Your guinea pigs must consume hay to live a healthy and happy life; so, if hay causes allergies, what else can you do but look for the best guinea pig hay for allergies!
Guinea pig owners can have strong allergic reactions to different kinds of hay and hay dust that can turn into serious health issues. Guinea pigs can also suffer from allergies that can cause an itchy and runny nose!
This article reviews a variety of products that will help you protect your guinea pigs from allergies and teach you how to protect yourself.
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Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Guinea Pig Hay Products For Allergies
Different types of hay have different textures, colors, and smells.
Most people are allergic to Timothy hay, which is the most common type of guinea pig hay sold at your local pet store.
Besides, timothy hay provides the best nutritional balance per day your guinea pig needs.
For that reason, this review includes products mostly based on timothy hay.
However, other types of hay might be a better option both for you and your guinea pig, so keep on reading and learn how to deal with allergies to hay.
1. Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus
- Naturally grown without pesticides and grown specifically for small animals
- Grown specifically for small animals
- High fiber to support digestive health
- America’s #1 Hay Brand
- All-natural non GMO Ingredient
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus merges the benefits of timothy hay with varieties of fruits, berries, and healthy flowers.
It’s really perfect for animals that are above seven months of age.
It is rich in fiber that promotes digestive health.
Kaytee guarantees excellent nutrition and taste.
This hay is a blend of 1st and 2nd cutting, which makes it high-quality hay.
It is a perfect grass hay meal for your guinea pigs.
Pros & Benefits:
- Source of fiber
- Low in calcium
- Keeps the teeth of a guinea pig in perfect shape
- Protects guinea pigs from nutritional defects and illnesses
- Clean, without debris or sticks
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2. Kaytee Wafer Cut Hay
- Wafer cut to peel off in layers makes feeding easier and less messy
- Naturally grown without pesticides
- Grown specifically for small animals
- High fiber to support digestive health
- America's #1 Hay Brand
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kaytee Wafer Cut Hay is highly suitable for animals over seven months of age.
This is another product by Kaytee rich in fiber and nutrients, while minimal protein and calcium prevent urinary problems and allergies.
Kaytee timothy hay was formulated from quality grass hay.
Pros & Benefits:
- Arranged in layers to make the feeding process easy and less untidy
- Excellent hay supports digestive health
- Doesn’t contain artificial colors or flavors
- The wafer cut hay is softer than traditional cut varieties
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3. Oxbow Oat Hay
- Crunchy texture and savory flavor pets love
- Harvested fresh from our family of farms
- Hand-sorted and hand-packed with care
- Provides essential fiber to support digestive & dental health
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oxbow Oat Hay is high-quality hay with a distinctive smell pleasant to herbivores.
Also, rich in fiber, low in protein, and full of flavor, oats hay is irresistible to guinea pigs.
Oxbow Oat Hay is an excellent alternative to timothy, orchard grass, and organic meadow hay.
Pros & Benefits:
- Oat hay has a distinctive aroma
- Natural, free from artificial colors and preservatives
- Rich in fiber; supports dental health and aids digestion
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4. Vitakraft Fresh & Natural Timothy Hay
- ALL-NATURAL HAY: 100% sun-cured, farm grown timothy hay, with no artificial colors, no preservatives, and NO...
- CAREFULLY HARVESTED: Harvested by hand at peak maturity for the best nutrient content and stem quality. Packaged...
- EASY PORTIONS: Mini hay bales portioned into individual slices for easier feeding and less mess.
- HIGH-FIBER: Higher in fiber and lower in protein and calcium than alfalfa hay, making this the perfect basis of...
- GOOD FOR TEETH: Long strand fibers help wear down always-growing teeth and support long-term dental health.
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vitakraft Fresh & Natural Timothy Hay is an excellent product composed of pure 100% natural US-grown grass hay.
Without any pesticides and preservatives, undefiled to avoid contamination with molds and bacteria during packaging, it is a healthy and nourishing meal for guinea pigs.
This timothy hay will keep your guinea pigs healthy and satisfied.
Pros & Benefits:
- No preservatives, pesticides, or artificial colors
- An excellent source of fiber
- Pet owners praise this product for its overall quality
- Low in calcium, calories, and protein
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5.
