By Dr Duncan Houston
The best hay is not necessarily the greenest bag or the one with the most enthusiastic packaging. It needs to be clean, suitable for your animal and available in a form they can comfortably eat.
If a rabbit or guinea pig suddenly leaves hay untouched, buying another variety should not be the only response. A change in chewing can be an early sign of pain.
Quick Answer
Most healthy adult rabbits and guinea pigs need constant access to good-quality grass hay, such as timothy, meadow or orchard grass. Choose hay that smells fresh and is dry, with little dust and no mould or contamination. Alfalfa has a different nutrient profile and should be chosen for an individual need, rather than used automatically as the main adult hay. Reduced hay eating, smaller droppings or weight loss warrants veterinary advice.
Compare the type before the marketing
| Hay type | Useful features | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy | A widely used grass hay with a range of stem and leaf textures | Quality and palatability vary between harvests. |
| Orchard grass | Often offers a softer texture | A different texture can help preference, but does not treat dental disease. |
| Meadow hay | A mix of grasses that may provide variety | Buy from a reliable source; check for weeds and foreign material. |
| Oat hay | Another grass-based option with a different texture | Check maturity and seed-head content within the overall feeding plan. |
| Alfalfa | A legume hay with more protein and calcium than typical grass hay | May suit selected growth or reproductive needs. It is not the default staple for every adult. |
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund explains the differences between grass hay and alfalfa. Your vet can account for growth, pregnancy, body condition and urinary problems when selecting a diet.
What does good hay look and smell like?
Look for dry, recognisable plant material with a fresh grassy smell. Colour varies by grass, curing and storage, so colour alone is not a safety test. Reject hay that smells musty, feels damp, has visible mould, contains sharp debris or produces a cloud of dust when handled.
Store it away from leaks and condensation in a dry, ventilated place. Keep the supply protected from pests. Do not seal damp hay in a container and hope it dries out. Remove wet or heavily soiled portions from the enclosure and offer fresh hay each day.
Preference or a health problem?
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| A preference for one clean hay, with normal appetite, weight and droppings | Offer acceptable varieties and observe actual intake. |
| Pellets eaten but hay avoided, dropped food or wet chin | Arrange a prompt dental and health assessment. |
| Weight loss, smaller droppings or reduced total intake | Contact your vet urgently. |
| Not eating, marked lethargy, abdominal swelling or collapse | Seek immediate veterinary care. |
Dental pain, impaired movement, poor hay access, stress or other illness can resemble fussiness. Being willing to eat a favourite treat does not prove a rabbit is well. The RSPCA advises checking for health problems when rabbits avoid hay.
When is this an emergency?
A rabbit or guinea pig that stops eating or produces very few droppings needs urgent veterinary assessment. Do not wait overnight to see whether a new bag solves it. A swollen painful abdomen, severe weakness or breathing difficulty is an emergency. Do not force-feed without veterinary direction when obstruction or severe illness may be present.
How to improve hay access
- Keep a familiar, accepted hay available while offering a second safe type.
- Place fresh hay in several easy-to-reach locations, especially for older animals or compatible groups.
- Use a low, safe feeding area or suitable rack with no head or limb traps.
- Review whether pellets or treats are displacing hay, with veterinary guidance before major changes.
- Record weight, hay interest and droppings. Share persistent changes with your vet.
Hay also supports normal chewing and foraging. It does not replace species-specific nutrients: guinea pigs still need a reliable vitamin C supply. The Royal Veterinary College rabbit care guidance places hay and grass at the centre of feeding.
Common mistakes
- Choosing solely by colour, price or the word “premium”.
- Leaving damp hay in a corner because some still looks clean.
- Withholding all other food to make an unwell animal eat hay.
- Assuming one hay variety prevents every dental problem.
- Offering hay through an inaccessible or unsafe feeder.
Frequently asked questions
Is timothy always better than meadow hay?
No. Safe quality, appropriate nutrition and actual intake matter more than the name alone.
Can I mix different grass hays?
Yes, if they are suitable and clean. Retain familiar hay and monitor eating and droppings.
Is straw a substitute for feeding hay?
No. Choose hay intended for feeding and meet the animal's complete nutritional needs.
My pet eats pellets but not hay. Is that reassuring?
Only partly. Dental pain can change food choices, so a persistent or sudden change needs assessment.
Choose clean, suitable hay, make access easy and watch what your pet actually eats. A new preference is worth noticing; a reduced appetite is worth acting on.
Explore ASK A VET™ for more everyday feeding guidance. If eating or droppings have decreased, contact your veterinarian promptly.
The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.
Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.
