Why Hay Is So Important For Rabbits? (3 Key Benefits)

Of the many foods you can give to your rabbit, there is one that is more important than all the rest! Hay! This essential rabbit favorite has many benefits and should make up about 80% of a rabbit’s diet.

In this short post, we’ll discuss some of the great benefits of hay and why it’s important that rabbits are given an unlimited supply each and every day.

Key Benefits of Giving Your Rabbit Hay

When you give your rabbits hay you are helping to keep their little bodies in tip-top shape. These are some of the great benefits of giving your rabbit hay.

1) Aids Digestive Health

Hay is high in fiber which is vital in keeping a rabbit’s digestive system working as efficiently as it should.

Failure to provide hay or providing too many sugary treats can disrupt the balance of the delicate gut flora (bacteria) in the rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract and may lead to many painful GI issues such as GI stasis.

By giving your rabbit hay and grasses and avoiding starchy high-sugar foods you are simulating a natural lagomorph diet and promoting a healthy digestive system.

2) Prevents Dental Problems

Your rabbit’s teeth are continuously growing and need to constantly be worn down. Providing a rabbit with unlimited coarse material to chew is the easiest way to do this and hay ticks all of the necessary boxes!

The chewing and grinding motion as your rabbit breaks down hay will help keep its teeth at a safe and healthy length.

3) Provides Enrichment

Hay can also help provide mental stimulation for a rabbit. There are many toys that can be created with some imagination, some simple cardboard, and some tasty hay.

For example, an empty toilet paper roll can be hours of amusement for a rabbit! Simply place a raisin or a treat at the center of the tube and then fill the open entrances of the tube with hay.

Getting the treat out of the tube will help keep your rabbit entertained. Hay can also be placed inside wooden toys which will also encourage chewing and further benefit their dental health.

What Type of Hay is Best for Rabbits?

Adult rabbits should eat timothy hay while rabbits that are young, pregnant, or nursing will benefit from alfalfa. Alfalfa is rich in calcium and proteins however feeding alfalfa long term may lead to urinary or kidney problems.

Many vets may also recommend a hay mix for adult rabbits. These mixes usually contain timothy hay and a different type of hay such as orchard grass.

How Can I Make My Rabbit Eat More Hay?

Some rabbits are very picky about where they like their hay. Hanging the hay on the side of their cage may help them want to eat more since it is at eye level.

Rabbits also like eating hay while in their litter box. Putting some hay in their litter box or in a hanging basket beside their litter box will help them eat more.

If your rabbit’s hay does get soiled, it is best to change it out right away. Rabbits will not eat hay that has been urinated on. You could also try compressed hay cubes although some find these too hard to eat.

Remember, every rabbit is different and some can be picky so it’s important to persevere and try other brands of hay if they aren’t keen on one particular brand.

What Happens Rabbits Don’t Get Enough Hay?

There are some medical problems that can occur if your rabbit does not eat hay. Specifically, these include dental issues like overgrown incisors and also G.I Stasis.

This particular condition causes many fatalities in rabbits and feeding your rabbit plenty of high fiber hay ensures that the digestive system moves constantly as it should.

Why Does My Rabbit Not Eat Hay?

Rabbits that do not want to eat hay are usually being overfed on pellets. Pellets should only account for about 5% of a healthy rabbit’s diet. If your rabbit is not eating hay then decrease the portion of pellets that you are feeding.

If your rabbit does not eat hay after decreasing the portion of pellets, it may be that you need to try a different brand.

Look for greener Timothy hays as these are the most nutritious, grass is also good for a rabbit’s digestive system so allow a rabbit time on the lawn if you have one.

Can Rabbits Survive On Just Hay?

Yes, rabbits can survive on just hay and water alone but you can make their diet more interesting by providing them a variety of veggies and a small amount of high fiber pellets. This will ensure that they are getting all of the essential nutrients that they need.

A diet of 80% hay, unlimited water, green veggies, and a small number of pellets is the best diet you can feed your bunny.

Wrap Up

Hay is the staple of a rabbits diet. By providing them fresh, clean hay every day you are helping decrease GI and dental problems as well as making sure that your rabbit has all the required nutrients to live a long and healthy life.