Oaten hay is an excellent choice for rabbits. It is high in fiber, vitamin A, and magnesium. You can feed your rabbit exclusively oaten hay, but combining it with timothy hay can help your rabbit get extra nutrients.
You’ve been feeding your rabbit the same type of hay for years, but you’re starting to wonder if it’s time to switch things up. After all, so many different types of hay are available now, and you’re not sure if your rabbit is getting the best nutrition possible.
Should you switch your rabbit to oaten hay? Is it better for them than the other types of hay on the market?
Here’s what you need to know about switching your rabbit to oaten hay and whether or not it’s the right decision for your furry friend.
What You'll Learn
What is Oaten Hay?
To figure out if oaten hay is good for rabbits, it’s important to understand what it is. Oaten hay is a type of hay that is made from oats. It is high in fiber, vitamin A, and magnesium, all of which are great for rabbits.
Nutritional Value: It’s All About The Fiber
Oaten hay has less fiber than other types of hay, but not by much. The average oaten hay has about 30% fiber, while other types of hay, like timothy hay, can have up to 32% fiber. However, the difference in fiber content is not enough to significantly affect your rabbit’s diet.
Since fiber is one of the most critical nutrients for rabbits, oaten hay is a great choice for your furry friend. Not only does it provide them with the fiber they need, but it also gives them a variety of other nutrients that are essential for their health.
Other Benefits of Oaten Hay
In addition to being high in fiber, oaten hay has a few other benefits that make it an excellent choice for rabbits.
Cheaper Than Other Types of Hay
For one, it is typically cheaper than other types of hay. This could be because there isn’t as much demand for oaten hay as for timothy hay. This means that you can save money by switching your rabbit to oaten hay without sacrificing the quality of their diet.
Higher in Vitamin A
Oaten hay is also higher in vitamin A than other types of hay. This is important because vitamin A is essential for rabbits. It helps them to maintain their vision and also keeps their fur healthy.
Higher in Magnesium
Oaten hay is also higher in magnesium than other types of hay. Magnesium helps regulate a rabbit’s blood pressure and keeps their bones strong.
Adds Variety to Their Diet
Oaten hay will add variety to your rabbit’s diet. If you’ve been feeding your rabbit the same type of hay for years, switching to oaten hay can give them a new taste and texture to enjoy. This can help keep them interested in their food and also help them get the nutrients they need.
The Potential Risks Associated With Oaten Hay
At this point, oaten hay sounds great, doesn’t it? Although it has many benefits, that doesn’t mean it’s without risk. There are a few potential risks associated with feeding your rabbit oaten hay.
May Cause Digestive Issues
One of the biggest potential risks is that oaten hay may cause digestive issues. This is because it is slightly higher in sugar than other types of hay. While the amount of sugar in oaten hay is not enough to cause serious problems, it could still cause some mild digestive issues like gas or bloating.
Rabbits May Refuse to Eat it
Another potential risk is that some rabbits may refuse to eat oaten hay. They may not like the taste or texture. If your rabbit is a picky eater, they may not want to switch to oaten hay.
May Cause Allergic Reaction
Oaten hay may cause an allergic reaction in some rabbits. If your rabbit has never had oaten hay, you may want to start with a tiny amount. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you think your rabbit is allergic, take them to the vet immediately.
Introducing Your Rabbit to Oaten Hay
If you’ve decided that you want to switch your rabbit to oaten hay, there are a few things you need to know.
Start Small and Gradually Increase Over Time
You don’t want to give your rabbit too much oaten hay at first because it could cause digestive issues, plus you have no idea if they are allergic to it. Start with a minimal amount and gradually increase it over time.
Mix It With Their Favorite Foods
If your rabbit is a picky eater, you may want to mix the oaten hay with their favorite foods. This will help them get used to the new taste and texture.
Once they are used to it, you can slowly decrease the amount of their favorite food and increase the amount of oaten hay.
Can Either Replace Current Hay or Do a 50/50 Mix
You can either completely replace the hay your rabbit is eating with oaten hay or do a 50/50 mix. We prefer a 50/50 mix because it will add additional nutrients to your rabbit’s diet.
Now that you know all about oaten hay, you may wonder how it compares to other types of hay.
Oaten Hay vs. Timothy Hay
They are both great options, but there are some differences between them.
Oaten hay is higher in vitamin A and magnesium, while timothy hay is higher in calcium.
Oaten hay is also sweeter than timothy hay, so some rabbits may prefer the taste.
If we had to choose one winner, it would be timothy hay, but that’s just because timothy hay is slightly higher in fiber.
You really can’t go wrong with either type of hay. And again, there’s nothing wrong with doing a 50/50 split!
How to Best Store Oaten Hay
If you want your oaten hay to stay fresh, there are a few things you need to do.
Store in a Cool and Dry Place
First, you need to store it in a cool, dry place. A storage container with a lid works great.
Do NOT Store in Airtight Container
You also need to make sure that the storage container is not airtight. This will allow the hay to breathe and stay fresh longer.
Minimize Light Exposure
And finally, you need to ensure that the hay is not exposed to too much light. Light will cause the hay to lose some of its nutrients.
Time To Decide!
Now that you know all about oaten hay, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s suitable for your rabbit. Just remember to start small and gradually increase the amount of oaten hay over time. And if you’re ever unsure, always consult with your veterinarian.
