Best Small Animal Hay: What to Look for
Hay is one of the most important parts of a small animal’s daily feeding routine. Whether you have rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, or tortoises, choosing the right hay can make a big difference in freshness, variety, and daily eating habits.
The best small animal hay should be fresh, clean, natural-smelling, and packaged for pets — not treated like bulk livestock hay. Good hay should have a pleasant farm-fresh smell, visible stems and leaves, and a texture that encourages natural chewing and foraging.
At Montana Valley Hay, we offer a small-animal forage blend made with 60% Timothy hay and 40% Alfalfa hay, grown and packaged by a family-owned Montana business in the Mission Valley of Western Montana.
What Is the Best Hay for Small Animals?
For many small animals, hay should be available every day as part of a balanced feeding routine. The best hay depends on the animal, age, activity level, and dietary needs.
Common small animal hay options include:
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Timothy Hay — a popular everyday hay for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals.
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Orchard Grass Hay — often softer and sometimes preferred by picky eaters.
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Alfalfa Hay — richer hay that is commonly used for young, growing animals or as part of a blended forage.
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Timothy/Alfalfa Blends — a combination that gives pets variety in taste, texture, and nutrition.
Montana Valley Hay uses a 60% Timothy / 40% Alfalfa blend, giving small animals a natural forage option with the familiar fiber of Timothy hay and the richer taste and texture of Alfalfa.
Why Choose a Timothy and Alfalfa Hay Blend?
A Timothy and Alfalfa blend can be a good option for pet owners who want more variety than straight Timothy hay.
Timothy hay is widely used for small animals because it provides long-stem forage and encourages natural chewing. Alfalfa hay is richer and often more appealing to pets because of its leafy texture and flavor.
Our blend combines both:
60% Timothy Hay
40% Alfalfa
This makes Montana Valley Hay a practical choice for pet owners looking for a natural forage blend for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and tortoises.
Because Alfalfa is richer than Timothy hay, adult animals with special diet needs, weight concerns, or calcium-sensitive conditions should be fed according to a veterinarian’s recommendation.
Is Montana Valley Hay Good for Guinea Pigs?
Montana Valley Hay can also be used as a forage option for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs need hay daily as part of their normal feeding routine. Many guinea pigs enjoy a mix of textures, and a Timothy/Alfalfa blend gives them both the familiar structure of Timothy hay and the leafy appeal of Alfalfa.
Always provide clean water and a balanced diet appropriate for guinea pigs, including vitamin C support as recommended by your veterinarian.
Is Montana Valley Hay Good for Rabbits?
Yes, Montana Valley Hay can be offered to rabbits as part of a balanced daily feeding routine.
Rabbits naturally spend a lot of time chewing and foraging. Providing hay throughout the day helps give them something natural to nibble and chew. Our Timothy and Alfalfa blend gives rabbits a mix of stemmy and leafy forage textures.
For most adult rabbits, hay should be a major part of the daily diet. Since Montana Valley Hay includes Alfalfa, pet owners should consider their rabbit’s age, weight, and feeding needs when deciding how much to offer.
Simple feeding note:
Keep fresh hay and clean water available daily. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance for your rabbit’s age, weight, and activity level.
What Makes Montana Valley Hay Different?
Montana Valley Hay is not just another bag of pet hay. It comes from a real family business with deep roots in Western Montana.
1. Grown in Western Montana
Our hay comes from the Mission Valley of Western Montana, an area known for open fields, mountain views, and agricultural tradition.
2. Family-Owned Business
Montana Valley Hay is part of the same family operation behind Wadsworth Manufacturing, a Montana business built over four generations of farmers, ranchers, and makers.
3. 60% Timothy / 40% Alfalfa Blend
Our blend is clearly labeled and consistent: 60% Timothy / 40% Alfalfa Blend
That means customers know exactly what they are buying.
4. Packaged for Small Animals
Our hay is packaged for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and tortoises — not sold as rough bulk livestock hay.
5. Natural Forage Option
Montana Valley Hay gives small animals a simple, natural forage option without overcomplicated ingredients.
Who Is Montana Valley Hay For?
Montana Valley Hay is made for small animal owners looking for a fresh, natural forage blend.
It may be used for:
Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Chinchillas
Hamsters
Tortoises
Other small animals that eat hay as part of their diet
For animals with special dietary needs, always check with your veterinarian before changing their feeding routine.