We all know hay is an everyday staple for happy tummies AND happy pets, supporting everything from healthy teeth and digestion to natural foraging behaviours.
But with so many hay options, it can feel a bit overwhelming choosing the right one. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you pick the perfect hay based on your pet’s dietary needs, natural instincts, and of course, their personal taste!
Let’s jump into the wonderful world of hay…
Timothy Hay – The Everyday Essential
Think of Timothy Hay as the reliable best friend of the hay world. A go-to daily choice for rabbits and guinea pigs because it’s high in fibre (great for healthy digestion) and low in protein and calcium to help prevent any urinary issues. Plus, its slightly coarse texture helps wear down their ever-growing teeth naturally.
Our Timothy is made up of unchopped dried timothy grass, with larger stems, leaves, and seed heads than Meadow Hay. For the best quality, only the first cut of Timothy Hay is used. This first cut offers the finest texture, delivering the optimum amount of roughage, nutrients, and taste your pets need.
With its sweet smell and hearty texture, Timothy is the perfect daily hay for your pets.
Best for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and most small pets.
Meadow Hay – A Foraging Adventure
Meadow Hay is like a wild meadow in a bag – it’s bursting with different grasses, herbs, and flowers, just like your pets would graze on in their natural habitat. The variety of textures and flavours keeps things interesting and encourages their natural foraging instincts.
It’s naturally softer than Timothy, so it’s a good choice if your pets prefer a gentle texture. And just like Tim, Meadow is considered a balanced everyday hay, full of variety while still meeting their dietary needs.
Did you know: There are roughly 40 different species of herbs, flowers and grasses found within 1 sqm of meadow hay! We harvest our Meadow Hay right here on our farm, or nearby, guaranteeing the highest quality and freshness.
Best for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, degus and other small pets.
Timothy Forage Hay – A Twist on Tradition
This is our classic Timothy Hay, but with added variety. Timothy Forage Hay encourages grazing and exploration, mimicking natural foraging behaviours and keeping your pets mentally and physically engaged. Plus, it supports healthy digestion and dental wear.
Grown right next to our farm, this herbal ley hay offers a variety of textures and tastes straight from the field.
This is an everyday hay, ideal for adding enrichment and variety.
Best for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets.
Farmer’s Blend – A Little Bit of Everything
Our Farmer’s Blend is like a delicious mixed salad for your pets. Unique to Pillow Wad, we carefully balance a mix of Meadow, Timothy, and a touch of Alfalfa, bringing together an assortment of textures and nutrients in one bag. It’s high in fibre, great for digestion and teeth, and adds a bit of excitement to their meals.
If your pet loves variety, or if you like to switch things up, this is a fantastic everyday alternative to single-hay feeding.
Best for: Ideal for Rabbits, but also well suited for adult Guinea Pigs when mixed alongside their usual daily hays. Farmer’s Blend is also a great option for baby rabbits when they’re ready to be gradually transitioned off Alfalfa Hay (from around 6 months of age).
Alfalfa Hay – A Nutrient-Rich Option
We think of Alfalfa Hay as a superfood for pets. It’s rich in protein and calcium, making it ideal for young, growing pets, nursing mums, or those needing extra support. It’s a high-energy hay, helping little ones grow strong and giving nursing mums the essential nutrients they need.
It’s also great for pets recovering from illness, giving them a tasty and nutritious boost. Grown-up pets can enjoy it too as an occasional treat, but remember, it’s high in calcium, so moderation is key to preventing any urinary issues. Just sprinkle a handful into their regular hay for an extra smattering of goodness.
Tip: As young pets grow or recover, gradually replace with Meadow or Timothy Hay for a balanced diet. Or, try our Farmer’s Blend for a bit of everything!
Best for: Baby rabbits, young guinea pigs, nursing mothers, and pets in recovery.
Green Oat Hay – A Crunchy Treat Hay
Looking for something a little different for your pet? Green Oat Hay might just be the one! High in fibre, and naturally sweet, this hay is great for those who love a change in texture and taste. Full of fibre and protein, it’s a great way to add variety while supporting digestion and overall health.
Locally grown just around the corner, this treat hay is a hit with rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils – especially for those delicious nutty oat heads! The long, coarse strands encourage natural foraging and provide a satisfying crunch.
Because it’s a bit of a special treat, Green Oat Hay is best mixed in with their everyday hay, like Meadow Hay, to keep their diet balanced and mealtimes interesting.
Best for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets.
Final Thoughts:
Remember, every pet is unique! Offering a mix of everyday and treat hays keeps things exciting for your pets and ensures they’re getting all the fibre and nutrients they need. And don’t forget about bedding! For cozy nests and comfy spaces, our Eco-Nest™ and Woodshavings are fantastic options.
We know how important it is to have hay that’s both safe and delicious for your pets. That’s why we make sure our hays are unchopped, preserving those lovely long strands for natural chewing, and double dust-extracted, meaning less mess and happier, healthier airways for your little pets.
A note from us: Always chat with your vet before making any major changes to your pet’s diet.And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed choosing the right hay, we’re always happy to help! Just drop us an email at [email protected].
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