Are you planning to introduce a guinea pig friend to your family?
A guinea pig is a rodent pet that would be interesting to have around in your home. This little friend may be nervous in a strange environment. But, within no time it will adapt to its new environment. It is friendly and rarely bites and therefore safe to have it around.
Feeding guinea pigs can also be interesting. They are herbivores, and their favorite feed is hay and vegetables. They also love eating pellets fortified with high-quality feed.
Since their teeth keep on growing, they need a diet that will help them wear their teeth for new re-growth. They also need vitamin C diet to supplement as they don’t produce this vitamin on their own.
Getting fresh foods for your guinea pig friend can be hard. We have therefore selected some of the best available foods in the market for your pick. While making the selection, the highlights were based on the food ingredients, texture, and the price.
|
Product Name |
Type of Food |
Weight |
|
#1 Small Pet Select 2ND Cutting |
Hay |
10 lb |
|
#2 Standlee Premium Western Forage |
Hay |
10 lb |
|
#3 Kaytee Timothy Biscuits Baked Apple Treat |
Biscuits treat |
40 oz |
|
#4 Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay Cubes |
Hay Cubes |
1 lb |
|
#5 Kaytee Timothy Hay |
Hay |
12 lb |
|
#6 Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food |
Pellets |
5 lb |
|
#7 Kaytee Fiesta Guinea Pig Food |
Assorted |
4.5 lb |
|
#8 Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Pet Treat |
Hay Plus Treat |
24 oz |
|
#9 Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig |
Hay |
10 lb |
|
#10 Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay Plus |
Hay |
50 oz |
Top 10 Healthiest Foods for Guinea Pigs 2021
#1 (Perfect Blend) Small Pet Select 2ND Cutting
This type of feed is made from a perfect blend of hay leaves, seed-heads, and stems giving it a great taste and fresh smell complete with fiber and nutrients.
The combination of these three items makes it the healthiest feed for your guinea pig friend.
It is an excellent balance of nutrients because it blends protein, fiber, and fat in the best ratio to benefit the small and the adult animals.
The combination prevents various digestive issues including GI Stasis, and therefore providing a health digestion.
Besides the digestion, this fresh hay provides dental health by helping them wear their teeth for new growth.
The hay is irresistible even to the picky ones because of its fresh smell which attracts them before they taste it.
The 2nd cutting is the choicest hay comparing to both the 1st and the 3rd cutting.
You will get everything your little friends need in one package.
The hay is packed in a breathable package that does not expose hay to sunlight. It is essential for preserving nutrients and keeping hay fresh.
Pros
- High-quality hay packed with necessary combined nutrients
- 2nd Cutting suitable for the young and the adult animals
- High quality packing to preserve freshness and nutrients
- Packed in an easy to open and close corrugated box for easy storage
- Enough quantity to last several days
Cons
- It leaves dust wastage
- The packaging is messy
Standlee Premium Timothy Grass is the best for a functional gastrointestinal tract in small animals like Guinea Pig because of its richness in fiber. This particular one has the best quality among the western forage with long stem fiber for dental health.
This western forage is sun-dried which preserves its appearance and the nutrients. It does not have added preservatives or additives and therefore safe for your little friends.
Your guinea pig is sure to have vital nutrients from this forage, and that is why animal nutritionists and veterinarians recommend 10% of it as part of your animal’s diet. Please your order here.
To maintain its quality since it does not contain any preservatives, please store it in a cool, dry place away from any moisture.
Standlees Timothy Grass is low on calcium and protein which is good for urinary tract health but rich on fiber to aid your animal’s digestion while preventing overgrowing teeth.
Pros
- Fresh sweet smell
- 100% sun-dried hay
- Low on calcium and protein but high on fiber
- Long stems for preventing overgrown teeth
- No added preservatives and additives
Cons
- The hay stems are not consistence some are thick for the little animals
#3 (Delicious Treat) Kaytee Timothy Biscuits Baked Apple Treat
“Eating hay with no apple biscuit treat makes guinea piggy a dull boy.” Feed your little friend some treat to make it happy and build your relationship.
Kaytee Timothy biscuits are the best treat you can give to your guinea pig with added nutrients. The treat is value for money.
The long chewing activity helps to wear the teeth and therefore supporting its dental health.
The apple biscuits are nutritious and delicious for your animal to encourage chewing. They also contain fiber to aid in digestion.
Since the biscuits are for treats and not full feeding, you should go slowly on them by dishing it out once in a while.
Treats are not suitable for all time feeding or in high amounts as they can ruin the health of your animal because of sugar and fat content.
