For rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets, hay is the foundation of their diet, packed with fibre to keep their tummies happy and their teeth in tip-top shape…
The 80-90% Rule
For most small animals, hay should make up 80-90% of their daily diet. That means it’s their main course, not just a snack. A high-fibre diet helps with digestion, keeps their weight healthy, and makes sure that constantly-growing teeth don’t become overgrown.
🐾 Rabbits and guinea pigs need a pile of hay roughly the same size as their body every single day. Unlimited hay is the goal – they should always have fresh, clean hay available.
🐾 Degus and chinchillas also need constant access to hay. It’s an important part of their diet and helps maintain their sensitive digestive systems.
🐾 Mice, rats, and hamsters don’t eat hay – but they still benefit from it in other ways! Use hay in their enclosures for bedding, enrichment, or even to hide their food for a scavenger hunt!
What Type of Hay is Best?
Variety is the spice of life – and the same goes for hay too! Different types of hay offer different tastes and textures, which encourages your pets to eat more and meet their daily fibre requirements.
🌾 Timothy Hay: A top choice because of it’s balanced nutrition and coarse texture that’s great for teeth.
🌾 Meadow Hay: A softer hay with a mix of grasses and herbs, perfect for variety and natural foraging.
🌾 Alfalfa Hay: Best for young, nursing, or underweight pets as it’s rich in protein and calcium. Use sparingly for adult pets.
🌾 Farmer’s Blend: A unique cocktail of Timothy, Alfalfa and Meadow hay is packed with protein, natural goodness and vitamins.
Offering your pets a mix of hay types can keep mealtime exciting and make sure they get everything they need.
How Long Does a Bag Last?
Wondering how much to buy? As a rough guide, a large 2.25kg bag of Pillow Wad hay should last one rabbit or guinea pig around four weeks. If you’re caring for multiple pets, you’ll need to stock up more often to keep up with their appetites.
Tips for Encouraging Hay Eating
Sometimes pets can be picky eaters. If your pet isn’t eating enough hay, try these tips:
💚 Mix It Up: Offer different hay varieties to discover their favourites.
💚 Keep It Fresh: Replace soiled or uneaten hay daily to maintain quality.
💚 Enrichment: Hide hay in toys or mix in treats like our Nibbley Bits to make it more enticing.
💚 Location Matters: Place hay near their favourite spots to encourage grazing.
How to Store Your Hay
Hay is best stored in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and full of nutrients. Our biodegradable packaging helps maintain quality while being kind to the planet. Properly stored, hay can last for months, though its nutritional value may gradually reduce over time.
Final Thoughts
Hay is more than just food for your pets. By offering the right amount of fresh, high-quality hay every day, you’re giving your furry family everything they need to thrive. Whether it’s Timothy Hay, Meadow Hay, or something new, keeping your pets munching will make sure they’re healthy, happy, and full of energy.
Ready to stock up? Check out our full range of natural, dust-extracted hays and keep your pets’ tummies and teeth in top shape. Happy munching!
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