- 29 March 2022
- rabbits
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Rabbit feeding hay
The key to a happy and healthy rabbit inside and out, begins with your furry friend’s diet.
Our premium rabbit feed
See, smell and let your bunny taste the difference with our delicious, nutritious Timothy Hay.
Never run out of your pet's favourite hay again and save 5% on each order.
Sign up for a subscription today and get 30% off your first order just use code HAYSUBSCRIBE30 at Checkout. Pause, change or cancel any time.
What is the best hay for my rabbit?
Good quality feeding hay should make up 85-95% of your rabbit’s daily diet, which means the average domestic pet should be eating around 1kg of hay every week.
Eating enough hay is important as it helps rabbits maintain both a healthy gut function and healthy teeth, as well as preventing obesity which can lead to significant health problems. It can be a challenge to encourage your bunny to choose the healthy hay option, especially if he or she is used to less nutritious treats.
High in fibre and low in sugar, our high quality homegrown Timothy Hay is ideal for your rabbit as it’s not only packed with naturally tasty goodness but we also process it to increase purity and to offer stem lengths that take time to chew and prevent boredom, just as nature intended! Small pets across the country certainly give our natural varieties the ‘paws up’!
What and how much should I feed my rabbit?
After dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, with 2% of the population owning around 1 million of our furry friends.
However a rabbit’s anatomy and digestive system is very different to that of a cat or dog, so rabbit lovers must be careful with the type and quantity of food provided to ensure optimum health and wellbeing of their pet rabbits.
Top tips for your rabbit’s diet
- 85-95% premium feeding hay or grass – don’t be fooled by Bugs Bunny and his carrot grazing antics, hay is hands down the best food for your bunny’s digestive system.
- 5-15% cereals, fruit and veg – should be given only as ‘treats’ as rabbits don’t eat these in their natural habitat, and they contain natural sugars which can damage their teeth.
- Look after their teeth - rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life and need to be worn down and kept at the correct length and shape by eating grass, hay and leafy green plants. If they eat the wrong diet it can lead to serious dental disease.
- Long grazing periods – rabbits naturally eat or graze for long periods of time, mostly at dusk and dawn which helps to alleviate boredom as well as satisfy their appetite, so keep an eye on hay disappearing quickly or being leftover and adjust accordingly.
- Monitor food quantities – how much rabbits eat depends on various factors such as lifestyle, size, age and general health. Every rabbit is different so always check with an expert first, then get to know your rabbit and monitor their food intake.
- Fresh water – always make sure your rabbit has clean fresh water. Check and change daily to avoid dehydration which can lead to serious illness.
- Moist pellets – rabbits produce two types of droppings – hard, dry pellets and softer, moist pellets that they eat directly from their bottoms. These provide essential fibre for a healthy digestive system, so eating these is completely normal.
- Never feed them lawnmower cuttings - these can seriously damage their digestive systems.
Five step rabbit health check
In addition to an annual vet’s check-up, it’s a good idea to groom your rabbit daily to avoid them self-grooming and swallowing fur.
Follow these 5 simple checks whilst grooming to keep your bunny in tip-top condition... and if you notice anything unusual always consult your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions – Timothy Hay for Rabbits
What does good quality Timothy Hay look and smell like?
It should be:
- Green (not brown or mouldy)
- Fresh-smelling (like sweet grass)
- Free from dust and debris
- Stored in a cool, dry place
What is Timothy Hay?
Timothy hay is a high-fibre grass hay made from Phleum pratense, a perennial grass native to Europe. It’s considered a staple in
the diet of rabbits and other small herbivores due to its nutritional profile
and dental benefits.
Why is Timothy Hay important for rabbits?
Rabbits require a diet high in fibre to support healthy digestion and to prevent gastrointestinal stasis. Timothy hay also helps wear down their constantly growing teeth, preventing dental issues.
How much Timothy Hay should I feed my rabbit daily?
Hay should make up about 80–90% of a rabbit’s diet. Provide an unlimited supply of fresh hay daily—rabbits should always have access to it.
Is Timothy Hay suitable for all rabbit breeds and ages?
Yes, but young rabbits (under 7 months) may benefit from alfalfa hay due to its higher calcium and protein. Once they mature, transition them to Timothy hay for long-term health.
Can I mix Timothy Hay with other hays?
Yes, mixing hays (like orchard grass or meadow hay) can encourage picky eaters and provide dietary variety. However, Timothy hay should remain the primary source unless advised otherwise by a vet.
My rabbit isn’t eating much hay. What should I do?
Try different cuts, brands, or mix in small amounts of aromatic herbs (like mint or dandelion). Ensure the hay is fresh and not stored in airtight containers that can cause dampness or mould.
How should I store Timothy Hay at home?
Keep it in a breathable container (like a cardboard box or cloth bag) away from
direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures to maintain freshness.
Can humans be allergic to Timothy Hay?
Yes, some people are sensitive to the dust or pollen. If you have hay allergies, wear gloves and a mask when handling it, or consider low-dust or compressed hay products.
Is Timothy Hay suitable for other small pets?
Absolutely. It's ideal for guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus as well. Always consult species-specific guidelines for proper dietary needs.
Rabbit care & guides
Need more advice? We have lots of useful information to help you take the best care of your rabbit.
- 29 March 2022
- rabbits
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