Can rabbits eat only oat hay?

Oat hay is a viable component of a rabbit’s diet; however, exclusive feeding of oat hay to a 1-year-old rabbit is not recommended from a veterinary standpoint. Oat hay has a lower protein content compared to timothy and alfalfa hays, which provide higher levels of protein and serve as sources of calcium. Nonetheless, oat hay is rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, and contains higher carbohydrates, offering an energy source.

Additionally, oat hay is often harvested later than other hays, resulting in a coarser texture. While this coarseness can promote dental wear, young rabbits may experience excessive tooth wear. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of alkalosis in the digestive tract associated with exclusive oat hay feeding.

Therefore, providing a variety of hays is preferable. Although oat hay is sometimes promoted for dental health in Thailand, other hays such as alfalfa, timothy, orchard grass, and western grass also effectively promote dental wear. Veterinarians may recommend oat hay for rabbits with specific dental issues, such as overgrown molars, but incorporating a mix of hays is optimal for overall health.