The digestive systems of rabbits and guinea pigs have adapted to a herbivorous diet high in fibre. High-quality indigestible fibre assists the movement of food through the digestive system. Lack of fibre can cause the slowing of the digestive tract, leading to GI stasis. Additionally, both guinea pigs and rabbits have continuously growing teeth. The process of eating hay helps to grind down their teeth preventing overgrowth and disease. Hay is the most important component of your rabbit or guinea pig’s diet! It is important to understand the different types of hay to ensure you are providing your small animal with the correct hay for their individual nutritional requirements. Fescue is a grass hay, which is high in fibre and low in protein. The high-fibre hay supports optimum digestion. Being a lower protein hay in comparison to lucerne, fescue is suitable for adult rabbits and guinea pigs of all ages. Adult guinea pigs and rabbits require a lower protein hay, in comparison to young animals, as high protein diets may lead to obesity and other health issues. v20626
