A Pet Owner's Guide to Hay for Guinea Pigs

When you welcome a guinea pig into your home, the single most important thing you can provide is hay. Lots of it. In fact, an endless supply of high-quality hay should make up 80-90% of their daily food. As a caring owner, understanding this is the first step to helping your pet thrive.

It's absolutely fundamental for their digestive and dental health. Think of it as a constant source of fibre and a natural way to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Getting this part wrong can, unfortunately, lead to serious and painful health problems down the line. Providing the right hay is a simple way you can directly contribute to their long-term wellbeing.

Why Hay Is The Cornerstone Of Guinea Pig Health

Picture hay as the very foundation supporting your guinea pig's entire wellbeing. Just like we need plenty of fibre to keep our digestive systems happy, guinea pigs depend on the long fibres in hay to keep their complex gut moving just as it should. Their bodies are perfectly designed for this constant grazing motion.

Without a non-stop supply of hay, their digestive tract can slow down or even grind to a halt. This leads to a dangerous, and often fatal, condition known as Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis. Providing unlimited access to fresh hay is the single most powerful thing you can do to prevent this and support their internal health. It’s an act of care that works around the clock to keep them safe.

The Natural Toothbrush Effect

Beyond keeping their tummies healthy, the simple act of chewing on fibrous hay has another critical job. A guinea pig's teeth never stop growing, much like our own fingernails. The tough, stringy nature of hay forces them to use a specific side-to-side grinding motion to break it down.

This natural grinding process is what wears down their molars and incisors, stopping them from becoming overgrown. Overgrown teeth can cause agonising dental issues, abscesses, and eventually stop them from being able to eat at all. So, choosing the right hay for guinea pigs isn't just about feeding them; it's about giving them an essential tool for their own dental care, helping you help them stay healthy.

Think of it this way: every single strand of hay is like a miniature toothbrush. By encouraging them to chew all day, you are actively helping your piggy avoid pain and expensive vet trips.

More Than Just Food

But hay is more than just sustenance; it's a huge source of enrichment and comfort, too. A deep, fresh pile of hay encourages natural behaviours like burrowing, foraging, and nesting, which are all vital for a guinea pig's mental wellbeing.

It gives them a sense of security, much like the environments they would seek out in the wild. When you pile the hay high, you’re not just providing a meal, you’re creating a stimulating and happy home, which is a core part of excellent animal welfare.

This dedication to welfare is something we see across the country. In the UK, where an estimated 1.1 million guinea pigs were kept as pets in 2024 (source © Statista 2025), awareness among owners is thankfully very high. A 2019 survey revealed that 76% of UK owners understand the importance of hay for guinea pigs, with most providing it fresh at least once a day. This shows just how central a hay-rich diet is to being a responsible pet owner.

By focusing on providing an abundance of quality hay, you are taking the most important step towards ensuring your little companion lives a long, healthy, and happy life. To get the best out of this essential product, you can keep their diet exciting and packed with nutrients by exploring different blends like Feast of Forage for Guinea Pigs, which helps encourage even more natural foraging behaviour.

Choosing the Right Hay for Your Guinea Pig

Right, so you know that hay is absolutely non-negotiable for your guinea pig! But now comes the fun part: figuring out which type to get. Staring at all the options available can feel a bit much at first, but it’s actually simpler than it looks once you know what you’re looking for.

The main goal is to match the hay to your specific piggy’s needs. Think about their age, their general health, and even their personal tastes. Just like people, a young, growing guinea pig needs a different diet from a chilled-out adult. Some piggies are also famously fussy and will turn their noses up at a texture another one would gobble down with glee! Let's break down the main types so you can choose a product that will truly help your pet thrive.

As you can see, good quality hay works wonders. It's a triple-benefit, supporting everything from their gut and teeth to their mental and emotional wellbeing.

To help you decide, here's a quick comparison of the most popular hays.

Comparing Popular Hays for Your Guinea Pig

Use this quick comparison table to choose the right hay based on your guinea pig's age, health, and taste preferences.

Each hay has its place, but as you can see, grass hays like Timothy and Orchard are the daily go-to for most adult piggies, while Alfalfa is reserved for special cases.

If you're not sure where to start, The Hay Experts Hay Taster Box is a great place to begin - with a choice of 6 different types of hay to test out!

