Can Rabbits Eat Orchard Grass? 5 Alternative Feeds

Are you looking for new hay types to feed your rabbit? You might wonder, is orchard grass safe to feed? And what other alternatives to timothy hay are there?

Rabbits can eat orchard grass as their primary hay. Alternatives to the traditional timothy hay also include other grass hays like brome and meadow hay. Remember that hay should be available at all times as an unlimited part of your rabbits’ diet.

In this article, we’ll discuss why some people choose to feed orchard grass or other less common hay types, which ones are safe for unlimited consumption, and more.

Why Not Timothy Hay?

Timothy hay is a perfectly good staple hay for your rabbits. It’s the most common hay type used by bunny guardians and is completely safe.

However, some people like to add variety to their rabbits’ diet by offering a few different hay types. It’s extra important that your rabbit remains interested in their hay since it makes up about 80% of their diet. Seeing them experience new things can also be rewarding for bunny guardians!

Others are allergic to timothy hay and need other options so that they aren’t sneezing whenever they feed their buns–or worse, having to rehome them. Many people who think they’re allergic to their rabbits are actually allergic to the hay, and sometimes a simple switch can eliminate allergy symptoms.

Whether you want to expand your bunnies’ pallets or are allergic to timothy, below are some alternatives and add-ons for your rabbits’ diet.

#1: Orchard Grass

Orchard grass is often a good solution for people who are allergic to timothy hay, though it’s possible to be allergic to both.

It’s also good for fussy rabbits to encourage them to eat more hay, as many prefer it to timothy or just respond positively to a new food. It also tends to be easier on their teeth and digestive tracts.

#2: Meadow Hay

Meadow hay tends to be softer and sweeter-tasting than timothy hay, so some bunnies may like it more. It may or may not trigger human allergies, and it may depend on the brand or specific mixture.

This is because meadow hay is made from a mixture of grasses, sometimes with other plants included as well. If going this route, be sure to choose hay made specifically for rabbits and other small pets. Some people report finding sticks, stones, and other debris in meadow hay mixes, and those made for small pets tend to be more carefully selected.

#3: Brome Hay

Brome hay can also act as a primary hay for rabbits, but some bunnies may not like it as much as timothy. It seems to turn brown more quickly and is tougher for them to eat. However, if your rabbits eat brome hay, it’s a fine choice!

Brome also tends to be less popular than other hay types and may be difficult to source–so unless you happen to come across some, it might not be worth seeking out.

#4: Treat Hays

Treat hays are hay types that are safe for rabbits, but you shouldn’t feed them in unlimited amounts. Add them to your bunnies’ diet in moderation only.

Examples of treat hays include:

• Oat: Oat hay is tasty, but also high in fat. This makes it unsuitable as a sole hay for most rabbits, though it’s great mixed in with other hay types.
• Alfalfa: Baby rabbits benefit from the added protein and calcium in alfalfa hay, but adult rabbits should only get it as an occasional treat. It can cause weight gain and might lead to urinary tract problems.

Another fun add-on to your rabbits’ hay is forage mixes, which can be sprinkled into the hay itself or fed separately.

#5: Fresh Grass

Many types of fresh grass are also safe for rabbits to consume, including the fresh grass versions of the above hay types.

The reason most people don’t feed their rabbits grass is due to practicality. They would need to roam a large outdoor space to get all of the grass they need each day, and these kinds of setups typically aren’t safe for your pet–nor do many people have yards large enough for this to be an option.

Rabbits do better free-roaming indoors. While grass cuttings are an option, you’ll still likely face the issue of not having enough grass every day. Any grass you feed should be free of pesticides and animal urine. Please don’t feed lawn mower clippings as they’re unsafe and can cause stomach upset.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rob Hyrons/Shutterstock.com