What Is The Best Hay for Guinea Pigs? Here Are Our Top 5 Options

if you're like us, then you want the best for your guinea pig. In this blog we are going to show you 5 high-quality hays that your guinea pig will love!

2 Guinea Pigs Eating Hay
2 Guinea Pigs Eating Hay

Looking for the best hay for your guinea pig? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss five high-quality hays that are perfect for guinea pigs. We'll also provide tips on how to choose the right hay for your pet and how to store it properly. So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned Guinea Pig owner, this blog post is for you!

How we choose the best for you

Guinea pigs are unique creatures that need a specific type of diet to stay healthy.

A lot of people think that all you have to do is give a guinea pig some hay and they will be fine, but this could not be further from the truth.  Fresh grass hay daily is the cornerstone to a healthy guinea pig diet. Guinea pig owners often mix hays to add variety but favour one as the main staple diet.

We have found the best hay for guinea pigs on the market today and we want to share our findings with you. By reading our in-depth reviews, you can make an informed decision about which hay is right for your furry friend.

Orchard Hay for guinea pigs

Oxbow Animal Health Orchard Grass Hay - All Natural Grass Hay for Chinchillas, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters & Gerbils - 40 oz.

Check Price on Amazon

Why we love it

Introducing Oxbow Animal Health Orchard Grass Hay – the hay that’s made with guinea pig lovers in mind! Carefully planted, grown, and harvested from Oxbow's family of farms here in the USA, this hay is 100% all-natural - no additives or binders here! Hand-sorted and hand-packed with care, our expert hay growers know how to make top-notch quality hay for your furry friend that's full of essential vitamins and minerals. That means every guinea pig can have hours of deliciousness chewing on these hearty stems. Who said eating hay had to be boring? Bring a smile to your guinea pig’s face with Oxbow Animal Health Orchard Grass Hay!

What you should know

If you're the kind of pet owner who wants the best for their furry friends, then this guinea pig hay should be at the top of your list. Not only does it meet specific nutritional requirements (high in fiber for a healthy digestive system and dental health), but it's been veterinarian recommended. Plus, its irresistable flavor isn't just good for them—it's one they actually love! With its soft texture and sweet flavor that'll tantalize your pets' taste buds, plus an aromatic aroma guaranteed to stimulate their appetite, you can rest assured that you're giving your guinea pigs the very best with this hay.

Timothy Hay for guinea pigs

Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay Plus Cranberries For Guinea Pigs, Rabbits & Other Small Animals, 24 Ounce

Check Price on Amazon

Why we love it

Introducing Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay! It's the perfect snack for any hungry guinea pig. Not only is it loaded with all-natural timothy hay, but we've also added some delicious cranberries to add an extra special punch of flavor. Together, they provide a variety of textures and flavors that will make your furry friend go wild with delight. Best of all, this hay helps promote proper digestion and dental health while providing hours of enriching fun! So let them graze away the day - with Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay, their always in for a tasty surprise.

What you should know

This guinea pig hay is nothing short of amazing! It's grown specifically for small animals, so you know your pet's getting exactly what it needs. Plus, with high fiber content, it can help to promote better digestive health - not to mention how delighted your furry friend will be! And to top it all off, it's the number one hay brand in America. Now that's something to get excited about!

Timothy Hay for guinea pigs - 2nd cutting 

Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Pet Food for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas and More, Premium Natural Hay Grown in The US

Check Price on Amazon

Why we love it

Small Pet Select is the small animal owners dream come true! Our hand-selected Timothy Hay is the highest quality blend of 100% US-grown 2nd cut Timothy hay, perfect for rabbits and guinea pigs alike! Our hay is packed in small batches to guarantee only the best arrives at your doorstep. Packed with a perfect balance of stem, seed-head, and leaf, this hay promotes wear to healthy teeth and features a fresh smell that has your pet coming back for more. Oh yes, we didn't forget about sustainability either! Instead of compression packing that can damage stems and leaves, each box of our premium timothy hay is shipped in a high-strength corrugated box that opens and closes easily - even making digging into it all the more fun! If you're looking to spoil your pet with some delicious snacks in a safe way - then look no further than Small Pet Select!

What you should know

If you’re looking for the best hay to make your small pet feel like a king or queen, this guinea pig hay is perfect! Not only will it provide essential nutrition and wear down growing teeth, helping your tiny friend maintain digestive health - but it’ll also make a great bedding option that stays fresh much longer than a duvet. Small Pet Select Fresh Timothy Hay It is also interesting to know that the greener, leafier softer hay is generally higher in protein, vitamin C and calcium. Plus, with our satisfaction guarantee, even the pickiest bunnies will be happy as clover. Get ready for some seriously content oinks and binkies!

Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs

Vitakraft Small Animal Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Chinchillas - 3.5 lbs

Check Price on Amazon

Why we love it

Does your guinea pig have taste? of course they do! That's why you'll want to grab some Vitakraft Small Animal Timothy Hay - the hay that's made with loads of love and lots of laughs. It's 100% sun-cured and farm grown with absolutely no artificial colors, preservatives, or pesticides. Plus, it's been carefully harvested by hand at its peak maturity in order to bring out the best in nutrient content and stem quality. You won't have to worry about pesky UV light damaging your hay either - our hay is tightly compressed and banded for extra protection. And for easy feeding and less mess, you won't have to break apart a whole bale - our Vitakraft Timothy Hay comes portioned into individual slices! So why not make your guinea pig smile from ear-to-ear with Vitakraft Small Animal Timothy Hay? Give them only the best and make mealtime fun!

What you should know

Feeling stuck in a hay day? Break free from alfalfa and hop on over to this guinea pig hay! You won't believe how much fiber is packed into each bite. Your adult rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchilla will never want for a snack! But that's not the only benefit - your long-earred friend will enjoy good dental health thanks to long strand fibers that help wear down ever-growing teeth. This type of hay is widely popular, and easy to buy in bulk from either Amazon or local markets. It is made from timothy grass, and often mixed with other types of hay in bags sold from pet stores. Apparently, hay can be both delicious and healthy. Who knew?

Mini Bale Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs

Grandpa's Best Timothy Hay Mini Bale, 10 Lbs (Packaging may vary

Check Price on Amazon

Why we love it

Attention all guinea pig lovers! Introducing Grandpa's Best Timothy Hay Mini Bale, the hay formula you and your furry friend have been waiting for. Does your guinea pig need dental care, or a meal full of flavor? This low-protein, high-fiber formula provides just that – stimulation for good digestion as well as a palatable and nutritious meal. Plus, you don't have to worry about any additives or preservatives - happy guinea pigs AND peace of mind (win-win!). Enjoy precious playtime with your small companion guilt free - Grandpa's Best Timothy Hay Mini Bale has you covered.

What you should know

If you're looking for a convenient mealtime for your guinea pig, then look no further than Grandpa's Best! Our hay bales are stuffed to the brim with the best quality hay that has been flaked and meticulously hand-sorted -all while remaining conveniently compressed into a mini-bale. That means storage space is never an issue, so you and your furry friend will always have plenty of your favorite snack on hand! So cuddle up and get snacking—Grandpa's Best has you covered!

Best hay for guinea pigs FAQs

Guinea pigs need hay to stay healthy, but it can be hard to know which type of hay is best.

Not all hays are created equal. In fact, there are a lot of misconceptions about what kind of hay is best for guinea pigs.


We're here to clear things up. Here are the most frequently asked questions about best hay for guinea pigs, answered by our team of experts.

What type of hay is best for guinea pigs?

When it comes to hay for guinea pigs, there’s no one-size-fits all solution. But when you consider the nutritional value and digestibility of hay, there are a few options that come to mind. A guinea pig's teeth are constantly growing and the hay works to wear down the teeth.

Timothy Hay is probably the most recommended type of hay for guinea pigs. It's high in fiber and low in protein, calcium and phosphorus; perfect for their sensitive stomachs! Alfalfa Hay can also prove beneficial as its higher levels of proteins makes it great for growing piggies or malnourished ones who need an extra boost of nutrition. And don't forget Oat Hay which has long soft stems with full oat heads - they love this one because they love munching!

But beyond just picking out the right type of hay, you've got to think about its freshness too; make sure your guinea pig gets access to clean, dust-free hay every day – not only will it be palatable but its large amount of fiber aids in digestion which helps them stay strong and healthy! Just remember: old or dusty stands aren't ideal since they can lead to respiratory issues if inhaled by your piggie.

And lastly – don't forget about variety! Your cavies might enjoy a blend of different types hays like timothy & alfalfa along with meadow grasses and oats from time to time. Try switching up the hays occasionally so your cavy doesn’t get bored (yes, bored) with eating just one type over a prolonged period!

Long story short - The best type of grass hay for adult guinea pigs is long stem Timothy Hay and Meadow Hay. You can consider Timothy Hay as the go-to staple choice because it's nutritious yet gentle on their tummies … but don't let that stop you from exploring other types and providing some fun variety into your guineas diet now and then!

What is the best daily hay for guinea pigs?

As a guinea pig enthusiast, I'm always in search of the best hay to keep my furry friends happy and healthy. After doing extensive research on various types of hay. Timothy hay and Orchard hay are two of the best guinea pig hay types given to adult guinea pigs. I can confidently say that Timothy Hay is hands down the best daily hay for guinea pigs. Not only does it provide them with essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, protein, fiber, and calcium for optimal health; but it also encourages natural foraging behaviors that are important to their well-being. Additionally, Timothy Hay helps prevent digestive problems due to its high levels of dietary fiber which helps maintain good gut health in Piggies!

On top of all these great benefits, this type of hay is also very tasty! Guinea Pigs tend to enjoy the sweet flavor and smell which make it an enjoyable treat to have every day. The majority of pet stores carry bags or bales so it should be easy enough to find in your area! Addtionally you can purchase a hay rack, it will keep your pet's hay off the ground.

