Life Stage Nutrition

The Hay Diet

Hay isn't a supplement to a rabbit's diet — it IS the diet. At least 80% of a healthy rabbit's daily food intake should be grass hay, available in unlimited quantities around the clock. Hay keeps their continuously growing teeth worn down, prevents deadly GI stasis, and provides the fiber their specialized digestive system demands. Getting hay right is the single most important thing you can do for your rabbit. For official nutritional adequacy standards, refer to the AAFCO pet food guidelines.

Quick Answer

The Hay Diet: Hay isn't a supplement to a rabbit's diet — it IS the diet. At least 80% of a healthy rabbit's daily food intake should be grass hay, available in unlimited quantities around the clock. Key advantages include essential for gut health and wears down teeth.

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80%+

Of diet should be hay

♾️

Unlimited

Access required 24/7

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Timothy

Best hay type for adults

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#1 cause

Low fiber = GI stasis risk

✓ Advantages

•Essential for gut health
•Wears down teeth
•Prevents obesity

✗ Considerations

•Can be messy

🔍 What to Look For

Timothy Hay as the Staple

Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits — the right balance of fiber, protein, and calcium. It should make up the vast majority of their hay intake.

Hay Quality Matters

Good hay is green (not brown or yellow), smells fresh and sweet, is free of dust and mold, and has a mix of stems and leaves. Avoid hay that smells musty or looks bleached.

Variety is Beneficial

Orchard grass is softer and good for picky eaters. Oat hay adds variety with its seed heads. Meadow hay offers a natural mix. Rotate types to keep rabbits interested and eating.

Teeth and GI Health Connection

Rabbit teeth grow continuously at 2-3mm per week. Chewing hay wears teeth down naturally. Without enough hay, teeth overgrow causing abscesses and inability to eat — a common and serious problem.

💡 Expert Tips

Unlimited Timothy hay is Rule #1

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is hay so important for rabbits?▼

Two critical reasons: First, the long fiber keeps the gut moving — rabbits' digestive systems are designed for constant fiber flow. Without it, the gut slows and stops (GI stasis), which can be fatal within 24 hours. Second, the chewing motion wears down teeth that never stop growing. Without hay, teeth overgrow and cause painful abscesses.

What is GI stasis and how does hay prevent it?▼

GI stasis is when a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops. Symptoms include refusing food, no droppings, a hunched posture, and lethargy. It's a life-threatening emergency. Hay's long fiber keeps the gut muscles active and the digestive flora healthy. A hay-rich diet is the best prevention.

My rabbit won't eat hay. What should I do?▼

Try different hay types — some rabbits prefer orchard grass over timothy. Ensure hay is fresh and fragrant (stale hay is unappealing). Reduce pellets (rabbits fill up on pellets and skip hay). Place hay in and around the litter box — rabbits eat while they sit. Try hay from different brands or farms for different cuts and textures.

Can baby rabbits eat timothy hay?▼

Baby rabbits (under 7 months) should primarily eat alfalfa hay — it's higher in calcium and protein for growth. Transition to timothy hay gradually around 7 months. Adult rabbits should NOT eat alfalfa regularly as the excess calcium can cause bladder sludge and stones.

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