Carefresh Timothy Hay is high-grade timothy hay grown specifically on soils rich in nutrients.
Made from first cut grass, the package contains stems and leaves while long fibers are also in the mix.
Pros & Benefits:
- A lovely aroma and a catchy green color
- Stimulates your guinea pig’s appetite
- Carefresh Timothy Hay for guinea pigs has a great texture and taste that many guinea pigs love
- Low dust content
6. Small Pet Select Timothy Hay (second cut)
- Hand-Selected Timothy Hay - We hand-pack each box in small batches to ensure only the highest quality 100%Â ...
- Earth-Friendly Packaging  - As small animal owners, we know the importance of packing delicious snacks in safe...
- Minimally Handled  & Delivered Fresh - Make it easy to provide exactly what your little friend needs with regular...
- Great for Bedding  - In addition to being a crucial part of many small pet diets, Timothy hay also makes cozy...
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! - For you and your pets. We know pets can be picky. If your bunny (or piggy or chinny)...
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Small Pet Select Timothy Hay 2nd cutting is high-grade timothy hay, usual feed for adult guinea pigs.
It contains the perfect amount of protein and fiber your guinea pigs need per day.
Your pets need a good supply of fresh hay every day, so the second cutting of timothy hay is the perfect blend that ensures your guinea pigs’ perfect health and optimal nutritional balance.
Pros & Benefits:
- Highly nutritious and rich in fiber
- Smooth texture
- Handy packaging makes it easy to grab and fill your pets’ hay rack
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7. Kaytee Food From The Wild for Guinea Pigs
- Premium pellets with a medley of Timothy Hay, rose hip, carrot, marigold, and strawberry
- From the makers of Kaytee, a Veterinarian Recommended Brand
- Natural daily diet inspired by ancestral feeding habits
- No added sugar, fillers, or artificial rreservatives
- Contains long-lasting Vitamin C
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kaytee Food From The Wild for guinea pigs gives your pets a healthy diet in the form of pellets.
Made from timothy hay, these pellets contain rosehip, carrot, marigold, and strawberry.
Besides, these pellets do not contain any added sugar, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
Likewise, Kaytee Food From The Wild doesn’t contain any alfalfa, which makes it perfect for adult guinea pigs.
Pros & Benefits:
- Rich in long-lasting vitamin C
- Pellets made from timothy hay
- Rich in fiber
- Contains real fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Species-specific product
- It contains Omega-3, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and amino acids
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8. Kaytee Timothy Hay Complete Plus Fruits And Vegetables
- Supports dental health through natural chewing activity
- Kaytee is a Veterinarian Recommended Brand
- Prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
- Made with Timothy Hay
- Contains Fruits and Vegetables for added flavor variety
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kaytee Timothy Hay Complete Plus is made from timothy hay with added fruits and vegetables.
Pellets provide proper daily nutrition, while probiotics and prebiotics aid in the digestive health of your guinea pig.
The product contains vitamins and minerals, while protein and calcium are lower than in alfalfa-based diets.
Likewise, these pellets contain stabilized vitamin C.
Pros & Benefits:
- Rich in long-lasting vitamin C
- Pellets made from timothy hay
- Rich in fiber
- Contains real fruits and vegetables
- A species-specific product
- Contains Omega-3, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and amino acids
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9. Small Pet Selects First Cutting
- Hand-Selected Timothy Hay - We hand-pack each box in small batches to ensure only the highest quality 100% US-grown...
- Earth-Friendly Packaging - As small animal owners, we know the importance of packing delicious snacks in safe ways...
- Minimally Handled & Delivered Fresh - Make it easy to provide exactly what your little friend needs with regular...
- Great for Bedding  - In addition to being a crucial part of many small pet diets, Timothy hay also makes cozy...
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! - For you and your pets. We know pets can be picky. If your bunny (or piggy or chinny)...
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first cutting of timothy grass hay is softer and richer in fiber than other cuttings.
Likewise, Small Pet Select provides 1st cutting of timothy hay with more stems.