The Gold Standard: Timothy Hay

When you think of guinea pig hay, Timothy is usually the first one that springs to mind. There’s a good reason it’s the most popular and widely recommended choice for healthy adult piggies. It hits that sweet spot of being high in fibre while staying relatively low in protein and calcium.

That nutritional balance is spot on for keeping your piggy at a healthy weight and helping to prevent issues like bladder stones, which can be linked to too much calcium in an adult's diet. Timothy Hay is quite coarse, with sturdy stems and noticeable seed heads, making it perfect for grinding down those constantly growing teeth.

Softer Options for Fussy Eaters

But what if your piggy is a bit of a diva? Some guinea pigs, particularly older ones or those feeling under the weather, might find the rough texture of Timothy Hay a bit off-putting. That's when softer grass hays are your best friend.

• Orchard Grass Hay: This is a brilliant alternative. It’s a bit softer than Timothy and has a lovely sweet, fragrant smell that can tempt even the pickiest eaters. Nutritionally, it’s very similar, making it a fantastic staple for most adults and great for dental wear too..
• Meadow Hay: This isn’t just one type of grass. It’s a natural mix of different grasses, flowers and herbs that grow together in a field. This variety offers a fantastic range of textures and flavours, which is great for encouraging natural foraging behaviour and keeping things interesting.

A great tip is to mix different hays together, like Timothy and Orchard Grass. It provides a bit of variety in their diet and makes their daily pile of hay that much more exciting to explore.

A key part of animal welfare is observing and responding to your pet’s individual preferences. If your guinea pig consistently leaves one type of hay untouched, don't be afraid to experiment with another. A happy eater is a healthy eater.

A Special Case: Alfalfa Hay

You’ll also see Alfalfa Hay available, but it's vital to know that this isn't actually a grass hay. Alfalfa is a legume (the same plant family as peas!), which means it’s much richer, denser, and has a lot more calcium and protein.

Because of this richness, Alfalfa Hay is not suitable as the main hay for healthy adult guinea pigs. Think of it as a special-purpose supplement for specific situations:

• Young guinea pigs under six months old who need that extra calcium and protein to grow up big and strong.
• Pregnant or nursing sows who have higher energy and calcium needs.
• Underweight or recovering piggies who need a little help putting on condition, but only under the guidance of a vet.

Once a guinea pig hits adulthood (around six months), it's time to transition them from Alfalfa onto a grass hay like Timothy, Meadow or Orchard Grass. And while pellets are only a small part of their diet, it’s smart to choose one that complements their hay. For instance, pairing a good grass hay with a food like Selective Naturals Botanicals Guinea Pig Food can add some extra foraging fun with its tasty herbal ingredients, helping you get the most out of their daily diet.

How to Identify High-Quality Hay

Choosing the right type of hay is a great first step, but it’s just as important to make sure the hay you bring home is the best quality it can be. You don't need to be a seasoned farmer to spot the good stuff. In fact, you can become a pretty savvy hay connoisseur just by trusting your own senses.

Think of yourself as the quality inspector for your piggy. A quick check using sight, smell, and touch will tell you everything you need to know about the hay’s freshness and nutritional value. This small bit of effort helps you get the best value for your money and, more importantly, helps you provide the best care for your guinea pig.

Investing in top-tier hay isn't just a purchase; it's a preventative measure. High-quality hay directly supports good health, potentially saving you from future stress and expensive vet bills linked to poor nutrition or respiratory problems down the line.

Your Sensory Checklist for Perfect Hay

A good bag of hay should appeal to your guinea pig's senses, and yours too. Here’s a simple checklist to run through every time you open a fresh bag.

• Look for Vibrant Colour: The best hay for guinea pigs has a lovely, vibrant green to greenish-gold colour. This shows it was harvested at the right time and dried properly, locking in essential nutrients like Vitamin A and D. If the hay looks dull, brown, or mostly yellow, it’s likely old or was stored badly, meaning it's lost some of its goodness but will still be packed full of fibre.

• Smell for a Sweet Aroma: Good hay should have a sweet, earthy smell, like fresh-cut grass. This gorgeous aroma is a sure sign that it's fresh and will be tempting for your pet. If you open a bag and get a whiff of anything musty, mouldy, or damp, do not feed it to your piggy. A musty smell is a sign of mould, which can cause serious health problems.

