Timothy Hay

Ideal for: Rabbits and other small pets

This timothy hay is low in protein and calcium, so it’s fine to give frequently or offer for free-feeding. The hay is hand-selected and sorted to retain the highest level of quality. This high-fiber hay is also packaged for freshness.

• Packed for freshness
• High in fiber
• Can be given as a free-grazing food

• Quality may be inconsistent

3. Kaytee Timothy Hay for Rabbits (Assorted Flavors)

Ideal for: Rabbits and other small animals

Kaytee’s timothy hay is not only high in fiber and low in calcium and protein, which makes it some of the best hay for rabbits, but it also has different dried fruits and vegetables added to enhance flavor and boost nutrition. This hay is available with either carrot, mango, mint, or cranberries added.

• Added fruits and vegetables for flavor and nutrition
• Good balance of stem and leaf pieces

• Few treats
• Messy

2. Kaytee Timothy Hay

Ideal for: Small pets such as rabbits

This timothy hay is a blend of first and second cuts, which means it has a good balance of stems and leaf pieces. This promotes both healthy digestion and teeth. Since it’s low in calcium and protein, it can be given freely without worrying about overfeeding.

• Cost-friendly
• Good balance of stems and leaf pieces
• Promotes digestive and tooth health

• May include short or tough pieces

1. Small Pet Select “Perfect Blend” Timothy Hay Pet Food

Ideal for: Rabbits and other small pets

This timothy hay can be given as regular food and helps to promote natural free-grazing behaviors. In particular, this hay is mostly leafy pieces and flowers, making for a softer, easier to digest hay. It’s also packed to maintain freshness.

• Packaged for freshness
• Mostly soft leaves and flowers

• Quality may be inconsistent

Conclusion

There are many different types of hay to feed your bunny(es), and it can be a challenge to determine which is the best hay for rabbits.

But taking into account the stem to leaf ratio, the type of hay, and the cost can make the choice an easier one. Talking to other rabbit owners can also help—listen to what people have loved in the past and let us know if we’ve left out any of your favorite products!