Rabbits are not “low-maintenance” pets when it comes to diet. In fact, 80–90% of a healthy adult rabbit’s daily intake should be high-quality hay for rabbit consumption. This single food source keeps teeth worn down, guts moving, and prevents life-threatening GI stasis. Yet walk into any pet store or scroll through online pet supplies, and you’ll face dozens of confusing options.
This 2,000-word master guide breaks down everything USA rabbit owners need to know in 2025 about selecting, storing, and feeding the perfect hay for rabbits — plus the latest veterinary research, top American-grown brands, and pro tips to save money without sacrificing quality.
Why Hay for Rabbit Is Literally Life-Saving (Not Optional)
Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits are obligate herbivores with continuously growing teeth and a digestive system that never shuts off. Without unlimited hay for rabbits, they develop dental disease, obesity, hairballs, and fatal gastrointestinal stasis within days. The House Rabbit Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association both state: “Hay is the #1 most important component of a rabbit’s diet.”
The 4 Main Types of Hay for Rabbits (And When to Feed Each)
| Hay Type | Best Stage / Purpose | Protein % | Fiber % | Top USA Brands 2025 |
| Timothy Hay (1st–3rd cut) | Adult rabbits (>7 months) | 7–11% | 32–38% | Small Pet Select, Oxbow, Kaytee |
| Orchard Grass | All ages, picky eaters | 8–12% | 30–35% | Standlee, Rabbit Hole Hay, Farmer Dave |
| Meadow Hay | Variety & natural foraging | 6–10% | 33–37% | Bunny Bunch, American Pet Diner |
| Alfalfa / Oat Hay | Babies <7 months, pregnant/nursing does | 15–20% | 25–30% | Oxbow Young Rabbit, Standlee |
- 1st-cut Timothy = coarse, highest fiber, great for GI health
- 2nd-cut Timothy = perfect balance (most popular in the USA)
- 3rd-cut Timothy = softest, sweetest — ideal for seniors or picky buns
How Much Hay for a Rabbit Should You Actually Feed Daily?
Simple rule used by thousands of USA rabbit rescues:
Provide a pile of hay for the rabbit the size of your bunny’s body EVERY single day (minimum). Most 6-lb rabbits eat ¼ to ½ of a standard 8–10 lb box every week.
How to Store Hay for Rabbit So It Stays Fresh for Months
- Keep in a cool, dry, dark place (garage or closet works)
- Store in breathable cotton bags or plastic bins with air holes
- Never seal in plastic bags long-term — mold risk!
- Rotate stock — use oldest hay first
- Freeze for 72 hours if you suspect pests
Top 10 Best Hay for Rabbit Brands Grown & Shipped in the USA (2025 Rankings)
- Small Pet Select 2nd-Cut Timothy – Best overall
- Oxbow Western Timothy – Most vet-recommended
- Rabbit Hole Hay 2nd-Cut – Freshest smell & softness
- Standlee Grab & Go Timothy – Best compressed bales
- Kaytee Natural Timothy – Best grocery-store backup
- Farmer Dave’s 2nd-Cut – Best local-farm direct pricing
- Bunny Bunch Boutique Mountain Meadow – Best variety blends
- American Pet Diner Timothy Gold – Best dust-extracted
- Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit – Best for urinary health
- Sweet Meadow Farm – Best organic option
Latest Research & News on Hay for Animals in the USA (2024–2025)
A landmark 2024 study from the University of California–Davis followed 1,200 pet rabbits for 18 months. Key findings:
- Rabbits fed exclusively 2nd-cut Timothy hay had 63% fewer dental procedures
- Switching from alfalfa to grass hay after 7 months reduced obesity rates by 71%
- Dust-extracted hay lowered respiratory issues by 44%
In early 2025, the USDA announced new voluntary “USA Grown & Dust-Extracted” labeling standards for hay for animals, making it easier for consumers to identify premium products.
Resources:
→ UC Davis Rabbit Nutrition Study 2024: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
→ USDA Hay Labeling Initiative 2025: https://www.usda.gov/topics/animals
→ House Rabbit Society Hay Guide: https://rabbit.org/care/hay-and-pellets
Money-Saving Tips: Buying Hay for Rabbit Online Without Sacrificing Quality
- Subscribe & save 10–25% on Chewy, Small Pet Select, or Oxbow direct
- Buy 25–50 lb boxes instead of small bags (saves up to 60%)
- Split large orders with friends or local rabbit rescues
- Watch for Black Friday and “Hay Day” sales (usually March & September)
Common Hay Mistakes That Harm Rabbits (And How to Avoid Them)
- Feeding only pellets or “gourmet” hay mixes as the main diet
- Letting hay get damp or moldy
- Buying brown, dusty hay from feed stores meant for horses
- Switching hay types too quickly (always transition over 7–10 days)
Hay Feeders & Accessories That Reduce Waste
Best USA options 2025:
- Oxbow Hay Manager – Reduces waste by 80%
- Kaytee Hay & Food Bin Combo – Great for cages
- Niteangel Wooden Hay Rack – Aesthetic & chew-safe
- DIY cardboard box with holes – Free and effective!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hay for Rabbits
How do I know if my rabbit’s hay has gone bad?
Smell it — fresh hay smells sweet and grassy. If it smells musty, dusty, or like wet cardboard, throw it out immediately. Brown color alone is okay; mold is not.
Can rabbits eat hay for horses or other hay for animals?
Yes, as long as it’s grass hay (Timothy, orchard, meadow) and not moldy. However, horse hay often has more dust and stems. Choose rabbit-specific brands for lower dust and better leaf-to-stem ratio.
What’s the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-cut hay for rabbits?
1st cut = stemmy, highest fiber; 2nd cut = leafy, perfect balance; 3rd cut = softest, sweetest. Most rabbits prefer the 2nd cut, but mixing cuts provides variety.
Is it cheaper to buy hay for rabbits from local farms or online?
Local farms often win on price per pound, but online pet supply stores usually offer fresher, dust-free hay with delivery to your door. Calculate the total cost, including gas and time.
My rabbit only eats the soft parts and wastes the stems. Is that okay?
Completely normal! Offer a hay blend (2nd and 3rd cuts) or compress the hay so stems are less noticeable. Never limit quantity — waste is better than shortage.
