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My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Updated On December 4th, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

I just adopted him and they never gave him hay before and I just gave him some oxbow hay and he doesn’t seem interested ... what should I do if he doesn’t eat hay? Do you think he will eventually or.?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2017

If he has never had hay it will take a bit of getting used to, but it would be best for him if he could eat it. You could try cutting back on pellets, don't stop completely but maybe delay feeding them so that when he is hungry he is encouraged to eat the hay. Keep it nice and fresh and try different types of good quality hay.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If he has never had hay it will take a bit of getting used to, but it would be best for him if he could eat it. You could try cutting back on pellets, don't stop completely but maybe delay feeding them so that when he is hungry he is encouraged to eat the hay. Keep it nice and fresh and try different types of good quality hay.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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