Pros & Benefits:
- For pets with GI/digestive tract issues
- Maintains dental health
- An excellent and nutritious guinea pig diet for all ages
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10. Strandlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass
- Feeding Instructions: Standlee recommends selecting a commercial fiber-based, vitamin and mineral fortified food,...
- Storage and Shelf Life: Proper storage includes keeping the product dry and unexposed to the elements. Simply...
- Healthy Digestive System: Feeding a small amount of fresh forage stimulates chewing, which aids in proper teeth...
- Recommended For: Small companion animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, prairie dogs...
- Ingredients: Naturally Sun-Cured Premium Western Timothy Grass Forage
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Strandlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass Hay does not contain chemicals, preservatives, or artificial colors.
Timothy grass is rich in fiber and low in protein, while long stems help develop the natural foraging instincts of your pet.
Pros & Benefits:
- An excellent source of fiber
- Long stems aids digestion and promote dental health
- 100% natural, no chemicals added
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11. Small Pet Select Third Cutting
- Super Soft Timothy Hay for Picky Eaters - 3rd cutting Timothy hay is a super soft and leafy cut of hay that is less...
- Hand-Selected Timothy Hay - We hand-pack each box in small batches to ensure only the highest quality 100% US-grown...
- Earth-Friendly Packaging - As small animal owners, we know the importance of packing delicious snacks in safe ways...
- Minimally Handled & Delivered Fresh - Make it easy to provide exactly what your little friend needs with regular...
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! - For you and your pets. We know pets can be picky. If your bunny (or piggy or chinny)...
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The third cutting is super soft and leafy, harvested at a specific season, during late summer and early fall.
Products like this one prevent bloating and guard your pet against extra weight.
Pros & Benefits:
- A constant supply of 3rd cut hay will maintain the ever-growing teeth of your guinea pig
- A good supply of 3rd cutting will make your pet healthy and give them shiny fur
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12. Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Variety Pack
- High Quality Western Timothy Hay Complemented With A Variety Of Flavors And Textures
- Ideal For Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas And Other Small Animals
- Hand Selected To Ensure A High Nutritional Value And Proper Leaf-To-Stem Ratio
- Stored In A Protected Enviroment To Maintain Quality
- Low Protein And Calcium Supports Urinary Health
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product is a perfect option for pet lovers who like to spoil their pets or for picky guinea pigs.
The Kaytee Timothy Plus 5 pack combines high-quality hay and mint leaves, dehydrated marigold, dried cranberries, dehydrated carrots, and dehydrated mango pieces.
Pros & Benefits:
- Boosts and stimulates guinea pigs’ appetite
- Practical packaging
- A mix of different flavors
- Low dust content
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13. Oxbow Essentials for Adult Guinea
- PROUDLY GROWN IN THE USA: Harvested fresh from Oxbow's family of farms by our expert hay growers
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Hand-sorted and hand-packed with care. All Oxbow hay growers are trained in the production of...
- 100% ALL-NATURAL HAY: All-natural, no additives or binders
- MEETS SPECIFIC NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Grown specifically for small pets. High in fiber for a healthy digestive...
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Used and recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product addresses the specific nutritional health needs of adult guinea pigs.
It’s an excellent and balanced mix that contains timothy hay rich in fiber.
Additionally, a variety of ingredients and vital nutrients boost your guinea pigs’ energy.
A nutritious and reliable feed for your guinea pigs as they reach adulthood.
Pros & Benefits:
- Oxbow Essentials provides a stable supply of vitamin C that safeguards your guinea pig’s immune system
- Stable supply of fiber aids digestion
- 100% free from artificial color, flavors, or preservatives
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14. Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay
- PROUDLY GROWN IN THE USA: Harvested fresh from Oxbow's family of farms by our expert hay growers
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Hand-sorted and hand-packed with care. All Oxbow hay growers are trained in the production of...
- 100% ALL-NATURAL HAY: All-natural ? no additives or binders
- MEETS SPECIFIC NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: High in fiber for a healthy digestive system and dental health. Fiber is...
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Used and recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay makes mealtime more appetizing and prevents obesity in guinea pigs.
It contains long fiber, a catchy aroma, which guinea pigs love.