• Feel for the Right Texture: Gently run the hay through your fingers. High-quality hay should feel pliable and be made up of long, individual strands. It should be mostly free from a lot of dust. While a tiny bit of hay dust is normal from being moved around, a bag that's overwhelmingly dusty or full of short, brittle, shattered pieces is a no-go.

Remember, your guinea pig's respiratory system is incredibly delicate. Excessively dusty hay can irritate their little airways and lead to serious breathing difficulties. Choosing a dust-extracted or high quality, low dust hay is one of the kindest things you can do for your pet's long-term respiratory health.

Understanding Hay 'Cuts'

When you're browsing for hay, you might see terms like 'first cut' or 'second cut' on the packaging. These terms simply refer to which harvest the hay came from during the growing season, and they can tell you a lot about its texture and what it offers nutritionally.

First-Cut Hay

This is the very first harvest of the season. It tends to be coarser, with thicker stems and more flower heads. Because it's higher in fibre and lower in protein and fat, it's absolutely brilliant for promoting healthy digestion and giving those ever-growing teeth a proper workout.

Second-Cut Hay

Harvested later in the season, second-cut hay is generally softer, leafier, and a richer green colour. It has a more balanced nutritional profile, with slightly less fibre but a bit more protein than the first cut. Many guinea pigs go wild for its softer texture and richer taste, making it a fantastic all-rounder.

There is no single "best" cut; the ideal choice often comes down to your guinea pig's personal preference and what they need, as the most important factor is quantity of hay being eaten. Some owners even have great success mixing both cuts together, offering a delightful blend of textures and nutrients. The key is to understand what you're buying so you can make an informed choice that helps your little one thrive and eat hay in a good amount.

Right then, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of your guinea pig's daily meals. You've learned how to spot the good stuff, so now it's time to put that knowledge into practice and build a feeding routine that will keep your piggy happy and healthy for years to come!

Building a Healthy Daily Feeding Routine

If there's one golden rule you absolutely must follow, it's this: fresh hay must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This isn't just a friendly suggestion; it's the cornerstone of responsible guinea pig care.

Their entire digestive system is built for constant grazing, which is why hay should make up a whopping 80-90% of everything they eat. A good rule of thumb is to give them a fresh pile of hay that's at least the size of their body every single day, topping it up whenever it runs low or gets a bit mucky.

But providing hay is about so much more than just nutrition. It's also one of the best forms of enrichment you can offer. Sure, a simple pile on the floor works, but getting a bit creative can turn mealtime into a brilliant activity that keeps your pet's mind and body active.

Creative Ways to Serve Hay

Making hay fun and interesting encourages your piggy to interact with it more. That means more chewing to keep their teeth in check and more fibre to keep their tum healthy. It transforms a simple food source into a puzzle, a toy, and a source of comfort, all rolled into one. This is how you can get the best out of the hay you provide, helping your pet to be as happy as they are healthy.

Here are a few easy ideas to get you started:

• Use a Quality Hay Rack: A good hay rack or manger is brilliant for keeping hay clean, dry, and off the cage floor. This cuts down on waste and means the hay your piggy munches is always fresh. It also makes them work a little to pull out each strand, which is great for enrichment.
• Stuff Cardboard Tubes: Got an empty toilet paper or kitchen roll tube? Stuff it tightly with hay. Your guinea pig will have a grand time tossing it about, chewing the cardboard, and yanking out the tasty hay inside.
• Mix Different Hay Types: Why not create a custom blend? Mixing two or three different types of grass hay, like Timothy and Meadow Hay, introduces a variety of smells and textures. This taps into their natural foraging instincts, encouraging them to rummage through the pile to find their favourite bits. Add in some tasty forage leaves and you're onto a winner1!

Monitoring Hay as a Health Indicator

One of the most vital skills you'll learn as a pet owner is spotting the subtle signs that something isn't right. And believe it or not, your guinea pig's hay consumption is one of the clearest and earliest indicators of their health.

A sudden drop in how much hay your guinea pig is eating is a major red flag. Their health can go downhill very quickly, so a piggy that stops eating hay needs to see a vet as soon as possible to rule out serious dental or digestive problems.

Keeping a close eye on that hay pile every day allows you to catch potential issues before they become emergencies. This proactive approach is what good animal welfare is all about—helping your pet when they need you most.

