The Best Guinea Pig Hay
Guinea pig hay is an absolute staple, making up 70% of small pets' diets and also serving as a material for playing, burrowing, and more. But as you're likely aware, our little furballs can be picky eaters. And as their owners, we want to make sure they're taking in top-notch nutrition. By choosing high-quality guinea pig hay, you can make sure your pet will enjoy the flavor as well as reap the nutritional benefits. To help you out, we've found and reviewed some of the best versions available on the market today.
What to Look For
Taking nutrition, flavor, and freshness into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best guinea pig hays on the market today. We looked into every detail, so you can simply read on to find your perfect fit. For example, if you’re looking for an all-natural, hand-picked option, the second-cutting hay from Small Pet Select is an excellent choice. And if you want an alternative to timothy grass, the Oxbow Orchard Hay is worth checking out. You can learn more about each of these products, as well as our other top picks, in the post below.
Oxbow Western Timothy Guinea Pig Hay
Specially for small pets
This all-natural timothy hay is grown with small animals in mind, including guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas. It’s hand-sorted to ensure your guinea pig can safely eat all the pieces so that you don’t open your bag to find it’s mostly filled with dust. The early cut provides optimal fiber and a texture that supports strong teeth. It’s veterinarian-recommended for your peace of mind as well.
Pros:
- This type of hay is one of the most commonly used for guinea pigs thanks to its medium-strength flavor and texture.
- One bag can last a pet guinea pig for up to one month.
Cons:
- Even though this is a resealable package, you may need to use a bag clip to keep your hay as fresh as possible between feeding sessions.
Vitakraft Premium Sweet Guinea Pig Hay
This timothy grass hay is listed as “fresh and natural” for good reason. It’s premium grade and hand-picked to suit small pets, specifically supporting digestive and dental health. There are no preservatives or pesticides used in the growing or packaging processes. It even comes separated into small bails for easy feeding.
Pros:
- The various bag sizes make it easy to suit your pet’s diet, no matter how much hay they go through each day.
- The hay is greener than many brands due to the careful, UV-proof packaging.
Cons:
- Since it’s so fresh, your guinea pig may want to eat more than their suggested serving size.
Kaytee All Natural Timothy Guinea Pig Hay
Taste the difference
Do you have a picky-eating guinea pig in your home? This three-flavor variety pack from Kaytee may be the perfect way to discover which hay they actually enjoy. It comes with spearmint, marigold, and carrot flavors. All of the hay is grown naturally without pesticides or GMOs and picked specifically for small pets. You can trust it’s beneficial for digestive health, dental strength, and more.
Pros:
- Even though these are different flavors, they’re all timothy hay. This means you don’t have to stress about getting your pet to eat certain amounts of each flavor for a balanced diet.
- We think it’s affordably priced when compared to pet stores.
Cons:
- Some may go to waste if your guinea pig doesn’t like specific flavors.
Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Guinea Pig Hay
Exceptional quality
This timothy hay is something special, coming from a family-owned farm that hand-picks all of its products. This hay in particular is from second cuttings, which is greener and less stemmy for pets that prefer their food to be leafy. It also has more protein and fat than first-cutting grass. Many sizes are available to choose from. The heavy-duty, corrugated packaging is also a nice option for both shipping and at-home storage.
Pros:
- The boxes are breathable and designed to keep hay fresh, even if they don’t appear to be.
- Second-cutting hay can be a good option for some pet owners who have timothy grass allergies.
Cons:
- Some guineas may not enjoy this hay if they are used to crunchier varieties.
Oxbow Orchard Grass Guinea Pig Hay
A new type to try
Is your guinea pig against all kinds of timothy grass? This orchard hay from Oxbow can be a good replacement option, as it offers similar benefits in digestive and dental health. It’s all-natural, grown specifically for small pets, and recommended by veterinarians. The flavor and texture are a bit softer and sweeter, which some guinea pigs enjoy. Each package is hand-packed to ensure complete quality as well.
Pros:
- The affordable price point makes this hay easy to try, especially for picky guinea pigs.
- It’s a nice alternative for pet parents with severe timothy hay allergies.
Cons:
- Some guinea pigs may miss the fluffy pieces and seed heads that timothy hay provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of guinea pig hay is healthiest for my pet?
By far, timothy hay is the most commonly used and likely the healthiest hay to make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. It should be offered alongside small servings of other hays, as well as fortified pellets and fresh fruits and veggies. Orchard hay is a nice alternative if timothy hay isn’t an option in your home.
Can my other small animals eat this hay as well?
Yes, you can purchase the same hay for your guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits. Just make sure to offer the correct amounts for each breed and to supplement their hay with other required food groups.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.