Choosing Hay for Your Guinea Pigs
Good-quality feeding hay should form the majority of a guinea pig’s diet and remain available throughout the day and night. Regular chewing provides essential fibre, supports digestion and helps naturally wear down continuously growing teeth.
Our guinea pig hay collection includes options for everyday feeding, added variety and enrichment.
Timothy Hay for Everyday Feeding
Timothy hay is an excellent everyday choice for adult guinea pigs. Its fibrous stalks encourage plenty of chewing, while its natural texture supports grazing and foraging.
Make sure your guinea pigs always have access to a generous supply of fresh Timothy or another suitable feeding hay. Replace old or soiled hay regularly and provide clean drinking water at all times.
Add Variety to Their Hay
Alongside their main feeding hay, you can introduce different textures and flavours:
- Readigrass offers the aroma and flavour of dried grass.
- Green oat hay provides a different texture for curious guinea pigs to explore.
- Spicy hay mix can make their usual hay pile more interesting and encourage foraging.
- Alfalfa hay swing provides an interactive chewing and enrichment activity.
Scatter complementary grasses and hay mixes through their usual hay, place them inside a forage toy or create several small grazing areas around the enclosure.
A Note About Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is richer in calcium than Timothy or meadow hay. It is not intended to replace the everyday feeding hay provided to adult guinea pigs, so the alfalfa hay swing should be offered as an occasional chew and enrichment product. PDSA recommends Timothy or meadow hay rather than alfalfa for guinea pigs over six months old.
Why Is Hay So Important for Guinea Pigs?
Hay is more than just food—it's a daily health essential. Here’s why it matters:
- Supports digestion: Guinea pigs need a constant supply of roughage to keep their digestive systems working smoothly.
- Protects dental health: Hay naturally wears down their continuously growing teeth.
- Encourages natural behaviour: Foraging through hay keeps your piggies active and mentally stimulated.
- Provides comfort: Many guinea pigs love to burrow, nest, and rest in soft piles of hay.
Feeding high-quality hay for guinea pigs daily can prevent many common health problems and keep your pets content and curious.
What Makes Our Hay Different?
All the hay we stock at Twigs & Burrows is:
- Naturally grown, with no harmful additives or treatments.
- Dust-extracted, helping to prevent respiratory irritation.
- Freshly packed, retaining its natural aroma and texture.
- Hand-selected, ensuring the right balance of softness and structure.
We prioritise hay that smells sweet, looks fresh, and feels inviting—perfect for guinea pigs to munch, dig, and nest in.
Choosing the Best Hay for Guinea Pigs
If you’re wondering what the best hay for guinea pigs looks like, here’s what to consider:
- Colour: Greenish hay is often fresher and more nutritious than dull yellow or brown.
- Texture: A mix of coarse stalks and soft leafy pieces provides chewing variety.
- Smell: A fresh, sweet smell is a good indicator of quality.
- Cleanliness: Dust-extracted hay is gentler on sensitive piggy noses and lungs.
Whether you’re caring for one guinea pig or a whole herd, our hay options are ideal for daily feeding and foraging.
FAQs
Guinea pigs should have unlimited access to hay. A pile roughly the size of your guinea pig, refreshed daily, is a good guide.
Hay should make up the majority of their diet, as it supports digestion and keeps their teeth healthy. However, guinea pigs also need a variety of fresh vegetables each day to ensure they get enough Vitamin C and essential nutrients.
Yes! Many piggies enjoy nesting and napping in their hay piles. Just be sure to refresh it regularly to keep their environment clean.
Yes—dust can irritate their respiratory system. That’s why we only stock clean, dust-extracted hay that’s safe for small pets.
In addition to hay, guinea pigs benefit from leafy greens, fresh herbs, and occasional dried forage treats for variety and enrichment.
100% Natural & Safe
Encourages Natural Grazing
Boredom Buster
Rescue - Approved