This kind of hay has a perfect composition of orchard grass for adult pets (rich in fiber, soft texture, and low protein).
Pros & Benefits:
- Recommended by veterinarians for guinea pigs and other small rodents
- Great nutritional value
- Orchard grass hay stimulates appetite
- Contains long strands of fiber
- Protects guinea pig’s molar spurs and dental problems
- Orchard grass is perfect for mixing with other grass hays
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15. Oxbow Alfalfa Hay
- Convenient Mess-Free Bag
- Necessary Small Animal Supplement
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oxbow Alfalfa Hay is perfect for young guinea pigs, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and calcium.
Guinea pigs need hay in unlimited supplies as it assists them in digestion and prevents their teeth from excessive growth.
Oxbow alfalfa hay is high in fiber and protein; it is perfect for guinea pigs 6 months and younger and aids digestion.
Pros & Benefits:
- A succulent taste, which speeds up the appetite level of guinea pigs
- High in calcium, vital for growing bones
- Contains important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, phosphorus potassium, and sulfur
- An excellent feed for young guinea pigs, rich in protein and calcium
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16. Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Carrots
- Long-strand, natural timothy hay plus spearmint, marigold, and carrot to provide a variety of textures and flavors...
- Grown specifically for small animals
- High fiber to support digestive health
- America's #1 Hay Brand
- All Natural non GMO ingredient
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Timothy hay is suitable for seven months-old pets because it’s richer in fiber, which supports digestion.
It has less calcium and protein when compared to alfalfa.
Kaytee timothy hay plus carrots are a natural, chemical-free product.
Pros & Benefits:
- High fiber treats that aid the digestive process
- A source of entertainment and mental stimulation
- Maintains the dental health of the pet
- This product is 100% natural and free from chemicals
- This product supports and encourages foraging
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17. Kaytee Guinea Pig Food - Fiesta Style
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product is nutritionally fortified with a gourmet diet.
It’s made of a mixture of high-grade fruits, vegetables, and grains, with added prebiotics and probiotics to help the digestive health of your pet.
Apart from the much hay guinea pigs need, make sure to feed your piggies with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fruits and vegetables provide enrichment and stimulate your guinea pigs
- Excellent shape and texture supports dental health
- Natural antioxidants give a good immune boost
- Preserved naturally to ensure intact texture and freshness
- Prebiotics and probiotics support your guinea pig’s digestive health
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18.
Kaytee Timothy Hay Complete Plus Fruits and Vegetables is formulated with nutritious timothy hay.
It contains all the essential vitamins, and nutrients vital for your guinea pigs’ health.
Timothy complete is rich in fiber and includes vitamin c supplements.
The additional fruit and vegetables add variety to this feed.
Pros & Benefits:
- Low in protein and calcium
- Enriched with added minerals, vitamins, vegetables, and fruits
- Supports the digestive and overall health of guinea pigs
- With probiotics and prebiotics
19. Small Pet Select SMPLR -1
- Includes Our Top 4 Best Selling Hay; 2Nd Cutting, 3Rd Cutting, Orchard And Oat
- Great Solution To Test Out Which Hay Best Suits Your Little Animals Tastes Or To Add Variety To Diet
- By & For Small Animal Owners - We'Re Passionate About Our Pets, So We Hand-Select & Package In Small Batches As...
- Delivered Fresh & Minimally Handled - Direct To Your Door In A High Strength Corrugated Box Which Opens And Closes...
- The Highest Quality - Premium Hay For Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, And Chinchillas
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Small Pet Select box contains a variety of hay you can use to test out which hay suits best your guinea pig’s taste.
Likewise, you can use the mixture to add variety to your pet’s diet.
Pros & Benefits:
- The best solution to run a test on which hay type is best for your guinea pig
- Adds variety to your guinea pig’s diet
- Perfect alternative hay for guinea pigs that should help you with your allergies
- Unlimited access to fresh green hay helps with digestion and GI tract issues
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How to Deal with Hay Allergies?
Although resilient, guinea pigs can also have allergies that occur because of hay dust, dust in bedding, and environmental factors and are unrelated to the type of hay.
Sometimes, they are allergic to certain types of foods such as vegetables or pellets.