Here in the UK, the importance of constant hay access is a core principle of guinea pig care. Experts recommend that hay should make up about 80% of their daily diet, favouring high-quality, long-stemmed green hay to ensure they get plenty of fibre. Guinea pigs can be active for up to 20 hours a day; his near-constant activity is fuelled by grazing, which is crucial for both their digestion and their natural gnawing behaviour. 

Tips for Picky Eaters

So, what do you do if your guinea pig turns its nose up at a new type of hay? Getting a fussy eater to try something new takes a bit of patience. Whatever you do, don't force a sudden change.

Start by mixing a small amount of the new hay in with their old favourite. Over a week or two, you can gradually increase the proportion of the new hay. You could also try sprinkling a few tasty dried herbs or forage into the pile to make it more enticing. This gentle approach helps them adjust without causing stress and ensures they keep getting the life-sustaining fibre they need.

How Proper Storage Keeps Hay Fresh and Safe

You’ve gone to all the trouble of choosing the perfect hay – a vibrant, fragrant blend to keep your guinea pig happy and healthy. But all that good work can be undone in an instant by one simple mistake: poor storage. Protecting your investment, and more importantly, your piggy's health, starts the moment you get that bag of hay home.

Think of fresh hay like a crisp salad. If you leave it out in the sun or seal it in a plastic bag while it’s still a bit damp, it quickly turns into a slimy, unappetising mess. The same thing happens to your guinea pig's hay. The wrong storage can turn top-quality forage into a health hazard, wasting your money and putting your pet's well-being at risk.

The goal is to keep the hay just as it was when harvested and dried: fresh, nutritious, and safe. Getting this right is a simple, practical step you can take to help your pet.

The Dos and Don'ts of Hay Storage

The key to perfect hay storage is creating an environment that stops moisture from building up and prevents nutrients from breaking down. Your mantra should be cool, dark, and dry, with excellent air circulation. This simple combination is your best defence against the two biggest enemies of fresh hay: mould and sunlight.

Mould absolutely loves damp, stagnant air, while direct sunlight can bleach the hay, destroying vital nutrients like Vitamin A and D. Guarding against both ensures the hay you serve is as safe and nutritious as the day you bought it.

One of the most common mistakes we see is owners tipping hay into an airtight plastic container. While it looks neat and tidy, it’s just about the worst thing you can do. Plastic traps every last bit of moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for mould, which can be toxic to guinea pigs.

Finding the Best Storage Solutions

So, if plastic tubs are a no-go, what’s the best way to store your hay? The answer is much simpler than you might think and it’s all about one word: breathability.

• Keep It in the Original Bag: Most high-quality hay comes in packaging designed for storage. These bags or boxes are made to allow for air exchange while protecting the hay from dust and light. Just find a suitable spot, like a dry utility room or a shaded corner of a shed.
• Invest in Breathable Bags: A fantastic alternative is a dedicated storage solution made from natural, breathable materials. A hessian or jute storage bag is a brilliant choice. These bags let air move freely, keeping the hay fresh and stopping any mustiness from setting in. This product helps you keep your hay in peak condition.
• Elevate for Airflow: Whatever you store your hay in, try not to put it directly on a solid floor, especially in a garage or shed. Popping it on a small wooden pallet or a slatted shelf lets air circulate underneath, giving you that extra bit of protection against damp.

By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure that every single strand of hay for guinea pigs you offer is safe, appealing, and packed with the goodness your pet deserves. You protect your investment and, most importantly, provide the very best care for your little companion.

The Hidden Behavioural Benefits of Abundant Hay

Beyond pure nutrition, giving your guinea pigs plenty of hay is one of the best things you can do for their mental and emotional health. A guinea pig's happiness is deeply connected to its ability to act out its natural behaviours, and a generous supply of hay transforms their home from a simple cage into a stimulating, fulfilling environment.

Just imagine your guinea pig’s joy when it discovers a fresh, deep pile of hay! To them, it’s not just food; it’s an open invitation to explore - and munch on the way (what's not to like??). They will burrow deep inside, creating cosy tunnels and nests that feel just like the safe burrows they’d seek in the wild. This simple act offers huge comfort and a real sense of security, showing how a simple product can profoundly help your pet's welfare.

