Guinea pigs are natural grazers so offering them hay as a base for their diet is a great idea. Hay can also provide guinea pigs with key vitamins and nutrients.
However, there are several different brands and varieties of hay available so choosing the best guinea pig hay can be a bit of a challenge. In this list, we will be looking at blend type, cut, price, and health benefits for your pig to help you choose only the top hays.
10. Viking Farmer Hay
Ideal for: Pets such as guinea pigs
Alfalfa hay is rich in protein so it must be given to adult guinea pigs only in moderation. However, this hay is a perfect choice for growing guinea pigs and an excellent treat for adults.
It’s rich in calcium and other nutrients. In addition, this hay is grown without pesticides or GMOs and has no preservatives or additives.
- Rich in calcium
- No additives or preservatives
- Grown without GMOs or pesticides
- Can only be given as a treat
9. Rabbit Hole Timothy Hay
Ideal for: Guinea pigs and other small pets
An excellent choice for the best guinea pig hay, timothy hay is low in both calcium and protein, so it can be offered for free grazing. This hay from Rabbit Hole is fresh and green.
It’s the third cut, which means it consists mostly of soft grass blades and has few of the tougher stems, so it’s easy for guinea pigs to digest.
- Fresh and green
- Low in calcium and protein
- Mostly soft grass blades
- More expensive than other hay options
8. Rabbit Hole Alfalfa Hay
Ideal for: Pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits
Although this alfalfa hay must be given as a treat only, it’s still a good option for the best guinea pig hay because it’s full of nutrients.
Young guinea pigs will benefit from the high amounts of protein and calcium, while older guinea pigs can enjoy it as a snack. This hay is also specifically packaged in order to remain fresh and green.
- Fresh and green
- Full of nutrients
- Perfect for growing guinea pigs
- Can only be given as a treat to adult guinea pigs
7. FarmerDavePetSupply Timothy Hay
Ideal for: Small pets such as guinea pigs
This timothy hay is the first cut, which means it’s made up mostly of stem pieces. These pieces are a bit tougher, which can promote natural chewing behavior and good tooth health.
In addition, this hay is organically grown without pesticides or chemicals. The chance of mold in the hay is also low because this particular hay is first allowed to sun dry.
- Made up of stem pieces for good dental health
- Sun dried
- Organically grown
- Other guinea pig hays may be less expensive
6. Small Pet Select Perfect Blend Timothy Hay
Ideal for: Pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits
This timothy hay is the perfect choice for the best guinea pig hay because it can be given freely, which helps to promote natural grazing behaviors.
This particular hay is perfect for older guinea pigs or as a base for daily nutrition because it’s made up mostly of flowers and soft, leafy pieces, both of which are easier to digest. The hay is also packaged so as to retain its freshness.
- Can be given daily
- Made up of flowers and soft leaves
- Packaged so as to remain fresh
- Quality may not be consistent
5. Rabbit Hole Orchard Grass Hay
Ideal for: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets
Another good choice for a daily, free grazing hay option is orchard grass. This soft grass hay is low in protein and calcium, and it is easy to digest.
However, it’s still packed with all the nutrients guinea pigs need. This particular hay from Rabbit Hole is available in a variety of different quantity options, so it’s simple to choose a size that suits your needs.
- Can be given for free grazing
- Variety of bag sizes available
- Soft and easy to digest
- May not be as fresh as other hay options
4. Standlee Hay Companion Premium Timothy Grass Forage
Ideal for: Smaller pets such as guinea pigs
This is another good option for the best guinea pig hay because it’s grown naturally, without any additives, so it’s safe for pets. Because it’s hand selected, the quality is very high.
In addition, this hay is mostly made up of longer stem pieces, which can help to promote natural chewing behavior and may also help to keep teeth in good condition.
- Grown naturally
- Hand-selected for high quality
- Made up of stem pieces
- Other hay options may be less expensive
3. Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus
Ideal for: Small animals such as guinea pigs
Instead of offering only hay, this timothy hay from Kaytee is mixed with different fruits and vegetables. This way, pets are given a more interesting flavor choice and also receive added nutrients and vitamins. The hay is available in cranberry, mint, carrot, or mango flavor.
- Both leaf and stem pieces included
- Added fruits and vegetables
- Can be offered for free grazing
- Quality may not be consistent
2. Kaytee Timothy Hay
Ideal for: Small pets such as guinea pigs
This hay is not only less expensive than other hay options but it’s a blended cut, so it’s made up of both stem pieces and leaf pieces.
This means it’s easier to digest than hay that’s entirely stems, but still helps to maintain tooth health and promotes healthy chewing behavior. In addition, because it’s timothy hay, it’s high in fiber but low in protein and calcium, so it can be offered daily.
- Less expensive than other hay options
- Good blend of stems and leaves
- Quality may not be consistent
1. Oxbow Hay
Ideal for: Small pets such as guinea pigs
A good option for daily feeding, and therefore one of the best hays for guinea pigs, this timothy hay is hand sorted. This helps to ensure that the hay is always fresh, and remains so once it reaches the customer.
- Timothy hay
- Can be offered for daily feeding
- Hand selected and hand sorted
- Packed for freshness
- Quality may not be consistent
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can sometimes be picky eaters, and it’s important to offer them hay that is both something they’ll enjoy as well as something that will keep them healthy.
Finding the best guinea pig hay may mean trying several different types from this list. But sharing tips and information with other pet owners can also make the decision simpler.
Let us know what hays your guinea pigs love, or if we’ve left out any of your top choices.
The TPR Team invites you to read informative pieces and specialized opinions from experts in all things dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and all things pet, in general.
