- 29 March 2022
- guinea pigs
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Guinea pig feeding hay
When it comes to guinea pig care and nutrition it's all about striking a healthy balance.
Our premium guinea pig feed
Baled within 48 hours of cutting to maintain the nutrition nature intended, and processed to remove dust and bacteria ensuring premium quality in every nibble.
Never run out of your pet's favourite hay again and save 5% on each order.
Sign up for a subscription today and get 30% off your first order just use code HAYSUBSCRIBE30 at Checkout. Pause, change or cancel any time.
What is the best hay for my guinea pig?
Good quality, fresh and nutritious, dust-extracted feeding hay should make up most of your guinea pig’s daily diet to maintain a healthy digestive system, prevent illness and help you to avoid unnecessary trips to the vets.
Our high quality homegrown hay is ideal for your piggy because not only is it high in fibre and low in sugar, it’s packed with naturally tasty goodness, just as nature intended. Small pets who have taken the taste test give the ‘paws up’ to our natural varieties!
An added bonus of wholesome coarse varieties, like our Timothy Hay, is that they take time to chew which prevents boredom. A happy pet is a healthy pet afterall!
What and how much should I feed my guinea pig?
A guinea pig’s diet is similar in many ways to that of their longer eared friend the rabbit. Guinea pigs are also grazers, and naturally only eat grass, herbs and some commonly foraged plants like dandelion and groundsel.
Keeping your piggy happy, healthy and away from the vets means keeping their digestive system in tip top condition.
They need both digestible and indigestible fibre going through their gut and can get both types of fibre from quality assured dust-free hay like our Timothy Hay for guinea pigs.
Top tips for your guinea pig’s diet
- 85-90% premium feeding hay or grass – This is best food for your guinea pig’s digestive system and should be available at all times.
- Fresh veg - Around a handful a day of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli and parsley will provide a good source of Vitamin C and other micronutrients.
- Vitamin C - Guinea pigs don’t naturally produce this key vitamin, so it’s important to add it daily for healthy skin, joints and blood vessels. As well as leafy greens, try salad peppers, tomatoes and asparagus. It’s important to avoid citrus fruits which are too high in sugar for your piggy.
- Premium grass pellets - Supplement your piggy’s daily diet and Vit C intake with a fresh handful of high quality grass-based Timothy Hay pellets (avoid pellets with added ‘junk-food’ such as fruit or flakes). Replace daily as vitamin C goodness depletes with exposure to air. Your guinea pig will thank you for it!
- Fresh water – Always provide clean fresh water in a suspension bottle. Check and change daily to avoid dehydration which can lead to serious illness
- Monitor food quantities – How much guinea pigs eat depends on various factors such as lifestyle, size, age and general health. Every guinea pig is different so check with an expert first then get to know and monitor your piggy's habits.
- Good bacteria - Piggy’s sticky droppings or ‘caecotrophs’ contain fibre that’s indigestible first time around the digestive system. It’s completely normal for your furry little herbivore to eat them to absorb essential nutrients second-time around.
- Plants to avoid - include daffodils, foxglove, hemlock, lilies, nightshade, oak, onion grass, rhubarb leaves, tomato leaves, sweet seas and privet.
Six step guinea pig health check
In addition to an annual vet’s check-up, it’s a good idea to groom your guinea pig weekly and it will help you bond with these sociable herbivores.
Follow these 6 simple checks whilst grooming to keep your piggy in tip-top condition, and always seek expert advice if you notice anything unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do guinea pigs need Timothy Hay?
Guinea pigs need hay for healthy digestion and to naturally wear down their continuously growing teeth.
How much hay should a guinea pig eat per day?
Guinea pigs should have unlimited access to fresh hay—it's the most important part of their diet.
Is Timothy Hay safe for guinea pigs?
Yes. Timothy Hay is vet-recommended for guinea pigs and ideal for daily feeding due to its high fibre and low calcium content.
Can guinea pigs eat flavoured Timothy Hay?
Yes, as long as the flavours are natural and pet-safe—like the apple, carrot, and dandelion blends we offer.
What’s the best cut of Timothy Hay for guinea pigs?
Second cut is usually preferred—it's soft enough to eat easily but still has enough fibre for digestive and dental health.
How should I store Timothy Hay at home?
Keep it in a cool, dry place in a breathable container like a cardboard box or cloth
bag—avoid sealed plastic.
Can baby guinea pigs eat Timothy Hay?
Yes. While alfalfa can be fed to very young guinea pigs, most can safely transition
to Timothy Hay early for long-term health.
What types of vegetables are best for my guinea pig?
Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, parsley, and bell peppers are great choices. Feed fresh veggies daily in small amounts alongside unlimited hay.
What foods can guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs can eat Timothy Hay, fresh vegetables, hay-based pellets, and small amounts of fruit as a treat. Avoid sugary, processed, or high-calcium foods.
Pet care & guides
Need more advice? We have lots of useful information to help you take the best care of your guinea pig.
Explore our Pet care blog for facts and guides on how to care for your small pets.
- 25 November 2021
- guinea pigs
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- guinea pigs
