Timothy Hay Buying Guide: Everything Small Herbivore Owners Need to Know

When it comes to feeding small herbivores, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus, few foods are as essential as high-quality hay. Not only does hay make up most of their daily diet, but it also supports healthy digestion, dental wear, and overall wellbeing. With several types of hay available, knowing which one to choose can make all the difference to your pet’s health.

In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through the key types of hay, what to look for in premium cuts, and which varieties to avoid.

Why Hay Matters for Small Herbivores

Hay is the foundation of a small herbivore’s diet. It provides:

• Essential fibre to keep their digestive system functioning properly
• Natural dental wear, helping prevent overgrown teeth
• Mental stimulation, as foraging mimics natural behaviour
• Nutritional balance, supplying vitamins and minerals

The right hay should be fresh, fragrant, and free from dust or mould—qualities that ensure your pets enjoy it while staying healthy.

Understanding Hay Cuts

Hay is harvested at different stages of growth, producing various “cuts.” Each cut affects the texture, nutritional content, and palatability.

1st Cut Hay

• Higher in fibre, coarser texture
• Ideal for pets needing high-fibre diets or weight management
• Often contains more seed heads, which many rabbits enjoy

2nd Cut Hay

• Softer, greener, and more balanced in fibre and protein
• A popular everyday hay for most small herbivores
• Typically the most palatable

Nutritional Breakdown: What to Look For

High-quality hay should include:

• High fibre (crucial for digestive health)
• Moderate protein
• Good leaf-to-stem ratio
• Minimal dust and no additives

Freshness matters—premium hay should smell sweet and earthy, never musty.

Timothy Hay: The Gold Standard

Timothy hay is the most recommended hay for small herbivores due to its ideal balance of fibre, protein, and texture. It supports:

• Healthy digestion
• Natural dental wear
• Consistent appetite
• Weight regulation

Newhay’s Timothy Hay is homegrown and produced on prime land on our farm in North Yorkshire. Our hay is baled within 48 hours of cutting to maintain the nutrition nature intended, and processed to deliver premium quality in bite, making it a favourite among pets and owners alike.

Orchard Grass Hay

A softer alternative to Timothy hay, Orchard Grass is:

• Leafier with a gentler texture
• Slightly sweeter in aroma
• Suitable for herbivores who prefer softer hay

It's particularly beneficial for pets who are fussy eaters or have dental sensitivity. Many owners like to mix Orchard Hay with Timothy Hay to add variety and encourage foraging.

Meadow Hay

Meadow hay is a mixed-species hay that can include a variety of grasses and wild plants. It offers:

• Great foraging enrichment
• Natural variety in taste and texture
• A pleasant aroma

However, because meadow hay varies from batch to batch, it may not always provide the same nutritional consistency as Timothy or Orchard hay. Choose high-quality meadow hay that is dust-free and carefully screened.

Hays to Avoid

Not all hays are suitable for daily feeding.

Avoid:

Alfalfa Hay (for adult rabbits & guinea pigs)

• Too high in calcium and protein
• Can cause weight gain and urinary issues
• Suitable only for young, growing, pregnant, or underweight animals

Poor-quality or dusty hay

• May irritate the respiratory system
• Indicates improper storage

Mouldy or discoloured hay

• Dangerous for digestion and overall health

If hay doesn’t smell fresh, looks overly brown, or contains excessive dust, it’s best not to feed it.

Final Tips for Choosing the Best Hay

• Look for green colour, soft aroma, and long strands
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness
• Offer a variety—many pets enjoy mixing Timothy with Orchard or Meadow hay
• Ensure hay is available 24/7

Premium hay keeps your small herbivores healthy, active, and happy—and choosing the right type has never been easier with Newhay’s trusted range.