Written by The Rabbit Hole Hay Team
If you've spent any time looking around the internet for tips on rabbit care and rabbit chewing mechanics then you have run into lots of suggestions on what and how to feed your rabbit. All of them suggesting a diet of grass hays, mainly Timothy Hay (First Cut, Second Cut, or Third Cut).
Grass hay, like Timothy Hay, is an important staple in the diet of rabbits. For rabbits 7 months and older grass hay should make up 80% of their diet. The constant foraging and grazing encouraged by hay helps to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. It also helps to wear down their teeth while the long strand fiber helps to keep their digestion regular and functioning properly.
So here are six reasons why Timothy Hay is one of the best choices for your rabbit to keep them happy and healthy.
Timothy Hay is extremely high in fiber, which is essential to your rabbit’s digestive health. Too many treats can throw off your rabbit’s digestive system and can lead to obesity and potential diarrhea.
Rabbits who do not get enough Timothy Hay (or any coarse grass hay) in their diet are susceptible to growing spurs on their teeth. This can be uncomfortable for the rabbit and create sores and infections that can compromise your rabbit’s health and their chewing mechanics. In some cases tooth spurs have to be corrected by your veterinarian, which can lead to unnecessary expenses for you.
First Cut and Second Cut Timothy Hay are coarse enough to help wear down your rabbit's constantly growing teeth, which will help to keep the spurs away.
While we aren't talking about your bunny’s biceps, a diet high in long strand crude fiber will help promote well-toned digestive muscles which help your rabbit effectively pass hair and food through its digestive system.
While it may seem obvious, Timothy Hay is not a treat and that is a very good thing. This means that you can never give your rabbit too much Timothy Hay. In fact, grass hays like Timothy Hay should be making up 80% of your rabbit's diet.
Your rabbit care doesn't need to include fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. because they are not part of their natural diet. They are generally only given to rabbits for their owners benefit and joy (which is totally okay as long as you are feeding them ones that are safe to eat). Rabbits are the healthiest and ultimately the happiest when they are fed a relatively consistent diet of high quality, long strand Timothy Hay and the occasional leafy green.
Some rabbits do not enjoy the coarser and healthier First Cut Timothy Hay. Second and Third Cut Timothy Hay has only slightly less fiber and is much more fragrant and softer, which may appeal to your rabbit.
That's one of the best things about Timothy Hay, you have options on the type of cut you want:
Rabbit Hole Hay knows the source of the Timothy Hay we sell. We live and work in an area where we can see the hay growing and harvested. We visually inspect and hand-pack every package of hay to ensure that you get fresh, green, fragrant hay of the highest quality. Your hay is always hand-processed, never machine-cut, creating nice long strands and less small pieces. We then preserve freshness by bagging all of our hay inside the box which helps keep it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors.
Learn about other grass hays that you can feed your rabbit by downloading our Hay is for Rabbits eBook below. You'll learn all about the different types of hay, the best ones to feed your rabbit based on their age, allergies, and more!