Pros
- Apple taste biscuits to encourage chewing
- Nutritious and delicious
- Contains fiber for easy digestion
- Enough fiber to wear down teeth
Cons
- A bit hard for the little animals to nibble
#4 (Natural Hay Treat) Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay Cubes
The hay blend cubes from Kaytee Timothy are made of sun-dried Timothy hay which is compressed into cubes. The hay cubes are natural treat ideal for their passing time chewing for their fiber intake and wearing down their teeth. It also has low protein and calcium which is essential for urinary health in the animals.
The treat will complement other fortified Kaytee food to change the monotony of regular hay feeding.
Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay Cubes are made from hay and it is a product of America which is grown in a perfect environment that maintains moisture and quality. Order your pack now from Amazon.
Pros
- Natural hay with no added chemicals
- Made from natural fiber, low protein, low calcium and low fat
- The cubes are sun-dried Timothy hay leaving the fresh hay smell
- The hay cubes encourage the small animals to chew it
- Rich in fiber which is good for digestion
Cons
- Contains alfalfa which is high on calcium that contributes to kidney stones
#5 (Nutrient-Rich Hay) Kaytee Timothy Hay
The ratio of the stalks and the leaf in Kaytee Timothy Hay are well balanced to aid digestive health.
However, the high fiber in this hay feed is not ideal for the under 7 months of age animals. But, it is good for an adult guinea pig because it contains low calcium and low protein together with high fiber which is essential in urinary health.
Kaytee Timothy Hay is rich in nutritients to benefit your little friend with high nutrition value for good health with value for money.
The hay is grown in the perfect ecological moisture areas with proper climate control. From harvesting, the hay is stored in a protected environment to maintain nutritional value and also to maintain high quality hygienic storage.
Pros
- High in fiber to aid digestion health
- Low in calcium and protein to help in urinary health
- Rich in other nutrition to boost good health
- High-quality storage to maintain nutritional value
Cons
- Lots of thick dry stems leaving a lot of wastage
#6 (Complete Nutrients) Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food
Timothy Complete food is made in pellets from a careful selection of Timothy hay to provide high fiber for good digestive system.
The food which is developed by an expert in animal nutrition is packed with nutrients for your animal healthy and long life. This food has Prebiotics and probiotics which help in the digestive system. Along with many other nutrients, it contains vitamin C.
The pellets have added minerals and vitamins besides high fiber for boosting overall health.
It does not contain added preservatives, additives, loose seeds, or fruits with sugar.
Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food comes in two types to help you make your best choice. It comes with added flowers and herbs or fruits and vegetables. You can choose the one your little friend loves most. Check the product rating here.
Pros
- It is made with Timothy Hay
- Variety of flavors
- Has two types for best selection
- Added Prebiotics and probiotics for boosting healthy digestion
- Low in calcium and proteins but high in vitamin C
- Supports dental health through the activity of chewing
- Sun-dried Timothy hay to maintain hay flavor, color, and nutrients
Cons
- Be careful with the package since it can easily tear
#7 (Real Fiesta)Kaytee Fiesta Guinea Pig Food
Kaytee Fiesta Guinea Pig food is a high fortified blend of grains, fruits, seeds, and vegetables in different shapes and textures to provide high nutrition food. Kaytee enriches your little friend’s food with a variety of ingredients to enhance the taste while providing various nutrients.
This fiesta food contains high natural antioxidants for immune support and general health. Also, it contains probiotics and prebiotics for your animal’s digestive health.
Kaytee Fiesta food will, therefore, provide a long quality and healthy life to your pet. With over 150 years in pet food production with experience in animal nutrition, Kaytee will provide you with the best nutritional blend for your pet.
Pros
- High nutrients in a fortified blend of grain, fruits, vegetables and seeds
- Variety of ingredients to enhance a great taste
- Contains antioxidants for support of immunity
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
- The guinea pigs love this fiesta because of various flavors it has
Cons
- Leaves dust wastages
#8 (Complete Natural Flavors) Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Pet Treat
The combination of hay and carrots gives Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Pet Treat a unique taste and flavor that any guinea pig would not resist. The hay is high in fiber ideal for 7 plus months of age animal for proper digestion.
Kaytee Timothy hay is excellent in supporting urinary health because it is lower in calcium and protein better than alfalfa hay.
The treat of this Kaytee Timoty Hay Plus is chemical free with no additives and neither does it have preservatives. It is a unique natural combination of five flavor options and sun-dried hay that makes it rich in various vitamins. You can get it from Amazon.
It helps in chewing for the small animals to wear their teeth while enjoying the carrot taste better than the standard hay.
Boost their hay intake by offering this special treat several times in a day as you know feeding your animals hay should make up of 75% of their diet on a daily basis.
Pros
- A treat with high fiber for aiding digestion
- Five different flavors with real ingredients
- Encourages chewing hay for healthy teeth
- Chemical-free treat
Cons
- Thick stalks that can challenge chewing
#9 (Economy Food Rich in Nutrients) Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig
This Oxbow’s cavy cuisine is an adult guinea pig food. It contains high fiber which is essential for an adult guinea pig for healthy digestion. Also, it provides a low level of protein, calcium, and calories to prevent kidney stones.