Turning Mealtime into Playtime

A key benefit of having lots of hay is the mental workout it provides. Guinea pigs are natural foragers, hardwired to spend hours searching for food. When hay is piled high, they get to do what they do best: rummage, sniff, and carefully select the tastiest strands.

This foraging activity is vital for preventing boredom. A bored guinea pig can quickly become a stressed guinea pig, leading to worrying habits like repetitive bar-biting. Giving them a rich, textured landscape of hay to explore keeps their minds active and engaged, which directly leads to a happier, more contented pet.

Think of a deep pile of hay as your guinea pig's personal playground and safe space, all in one. It’s where they can rest, play, hide, and eat, satisfying multiple instinctual needs at once and turning their living space into a true home.

Fulfilling Instincts and Preventing Distress

The importance of hay as a behavioural tool isn't just a nice idea; it’s a core part of scientifically backed animal welfare standards. Providing lots of good-quality hay is fundamental to meeting their behavioural needs, preventing both physical and psychological issues. 

This is where your role as an owner moves beyond just providing food and into creating a truly nurturing habitat. By making sure your pet always has access to a mountain of fresh hay, you are actively supporting their mental health every single day. You can even make this experience more exciting by hiding treats within the hay to make foraging more rewarding. For a fun and tasty surprise, try tucking in some delicious Excel Herby Hearts for them to discover.

Common Questions About Hay for Guinea Pigs

As a guinea pig owner, it's only natural to have plenty of questions. You want to do the very best for your little ones, and getting clear, reliable answers helps you feel confident you're on the right track. Here are some of the most common queries we see, with straightforward advice to help you out.

How Much Hay Should I Give My Guinea Pig Daily?

The simplest answer is also the most important one: you need to provide an unlimited supply of fresh hay for guinea pigs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s that critical. They are natural grazers, and their digestive systems are designed to have a constant flow of fibre moving through them.

A good rule of thumb is to offer a fresh pile of hay that's at least the size of your guinea pig's body every single day. Just be sure to clear out any old, soiled bits daily and top it up to keep the supply clean, fresh, and tempting.

What Should I Do If My Guinea Pig Refuses to Eat Hay?

A guinea pig that stops eating hay is a serious red flag and needs your immediate attention, as their health can go downhill very quickly. Your first step should always be to get them to a vet to check for underlying dental problems or other health issues.

If they get a clean bill of health, then it’s time to play detective.

• Try a different type of hay: Sometimes, a piggie just isn't a fan of Timothy Hay texture. Softer, more fragrant options like Orchard Grass or Meadow Hay can often be the key to tempting a fussy eater.
• Make it more interesting: Try making the hay pile irresistible by mixing in a small pinch of their favourite dried herbs. You can also spark their natural foraging instincts by stuffing hay into fun enrichment toys like cardboard tubes.

Is It Safe to Use Hay from a Local Farm?

While it might seem like a budget-friendly idea, buying hay directly from a farm is generally not a safe bet for small pets. This kind of hay isn't processed or checked for the specific needs of guinea pigs.

Farm-baled hay can often contain high levels of dust, mould, potential pesticides, or even sharp objects that could seriously injure your pet. It’s always safer to buy hay that has been specifically packaged and quality-checked specifically for small animals. These products are usually dust-extracted, which is vital for protecting your guinea pig's delicate respiratory system.

Can I Give My Guinea Pig Straw Instead of Hay?

No, you absolutely cannot substitute straw for hay. They might look a bit similar to us, but to a guinea pig's body, they are worlds apart.

Straw is just the dry stalk of cereal plants, like wheat or oats, left over after the grain is harvested. It has virtually no nutritional value and is only good for bedding, and can also injury (particularly to eyes) due to the coarseness of the strands and the relative size of guinea pigs. Hay, on the other hand, is dried grass —a vital food source packed with the fibre and nutrients your guinea pig needs to survive and thrive.

Giving your guinea pig straw instead of hay would be like feeding them cardboard. It offers them nothing nutritionally and would quickly lead to severe health problems.

At The Hay Experts, we are dedicated to helping you provide the very best for your pets. From premium, dust-extracted hay to nutritious foods and fun enrichment toys, we stock everything you need to ensure your guinea pig lives a long, happy, and healthy life. In addition, our Registered Animal Medicines Advisor is on hand answer any queries you may have. Explore our full range of specialist products at The Hay Experts.