How to Choose the Right Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters, and More

Small pets live in a world of constant chewing, exploring, burrowing, and foraging. What may look like simple nibbling is actually essential for their digestive health, dental wear, and long-term wellbeing.

For many small animals, hay is not just part of the diet. It is the foundation.

This guide explains:

• The nutritional differences between major hay types
• Which hay works best for specific small pets
• How to mix hay varieties for different dietary goals
• Why high-altitude grown hay matters
• How to evaluate hay freshness

Healthy pets are happy pets. Let’s break it down.

Why We Grow Our Hay at High Altitudes

Our hay is grown thousands of feet above sea level in the Blue Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

High-altitude growing conditions create measurable benefits:

• Slower growth increases nutrient density
• Cooler temperatures preserve vitamins and minerals
• Lower humidity reduces mold risk
• Harsher climates reduce pest pressure
• Extended growing seasons enhance natural sugars and flavor
• Drier air improves shelf life

The result is hay that is more digestible, nutrient-dense, and stable.

Nutritional Overview of Popular Hay Types

Here’s a simplified breakdown of common hay varieties:

Alfalfa Hay

• High protein (15–22%)
• High calcium
• Very soft and palatable
• Best for young, growing, pregnant, or underweight animals
• Not ideal as a staple for healthy adults

Timothy Hay

• Moderate protein (7–14%)
• High fiber
• Low sugar and starch
• Excellent for digestive and dental health
• Ideal staple for adult rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas

Orchard Grass Hay

• Moderate protein
• Softer texture
• Highly digestible
• Good alternative to timothy for picky eaters

Organic Meadow Hay

• Lower protein
• High fiber
• Mixed grasses for variety
• Excellent enrichment and digestive support

Organic Oat Hay

• High fiber
• Crunchy texture
• Slightly higher energy
• Great for enrichment and variety

Teff Grass Hay

• Moderate protein
• Very soft texture
• Low sugar
• Good for animals needing lower carbohydrate intake

Hay by Species

Rabbits

Rabbits require a high-fiber diet to prevent gastrointestinal stasis and dental overgrowth.

Best options:
• Timothy hay as the staple
• Meadow hay for variety and fiber
• Teff for lower sugar diets

Alfalfa should only be used for:
• Baby rabbits
• Pregnant or nursing rabbits
• Underweight rabbits (under veterinary guidance)

Hay should make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs require high fiber and controlled calcium intake.

Best options:
• Timothy hay as the primary staple
• Meadow hay for added fiber and enrichment
• Teff for low-sugar diets

Alfalfa is appropriate only for:
• Pregnant or lactating guinea pigs
• Young, growing guinea pigs

Hay should account for 80–90% of a guinea pig’s diet.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas require extremely high fiber and low sugar.

Best options:
• Timothy hay as the base
• Meadow hay for added fiber

Avoid high-calcium or high-energy hays unless medically indicated.

Hamsters

Hay is enrichment, not a staple.

Best options:
• Small amounts of oat hay
• Limited alfalfa for growing or lactating hamsters

Primary diet should be a commercial pellet.

Gerbils

Gerbils require moderate protein and low fat.

Hay is supplemental:
• Timothy for fiber
• Orchard grass for low sugar

Primary diet remains pellets.

Rats

Rats are omnivores. Hay is enrichment only.

Supplemental options:
• Small amounts of oat hay
• Orchard grass
• Limited alfalfa for protein boost

Do not use hay as a primary food source.

Parakeets

Hay is not a dietary staple.

Occasional enrichment:
• Orchard grass
• Small amounts of alfalfa

Primary diet should be pellets and fresh vegetables.

Mixing Hay for Specific Goals

You can blend hay types to support different nutritional needs.

High Fiber Mix

• Timothy
• Meadow
• Orchard grass

Supports digestion and weight control.

High Protein Mix

• Alfalfa
• Orchard grass

For young, growing, pregnant, or underweight animals only.

Low Sugar Mix

• Timothy
• Teff
• Meadow

Best for weight management and sensitive digestion.

High Energy Mix

• Alfalfa
• Oat hay
• Orchard grass

For very active or growing animals under supervision.

Texture Combinations

Soft texture:
• Teff + Alfalfa

Crunchy texture:
• Timothy + Oat hay

Sweet profile:
• Timothy + Alfalfa

Always adjust based on age, health, and veterinary guidance.

How to Evaluate Fresh Hay

Freshness matters.

1. Appearance

Bright green color
Minimal dust
No mold
No excessive brown discoloration

2. Aroma

Fresh, grassy scent
Never musty or sour

3. Texture

Soft but pliable
Not brittle or overly dry

4. Animal Response

Eager consumption
Active foraging behavior

5. Storage

Stored in cool, dry, ventilated areas
Protected from humidity

Final Thoughts

For rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, hay is the nutritional backbone of health. It supports:

• Digestive function
• Dental wear
• Natural foraging behavior
• Weight management
• Psychological enrichment

Understanding protein levels, fiber content, sugar levels, and texture helps you tailor the right combination for your specific pet.

High-altitude grown hay offers enhanced nutrient density, better digestibility, and improved storage stability.

When you choose the right hay, you are not just feeding your pet.
You are supporting their biology.

Healthy pets are happy pets.