The timothy hay market is projected to reach US$ 6.62 billion by 2031 from US$ 5.01 billion in 2024. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1% during 2025–2031. The surging demand for organic timothy hay is likely to bring new trends into the market during the forecast period.
The adoption of timothy hay is increasing owing to the surging demand for equine feed and rising awareness regarding the health benefits associated with timothy hay. The increasing pet ownership and surging specialized feed demand fuel the utilization of timothy hay due to its high fiber and low-calorie content, which helps in proper digestion, dental health, and an effective diet for horses with metabolic disorders. Additionally, the increasing participation in equine sports such as horse racing and polo has created a demand for specialized horse feed. The rising awareness of specific animal nutrition and the benefits of timothy hay drive the market growth.
Horse owners favor timothy due to its high fiber and low protein content, which is ideal for digestive health. Also, timothy hay is commonly used as a primary food source for small herbivores, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other rodents. It is made from the dried stems, leaves, and seeds of the Timothy grass (Phleum pratense), which is known for its high fiber content and nutritional benefits. It contains fiber, which is useful in promoting healthy digestion and preventing obesity in small pets. As a natural, low-calorie food, Timothy hay is a key part of a balanced diet, supporting overall health and well-being in small animals.
The increasing inclination toward pet adoption, especially small animals, including hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs, has fueled the demand for specialized food such as timothy hay. As more households welcome rabbits and guinea pigs, their owners seek high-quality, natural food to ensure their health and well-being. It is a crucial part of their diet, providing balanced nutrition and fiber to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, helping digestion, and preventing obesity, which is common among small animals. Timothy hay is valued for its high fiber content and low protein level, which is beneficial in supporting digestive health and preventing obesity in small animals. This growing awareness among pet owners about the nutritional needs of their small companions has led to heightened demand for premium hay products. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, in January 2023, rabbits were the third most popular companion pet in the US, with roughly 1% of American households keeping a pet rabbit or two. Rabbits need specific nutrition to keep their digestive tract healthy. Nearly 80% of rabbits' diet needs to be high-quality grass hay. The adoption of small animal feed, including hay, is growing owing to the rising awareness among owners about the importance of a balanced and healthy diet for their pets. Rabbit and small animal owners are seeking premium, organic, and high-quality timothy hay to ensure the health and well-being of their pets. This shift in consumer preferences is fueled by the rise of online pet supply retailers and increased access to information about small animal care, allowing owners to make more informed purchasing decisions. Thus, increasing pet adoption of rabbits and small animals and surging awareness about their health propels the growth of the timothy hay market
Timothy hay is well known for its high fiber content, low calcium levels, and balanced nutrient profile, and it supports optimal digestive health, making it the preferred forage for small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, as well as for livestock such as horses and cattle. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), fiber-rich diets are essential for preventing gastrointestinal stasis, a life-threatening condition common in rabbits. This health awareness has created the demand for timothy hay. Timothy hay’s digestibility and fiber content support weight management and prevent colic, which is a leading cause of mortality in horses. In the US, equines are fed with timothy hay as it is a high-quality forage available abundantly with health benefits. The low-calcium content of timothy hay helps in the prevention of urinary tract issues, such as bladder stones, which are common in small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. This health benefit, coupled with its role in promoting dental health through natural chewing, makes timothy hay a staple in animal diets. Thus, increasing awareness about health benefits associated with timothy hay has increased the demand for timothy hay as pet food, which is expected to create ample opportunities for the market in the coming years.
Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the timothy hay market analysis are type and application.
The geographical scope of the timothy hay market is mainly divided into five regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America.
North America hold the significant market share in 2024. The demand for timothy hay is growing in North America due to increasing pet ownership, rising trends toward natural and organic animal feed, and the increasing popularity of equine sports and recreational riding. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), ~ 6 million households in the US own small pets, and the surging awareness about the nutritional needs of these animals has increased the demand for high-quality hay. The increasing demand for equine feed also contributes to the demand. According to the World Population Review, the US reported 10.3 million horses in 2025, and horse owners are shifting to higher-quality forage, such as timothy hay, to address health concerns. Horses with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance or obesity benefit from timothy hay's high fiber and low-calorie content. The soaring popularity of equestrian sports, such as show jumping and dressage, has further increased demand for high-quality equine feed.
The US and Canada are major Timothy hay-producing countries in the region. The US is one of the largest producers of timothy hay worldwide, with the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Midwest, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho being key producer states. The regional productivity is increased by modern farming techniques that ensure consistent quality and availability, which helps to meet the demand for timothy hay.
The regional trends and factors influencing the Timothy Hay Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at Insight Partners. This section also discusses Timothy Hay Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size in 2024. | US$ 5.01 Billion |
| Market Size by 2031 | US$ 6.62 Billion |
| Global CAGR (2025 - 2031) | 4.1% |
| Historical Data | 2021-2023 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
| Segments Covered |
By Type
|
| Regions and Countries Covered | North America
|
| Market leaders and key company profiles |
The Timothy Hay Market market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.
Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.
Major Companies operating in the Timothy Hay Market are:
Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.
The timothy hay market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data post primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. A recent key development in the timothy hay market is mentioned below:
The " Timothy Hay Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:
The market size is projected to reach US$ 6.62 billion by 2031.
North America accounted for the largest share of the market in 2024.
The increasing demand for timothy hay as equine feed and rising pet ownership of rabbits and small animals are major factors contributing to market growth.
The surging demand for organic timothy hay is likely to emerge as a key trend in the market in the future.
Douliere Hay France SAS, Green Prairie International Inc, Standlee Premium Products LLC, SL Follen Co, Anderson Hay & Grain Co Inc, M&C Hay LLC, Lucerne Farm, Cubeit Hay, Oxbow Animal Health, Old Manor Farm, Kaytee Products Inc, Zabeel Feed, Ward Rugh Inc, and The Gombos Company LLC are among the key players operating in the timothy hay market.