At the end of the day, each individual piggy will vary based on their specific nutritional needs; however if you’re looking for a go-to daily hay option then look no further than Timothy Hay - not only because it's nutritious but because they'll love munching away on this crunchy delicacy too!

What hay is not good for guinea pigs?

Hay that is moldy, dusty, or smells bad should not be given to guinea pigs. Hay should be springy and fresh, with none of the above characteristics. Old or expired hay should also not be fed to guinea pigs as it could contain bacteria and other harmful elements. The most important thing to look for in hay is quality. Always go for high quality hay if available. Cheaper hay can be a false economy as you can run into problems with your guinea pig's health down the road. Additionally, hay that is too coarse can irritate your guinea pig's tender mouth and throat, so avoid feeding them any hay that has sharp edges or sticks.

Is timothy hay better than orchard grass for guinea pigs?

Timothy hay is generally considered to be the best type of hay for guinea pigs and is recommended by many veterinarians. Timothy hay is rich in fiber, which helps keep guinea pigs healthy and provides them with a variety of essential nutrients. Orchard grass can also be beneficial for guinea pigs, although it does not provide as much fiber as timothy hay does. Additionally, orchard grass should not make up more than 25% of your guinea pig's diet, as it can lead to digestive problems.

Why is timothy hay so expensive?

Timothy hay is expensive because it is a premium product. It is grown in specific locations and can often be difficult to farm. Additionally, timothy hay contains more nutrients than other types of hay, so extra care needs to be taken in its production. The hay itself contains no artificial preservatives to ensure its healthiness. This also makes it appetizing to many guinea pigs as it replicates the flavor of grass hay guinea pigs eat naturally in the wild. As a result, producing timothy hay takes more effort and resources, leading to a higher price tag than other types of hay.

Do guinea pigs need Timothy hay or Alfalfa?

Guinea pigs need both timothy hay and alfalfa for optimal health. Timothy hay is a long-stemmed grass hay that provides guinea pigs with essential fiber to keep their digestive system healthy. Alfalfa is a legume hay that contains calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients that are important for guinea pigs. Both types of hay should be included in your pet's diet.

What is Alfalfa hay and is it good for guinea pigs?

Alfalfa hay is often recommended for young guinea pigs, pregnant females, and guinea pigs recovering from negligence. Alfalfa hay has a higher protein content than ordinary grass hay, which means it is not an ideal feedstock for adult guinea pigs as it is too fattening. Diet high in calcium and protein is good for pregnant and nursing guinea pigs, and for young guinea pigs that are still growing

Is Meadow hay good for guinea pigs?

Meadow hay is an excellent choice for guinea pigs, as it is low in sugar and high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Meadow Hay for Guinea Pigs It is made from long strands of grass, leaves, flowers, and seed heads from the meadow. This means it can contain a variety of grasses, plants, flower heads and seed heads. It should make up the bulk of a guinea pig's diet and be provided in unlimited amounts. Ginea pigs focus their attention on the fibrous stems, which means they benefit from the fiber rather than being distracted by tasty seed heads that are low in fiber. The seed head is very tasty, and in generall guinea pigs love them. Meadow Hay also helps to keep their digestive systems healthy, as it provides them with much-needed roughage.

Do guinea pigs prefer straw or hay?

Guinea pigs prefer hay over straw, as straw is too dry and has little nutritional content. Hay, especially timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are much higher in nutrients and give guinea pigs the dietary fiber they need in order to stay healthy. Straw should only be used as a last resort or when no other type of hay is available.

Which hay is the softest for guinea pigs?

The softest hay for guinea pigs is oat hay. Oat hay is very rich in fiber, which helps to keep the guinea pig's digestive system healthy. It has a soft texture and is easier for guinea pigs to chew than other types of hay, making it a great choice for your pet. Other recommended hays include timothy hay and alfalfa hay.

Which hay is the bets for baby guinea pigs?

For baby guinea pigs and nursing mother guinea pigs, the best hay is Alfalfa Hay. It is packed with fibre and vitamin C, this nutritious grass hay keeps a guinea pig's digestive system in good order as well as keeping their teeth trim. Guinea pigs need to have unlimited access to fresh hay every day as it is essential for their health and well-being.

Can guinea pigs eat grass instead of hay?

Guinea pigs can indeed eat grass instead of hay, but it should not replace it entirely. Grass is a great source of Vitamin A, but hay provides essential fiber and other nutrients that guinea pigs need to stay healthy. The best diet for guinea pigs includes a balance of hay and fresh vegetables.


Best hay for guinea pigs for you and for your furry friend

All in all, guinea pigs are an amazing pet to own, and they need the best care they can get! It's essential to give them the best hay possible, so use all of the information from this article, and go forth and search for the perfect hay for your own piggy. After gathering your materials, you know where to find it: on Amazon of course. We've given you our top recommendations for the best hays for guinea pigs that is sure to make both your little friend and your wallet smile. And now, put your Sherlock Holmes goggles on, get out there and explore what Amazon has in store for you! But don't forget one thing before you dig in deeper - tap the button below to check the price that fits your needs. Who knows? That will probably be even sweeter than a meadow full of fluffy hay!