- 09 April 2026
- small pets
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Meadow Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Small Pets
Naturally Nutritious Meadow Hay for Everyday Feeding
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What is Meadow Hay?
Meadow Hay is a natural, high-fibre feeding hay ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets. All our delicious hay is grown, dried and dust extracted at our Yorkshire Farm to ensure quality is the highest possible. Meadow Hay provides a rich source of fibre, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health and supporting natural gut movement. The coarse, fibrous texture of meadow hay also plays a vital role in dental care, helping to wear down continuously growing teeth and reduce the risk of dental problems.
Meadow Hay or Timothy Hay – Which is Better for Rabbit or Guinea Pig?
Timothy Hay is perfect for a go-to, daily feed for adult rabbits and pets alike. With higher fibre and lower calories, it is an ideal hay for maintaining a healthy body weight and digestion.
Meadow hay is great as a staple feed or mixed in with our Premium Timothy for variety. It complements a balanced diet and simulates natural foraging. Both hays support your pet’s basic needs such as digestive and dental health and behavioural enrichments.
Our Recommendation:
As experts in this field, we recommend a mix of Timothy and Meadow hay. This gives variety to your pet and ensures they have all their health needs covered.
Timothy Hay vs. Meadow Hay – What’s the Difference?
When choosing the right hay for small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, both Timothy hay and Meadow hay are excellent options, but they each have unique nutritional qualities and benefits. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your animals’ health and wellbeing.
Fibre and Digestive Health
Both Timothy and Meadow hay deliver the high fibre small herbivores need for healthy digestion. Fibre keeps the gut moving and supports a balanced microbiome, essential for preventing digestive upsets.
Timothy hay tends to have a consistent fibre profile, especially higher in long, coarse stems in later cuttings, making it ideal for adult pets.
Meadow hay offers a broader variety of grasses and plants, giving pets a more diverse fibre mix that can support natural foraging instincts.
Nutrient Content
Timothy Hay: Known for its steady nutrient levels, Timothy hay typically has moderate protein and low calcium — a combination that makes it especially suitable for adult rabbits and guinea pigs. Its predictable composition is often recommended by vets.
Meadow Hay: Because it’s harvested from mixed grasses and wild plants, meadow hay can vary more in protein, energy and mineral levels. This variety can be beneficial for gentle nutrition but means it’s harder to standardise.
Dental Health
Chewing fibrous hay is essential for wearing down ever-growing teeth in small pets. Both hays provide great chewing texture:
• Timothy hay’s long, coarse stems are excellent for encouraging long, sustained chewing.
• Meadow hay’s mix of textures keeps chewing interesting and helps grind teeth naturally.
Variety and Foraging
Timothy hay’s uniform grass type offers reliable nutrition and consistent quality.
Meadow hay mimics what small herbivores might graze in nature. Its mix of leafy and stemmy plants can promote natural foraging behaviour and enrichment.
Meadow Hay for your Small Pets
Treat your rabbits, guinea pigs, and small pets to our Meadow Hay a high-fibre, nutrient-rich hay that supports healthy digestion, dental wear, and overall wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meadow Hay suitable for daily feeding?
Yes, Meadow Hay can be fed daily and should make up the majority of your pet’s diet.
Can I mix Meadow Hay with Timothy Hay?
Absolutely. Mixing hays provides variety and enrichment while maintaining good nutrition.
Is Meadow Hay safe for guinea pigs?
Yes. Meadow Hay is high in fibre and suitable for guinea pigs when fed alongside vitamin C sources.
Does Meadow Hay vary in appearance?
Yes. As a natural product, Meadow Hay varies in colour, texture, and grass types — this is completely normal.
How should Meadow Hay be stored?
Store in a breathable bag or container in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Can I mix meadow hay with other types of hay?
Yes. Many pet owners mix Meadow Hay with Timothy Hay to provide dietary variety and enrichment while still meeting nutritional needs.
How to Feed Meadow Hay?
- Provide unlimited access to fresh hay daily
- Replace hay regularly to keep it clean and appetising
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness
Hay should make up most of your pet’s diet.
Can rabbits eat meadow hay?
Yes, rabbits can safely eat Meadow Hay every day. It is high in fibre, which supports healthy digestion and helps wear down teeth naturally. Meadow Hay also offers varied textures, encouraging natural foraging behaviour.
Is meadow hay good for guinea pigs?
Yes, Meadow Hay is suitable for guinea pigs and should make up the majority of their diet. Its high fibre content supports digestive health and dental wear. Guinea pigs should also receive vitamin C from fresh vegetables or supplements alongside hay.
Can meadow hay be fed daily to rabbits and guinea pigs?
Absolutely. Meadow Hay can be fed daily and should be available at all times. Providing unlimited access to fresh hay helps maintain gut health and prevents dental issues.
Pet Care & Guides
We have lots of useful information and guides on how to care for your pets in our Pet Care blog…
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