How to Get Your Pet Rabbit to Eat More Hay (Recipe Inside!)

March 9, 2026

While there’s nothing more we buns would enjoy more than feasting on crunchy carrots or nibbling on delicious pellets, hay is critical for our health and happiness. In fact, most vets agree that the majority of our daily food intake (around 85-87%) should be specifically hay (as much as we’d like to object).

If your bun is easygoing, this might not be a big deal. But if your rabbit is anything like me, with refined taste buds and a flair for the dramatic, getting us to munch more hay can be a bit of a challenge.

So, I’ve put together my best tips (yes, from one rabbit to another) to help your human get creative. At the end, I’ll even share my favorite hay treat recipe. Let’s dive in!

Why is hay important for bunnies?

Domestic bunnies need hay 24/7. In fact, our lives depend on it (and I’m not exaggerating). Our digestive systems are very complex. We bunnies have a particularly long gastrointestinal tract, and hay is the best way to keep things moving along nicely and prevent blockages. In fact, one study found that bunnies on a hay-only diet had healthier tummies and better poops compared to those fed sugary muesli mixes.

When we don’t eat enough hay, there are many potential risks. In some cases, your rabbit might develop GI stasis, which can be a life-threatening condition.

So, what can you do if we refuse hay? Don’t panic. There are a few things your human can do to entice us. We’re not stubborn, we just have... standards.

Offer different types of hay

Even the most enthusiastic hay-nibbler gets bored sometimes. To spice things up a bit, you can present different types of hay. Sprinkle a bit of meadow, orchard, or gourmet hay into their typical meals. However, keep in mind that normal, healthy bunnies shouldn’t feast too much on alfalfa. Since it has extra high protein and calcium content, it’s better suited for young or senior rabbits.

If other types of hay don’t tempt your bun, add a pinch of dried herbs (like chamomile or plantain), a tiny bit of dried fruit, or even a few pellets to make things more interesting.

Make sure the hay is fresh

If there is one thing we bunnies hate, it’s dirt and old hay. We have sensitive noses and refined tastes, so make sure the hay you give us is clean, dry, and smells fresh. Check our space daily, clear out the icky bits, and top up with the good stuff.

Place hay in multiple locations

Where you place our hay matters more than you think. We’re creatures of habit and mood, and sometimes we just don’t like where the food is. So, if you want us to eat more hay, your best option is to scatter it throughout our cage. Tuck some into cardboard tubes, sprinkle a bit into our litter box (yes, we snack while we poop, don’t judge), hide some in paper bags, or stuff it into our toys.

My favorite hay recipe

If your bunny is still turning their twitchy little nose up at plain hay, don’t worry. This tasty homemade recipe might just do the trick! It’s one of my all-time favorites. Here’s how my owner makes it.

What you’ll need:

2.5 ounces of Timothy hay
A handful of coriander (or any fresh herb your bunny already loves)
1 ripe banana
A little water
Parchment paper
Dehydrator or oven

How to make it:

Start with the hay: Break it into small bits using a blender or food processor (you’ll probably need to do this in small batches so it doesn’t clog up).
Blend the banana and herbs together with just a splash of water until smooth.
Mix it all together: Combine the hay and banana-herb paste in a big bowl. Add a tiny bit of water at a time if needed – just enough so it all sticks together.
Shape the treats: Line a tray with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into little balls or press into cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Press them firmly so they stay together!
Dry them out: Pop them in a dehydrator at around 60°C (140°F) until they’re completely dry. No dehydrator? You can also bake them on the lowest setting (100–200°F/40–95°C) until they’re nice and dry. Just keep a close eye so they don’t get too toasty.
Store in an airtight container and let your bun enjoy a treat now and then!

Final thoughts

Look, we buns aren’t being difficult, we just know what we like. If hay doesn’t seem appealing, it’s your job (yep, yours) to make it fun, tasty, and part of our daily bunny routine.

While leafy greens and pellets sound tasty to your bun, treats should be occasional and fun, not a full meal. Otherwise, we risk getting an upset stomach, and for us bunnies, that can be life-threatening.

Curious about more ways to keep your bunny happy and healthy? Check out our other blog posts filled with rabbit care tips and fun ideas!