Hay There! Choosing the Best Hay for Your Guinea PigS

When it comes to guinea pig care, hay isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course. Your piggy’s health, digestion, and happiness all revolve around one magical material: fresh, high-quality hay. But with so many types available, how do you know which one is right?

This guide breaks down the most common hays and helps you make informed choices to keep your piggy healthy and satisfied.

Why Hay Matters

Hay should make up 80–90% of your guinea pig’s diet. It provides the fiber needed to keep their digestive systems moving and helps wear down their teeth, which grow continuously.

Without hay, guinea pigs can develop serious health problems like dental overgrowth and GI stasis. It’s not just food—it’s essential medicine, enrichment, and nutrition all in one.

Timothy, Orchard & Meadow Hay

Three of the best everyday hays for adult guinea pigs:

• Timothy Hay: A classic staple. It’s fibrous, grassy, and excellent for dental and digestive health.

• Orchard Grass: Softer and sweeter-smelling. Ideal for picky eaters or homes where humans are sensitive to hay dust.

• Meadow Hay: A natural blend of grasses, herbs, and flowers. It varies seasonally and offers great foraging enrichment.

💡 Tip: You can rotate between these or even mix them together to prevent boredom and promote natural foraging.

What About Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is high in calcium and protein, which makes it a great option for:

• Baby guinea pigs under 6 months

• Pregnant or nursing females

However, it’s too rich for most adult guinea pigs and can contribute to bladder stones. Use it only when needed and avoid it as a staple for healthy adults.

Oat Hay: The Crunchy Treat

Oat hay is coarser and contains tasty seed heads that guinea pigs love. While not as nutritionally balanced as Timothy, Orchard, or Meadow hay, it’s a fun and enriching occasional treat.

Offer oat hay once or twice a week to add variety—but don’t replace your piggy’s main hay with it.

How to Tell If Hay Is Fresh

Fresh hay should:

• Be green, not yellow or brown

• Smell sweet and grassy

• Be free of dust, mold, or pests

Avoid hay that smells musty, feels damp, or contains clumps of white or black dust. If you wouldn’t sniff it yourself, don’t feed it to your piggy.

Storage Tips: Avoid the Dust Trap

Store hay in a cool, dry place in a breathable container, like a cardboard box, cloth bin, or paper bag. Avoid sealed plastic totes, which can trap moisture and cause mold.

A sprig of lavender placed nearby (but not inside the hay) may help deter insects.

Buying Hay: Local vs. Online

• Local farms or pet stores: Let you inspect the hay for freshness before buying.

• Online hay suppliers: Offer convenience and a wider range of premium brands.

  Wherever you buy from, look for:

• Green strands with minimal dust

• Transparent sourcing info

• Positive reviews, especially for bulk options

  

Healthy Hay = Healthy Poops

A high-hay diet promotes digestive health and keeps guinea pig poops uniform and oval-shaped.

If you notice changes in your piggy’s poop—like clumps, soft spots, or smaller size—recheck their hay supply and hydration levels.

Hay Is Enrichment, Too!

Hay isn’t just nutrition—it’s also a source of play and mental stimulation. Try:

• Building tunnels out of hay

• Stuffing hay into toys or paper tubes

• Hiding treats inside hay piles

Letting your piggy dig, snuffle, and forage helps keep them happy and entertained.

Your Piggy’s Pick?

What’s your guinea pig’s favorite hay?

🐹 Timothy

🌾 Orchard

🌼 Meadow

💬 Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your hay-time photos!