The younger animals do not require high fiber food as the adult one. Their digestion systems are not the same.
Oxbow’s cavy cuisine also contains vitamin C in a stabilized level and calcium-to-phosphorus balance the ratio as well. These addition supplements are essential as they add more nutrients to the standard hay. It is also affordable as you can see here.
The best thing about Oxbow’s cavy cuisine is that it is packed in a 10lb bag which makes it economical and it can take you long before you need another refill.
Pros
- It is a Timothy Grass Meal product
- Less protein, calcium, and calories
- High in fiber for healthy digestion
- Complete food with essential nutrients to nourish your adult guinea pig
- Contains enough guinea pig food to last for a long time
- Economical
Cons
- The package is too big when trying out
#10 (High Nutritional Value) Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay Plus
Kaytee All Natural Timothy Hay Plus is ideal for small animals such as guinea pigs. It is packed with high nutritional value due to the unique hand selection which ensures leaf-to-stem proper ratio.
The nutrition is well balanced that contains high fiber for a healthy digestive system and on the other hand low in protein and calcium. It is free of alfalfa and corn to support good urinary health.
The stems contained in the hay are the right size with the right texture to wear down the animals’ teeth while providing fiber.
The hay plus variety pack has added minerals and vitamins for overall health to your animal.
It is preserved naturally with no added preservatives and stabilizers. Shop it here.
The hay is packed in a protected environment to ensure it is moisture free and to maintain its quality.
Pros
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals for overall health
- It is hay plus variety which contains many other added fruits and vegetables
- High in fiber and low in calcium and protein
- Balanced ratio of leave-to-stem for dental and digestion health
- Preserved naturally
Cons
- Left-over Wastages of Fine dust-like residues
Buyer’s Guide
What to Consider When Buying Guinea Pig Food
There are several key features you must consider or avoid when looking to buy guinea pig food.
The food for the young guinea pig may differ completely with the one for the adult guinea pig. Be careful to check on the label the age suitable for the food before picking it.
Adult guinea pig food has high fiber with low calcium and protein. While for the young one, the fiber should be much lower and calcium a bit higher to boost growth
Ingredients
Alfalfa has a high amount of calcium, and therefore you need to go slow on it while feeding your guinea pigs. You should consider choosing foods with lower calcium and protein but higher in fiber for digestion while avoiding kidney stones.
Again, the ingredients will direct you to know what sort of nutrients you are feeding your guinea pig.
Hand-selected Hay
Hand-selected hay would be best since you are sure it is high-quality food. Hand-selecting will also ensure no debris such as metal will find their way in the foods and therefore cause harm to the animal.
Type of Cuttings
Hay comes in 3 different cuttings. There is 1st cutting which is more seeds and stalk. 2nd cutting is leaves and stems while 3rd cutting is all stalks.
When selecting your hay, type of cutting will guide you what you want for your guinea pig. But, the 2nd cutting is the best for all ages.
Treats
Be selective with the treats you buy for your animal. Not all treats are healthy. Some of them contain too many calories because of their sugar content. Others have too many seeds or nuts which can be fattening.
Again, treats are not food. Therefore, go slow on them by feeding them moderately.
Vitamin C
Guinea pigs don’t have their vitamin C. Food containing this vitamin would be most suitable. Pellets with added fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C would be the best for treats.
Content Size
The size content is essential when picking your piggy’s food. If you have just one guinea pig to feed, you don’t need to have a 10-pound bag of food. The food might go stale before your little friend finishes it.
Again, going for a small pack when you have several pets, would be uneconomical for you.
Go for the right size depending on the number of pets you have.
Chemical-Free
Artificial flavors, preservatives, stabilizers, and colorings are all chemicals and unhealthy for your guinea pig.
Always check on the label the content of the food and the additionals to avoid chemical-added foods.
Affordability
Last but very important is the price tag on the food. You don’t need to go for expensive food which has the same content with the one which is affordable. After all, you might end up buying something that your guinea pig will trash and not eat at all and therefore wasting your money.
Final Verdict
After you have scrutinized all the products in this review, you will agree that the top pick is Small Pet Select 2ND Cutting “Perfect Blend” Timothy Hay Pet Food. The reason why we have picked this product to top the rest is its blended high-quality hay. Also, it has the highest consumer reviews and ratings more than the others.
The best budget pick is Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food. Going through its review, you will find that it has not compromised its quality. It contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health. Also it has minerals and vitamins including vitamin C among many other benefits.
However, your pick is the final verdict and the best choice. Please leave your comment to give us your final decision of your best pick in the section reserved for comments.