Hay isn't a treat or a supplement for rabbits and guinea pigs — it should make up around 80% of their daily diet. Getting the type and quality of hay right has a direct impact on your pet's digestion, dental health, and overall wellbeing.
Why Hay Matters So Much
- Continuous digestion: rabbits and guinea pigs have digestive systems built for constant grazing. A steady supply of hay keeps their gut moving and prevents potentially fatal blockages (gastrointestinal stasis).
- Dental health: their teeth grow continuously throughout life. The chewing action of eating hay wears teeth down naturally, preventing painful overgrowth.
- Enrichment: foraging and chewing through hay gives them a natural, mentally stimulating activity.
What Makes Good Quality Hay?
- Fresh, sweet smell: good hay smells grassy and slightly sweet, not musty or dusty.
- Low dust: dusty hay can trigger respiratory irritation, especially in guinea pigs.
- Pale to golden colour: overly brown or grey hay is usually old or poorly stored.
- Long strands: longer strands encourage more natural chewing behaviour than chopped or powdery hay.
Oaten Hay vs Other Types
Oaten hay (made from the oat plant) is a popular choice for Australian small pet owners — it's palatable, widely available, and well suited as a daily staple alongside grass hays like timothy. It generally has a good balance of fibre for digestion without being as rich as legume hays like lucerne, which are better suited to young, pregnant, or underweight animals rather than everyday feeding.
Our Pick: Premium Victorian-Grown Clean Forage Oaten Hay
The Premium Victorian-Grown Clean Forage Oaten Hay is grown and packed in Victoria, giving you a fresher, more traceable option than generic imported bales. It comes in a tidy 5kg box rather than a bulky, dust-shedding plastic bag — easier to store, and easier to keep tucked away in a small apartment.
How Much Hay Should I Feed Daily?
As a rule of thumb, offer an amount roughly the same size as your pet's body, topped up throughout the day. Hay should always be available — not rationed like a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store hay to keep it fresh?
Keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight and moisture, which can cause mould.
Can I mix oaten hay with other types?
Yes — many owners rotate or mix oaten hay with timothy or other grass hays to add variety and encourage foraging behaviour.
How do I know if hay has gone bad?
Discard hay that smells musty, feels damp, or shows any signs of mould (dark spots or a fuzzy texture).
Keep your rabbit or guinea pig's diet on track with Premium Victorian-Grown Clean Forage Oaten Hay.