On the other hand, people can be allergic to a particular type of hay as well as hay dust that’s both touch and airborne.
Usually, allergic reactions include swollen eyes, runny nose, wheezing, and sneezing.
You can be allergic to timothy hay but have a better tolerance to orchard grass hay, meadow grass, bluegrass, and Bermuda hay.
Still, as you are reading this article, you are looking for the best solution as you want to keep your guinea pigs and care for them.
What are the Types of Guinea Pig Hay?
Your guinea pig’s diet is very limited; it seems like your pet should have the choice to feed on quality hay especially since not every type of hay can be fed to guinea pigs.
Many pet owners opt for meadow, and orchard grass hay, which seems to cause milder allergic reactions or none at all.
In this article, we will focus on timothy, alfalfa, soft orchard grass hay, Bermuda, and meadow hay, although some guinea pig pet owners also feed their pets with pellets that contain different types of hay such as oats hay and alfalfa, etc.
It is important to note it would be best for your guinea pigs to have unlimited supplies of timothy hay, which is the best source of fiber.
Timothy Hay
It is a crucial part of guinea pigs’ diet; the right amount of fiber, fat, and protein maintain your pet’s digestive health and prevent dental health problems.
A package of timothy hay contains the stem, leaf, and seed head of Timothy-grass; vitamins and minerals from the leaves are vital for your guinea pigs’ wellbeing while the stem keeps their teeth trimmed.
You might consider replacing timothy with orchard grass hay as their nutritional value is very similar (orchard grass is lower in protein compared to timothy hay).
Alfalfa Hay
Unlike other types of hay on this list, which are grass hays, alfalfa hay is legume hay.
Alfalfa is lower in fiber but higher in calories, calcium, and protein, which leads to urinary stones and obesity among adult guinea pigs.
While alfalfa is good for sick, nursing, and baby guinea pigs, as it provides them with extra nutrients, healthy guinea pigs shouldn’t be fed with this type of hay.
Therefore, always consult a vet before feeding your adult guinea pig with alfalfa.
Orchard Hay
Orchard hay is a good option for people allergic to timothy hay or for those who want to introduce variety into their pet’s diet.
Many guinea pigs love soft orchard grass more than timothy hay because it has a sweeter smell and a softer texture.
Thus, soft orchard grass hay for guinea pigs is a great choice for those guinea pigs who suffer from mouth pain.
However, don’t forget that you need to encourage your guinea pig’s chewing behavior to maintain dental health and keep their teeth trimmed.
Soft orchard grass hay is much easier to munch on compared to timothy hay, for which you will need to provide your guinea pigs with pellets and treats that encourage their foraging habits.
Meadow Hay
Meadow hay is inconsistent in the content of grass, leaves, flowers, and seed heads from the meadow and is not commonly used to feed guinea pigs.
Besides, meadow hay is a type of hay that’s higher in fiber, fat, and protein than any other type of hay (except alfalfa), which is the reason why you shouldn’t feed your guinea pigs with this type of hay regularly but only occasionally in very small amounts.
Nonetheless, flower stems and grass present in the meadow hay make it more suitable for guinea pig’s forage habits.
Bermuda Hay
Bermuda Hay is a good and less expensive alternative to orchard grass and timothy hay as it is a good source of fiber.
It is commonly used for larger animals (horses).
While Bermuda hay has a reasonable amount of protein, it contains more calcium than timothy hay, which is not good for your guinea pig.
Therefore, Bermuda hay should also be given to your guinea pigs only in moderate amounts and occasionally.
How Do I Get Rid of My Guinea Pig Hay Allergies?
Unfortunately, there is no solution to the problem of allergies.
As you can see, every type of hay has its benefits, but also reasons why you shouldn’t be feeding your guinea pig with it.
While soft orchard grass is good for your pet’s digestive system, it is not the best solution for your guinea pig’s dental health.
Nonetheless, you might try to alternate the type of hay your guinea pig will eat.
You could combine orchard grass hay with meadow hay, as well as pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables to provide your guinea pig with all the needed nutrients.
Additionally, you can minimize or eliminate your allergy symptoms by wearing protective clothing, gloves, and face masks when feeding your guinea pigs and placing hay in their hay feeder.
Many guinea pig owners even opt for allergy shots and allergy medication to eliminate allergy symptoms.
Likewise, some people think that an air purifier is a way to go to remove the allergens from the air.
You can keep the air purifier in the same room where you have your guinea pig pet, or you can place it in your bedroom.
Here are a few tips to follow:
- Never keep your guinea pigs in the same room where you sleep and spend most of your day
- Make sure to vacuum-clean the area around your piggies and eliminate all the hay once a day from the floor, change their bedding regularly, and purchase timothy hay that is dust-free as much as possible; wear protective clothing while performing any of those activities
- Keep timothy hay in a flannel hay sack that’s easy to make
- Although keeping timothy hay in an airtight container seems like a good idea, don’t do it, as it encourages mold, which is not good for your pets
- When purchasing hay, make sure it’s free of dust and mold
- Feed your guinea pig with timothy hay blocks that contain long strands
What Can Replace Hay For Guinea Pigs?
Nothing can replace guinea pig hay.
Hay is an essential part of a guinea pig diet and guinea pigs need it in unlimited amounts!
Guinea pigs draw all of the vital nutrients from hay, leafy greens, flowers, and fruits, and leafy shrubs, which are all the foods they eat in the wild.
However, in captivity, guinea pig pets also eat fruits and vegetables to complement their natural diet and add the necessary amount of vitamin C.
Otherwise, you can feed your guinea pigs with pellets made from hay and (usually) dried fruits and vegetables.
Nonetheless, grass hay is a crucial dietary ingredient every guinea pig needs.
Guinea pig owners have to control the portions of pellets, vegetables, and fruits (especially fruits because they are high in sugar), but they don’t have to control the amount of grass hay, which guinea pigs should have in unlimited amounts anyway.
Still, here it is a good idea to mention timothy hay blocks, which some guinea pig owners claim is an excellent product to reduce the symptoms of guinea pig hay allergies.
You can easily place hay blocks into a hay feeder and your pets will have easy access to their main source of food.
Apparently, hay blocks do not contain as much dust as a simple package of timothy grass hay, which should reduce your allergic reaction.
Likewise, dust-free hay will also eliminate your guinea pig’s allergic reactions.
Therefore, the best hay for guinea pigs is the one that doesn’t contain dust.
Can Guinea Pigs Be Allergic To Timothy Hay?
No, guinea pigs are not allergic to timothy hay.
Many owners complain but their pets are allergic to timothy hay dust, not the hay itself.
If your guinea pig pet exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, such as a runny nose, make sure to consult your vet.
Although this article explains different types of hay and their benefits, advice from a professional vet who knows much about guinea pigs and their physiological functions is highly recommended.
What Hay Is Best For Allergies?
The best guinea pig hay for allergies doesn’t exist as there are different kinds of hay to which you can react.
While guinea pigs are mostly allergic to dust, people can be equally allergic to grass, hay, and dust.
Regardless of the cause, allergic reactions can be both mild and extreme (or even extremely dangerous).
Yet, despite many types of hay, a guinea pig can only eat a few.
You can replace regular timothy hay with cubes made from this type of hay, add orchard grass hay for variety, and encourage your pet’s chewing habits by adding a regular pellet meal and treats that will help your pet’s teeth remain healthy.
Or, similarly, you can use all the information provided here to ask your vet about the best options for your guinea pig’s daily diet and what mixture of different grass hay is best that you can easily buy at your local pet store or on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
You can do your best to protect yourself and your family member suffering from guinea pig grass hay allergies by keeping your pets away from bedrooms and spaces in which you spend most of your time.
Likewise, you can consider allergy shots or medications that will reduce or eliminate your allergic reactions.
Always make sure to wear protective clothes, gloves, and masks when handling hay and your guinea pig’s habitat.
Additionally, keep your guinea pet’s cage and surrounding clean.
If your guinea pig exhibits allergic reactions such as a runny nose or wheezing, make sure to contact a veterinarian and ask for professional advice.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article of the 10 best guinea pig hay for allergies.
See one that’s not on the list and should be?
Let us know in the comments below!
