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Top 7 Hay and Forage Choices in Canada for 2025: Vet-Recommended Timothy, Alfalfa & Specialty Blends to Protect Rabbit and Small Herbivore Dental and Digestive Health

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

This category showcases high-quality timothy, orchard, alfalfa, and specialty forage blends available across Canada in 2025, including organic, dust-extracted, and fortified mix options tailored for rabbits and other small herbivores. Canadian buyers favor hay that delivers consistent fiber, low dust, predictable nutrient profiles, and sustainable local sourcing — attributes that support digestive motility, dental wear, and overall well-being. Growing trends such as premiumization, subscription delivery, and demand for organic or regionally grown products reflect pet owners prioritizing long-term health, convenience, and lower environmental impact. Whether you care for an adult rabbit, growing kit, guinea pig, or aging small herbivore, selecting the right hay type and blend is a foundational step in preventive care and daily nutrition.

Top Picks Summary

1. Timothy Hay for Rabbits and Small Herbivores

2. Orchard Grass Hay for Small Herbivores

3. Alfalfa Hay for Young Small Herbivores

4. Mixed Forage Blends for Small Herbivores

5. Dust Reduced Hay for Small Herbivores

6. Fortified Forage Mixes for Small Herbivores

7. Hay Pellets for Small Herbivores

Top Picks Summary

  1. Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay
  2. Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay
  3. Living World Alfalfa Hay
  4. Oxbow Western Timothy & Orchard Grass Hay Blend
  5. Martin Little Friends Timothy Hay
  6. Oxbow Organic Bounty Adult Rabbit Food
  7. Kaytee Timothy Complete Pellets
1
BEST TIMOTHY HAY FOR RABBITS AND SMALL HERBIVORES

Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay

Kaytee

Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay is an affordable, widely available option that provides acceptable fiber content and stem variety for everyday feeding of rabbits and small herbivores. While not as selectively cut as Small Pet Select or as standardized as Oxbow, Kaytee's retail penetration and lower shelf price make it a practical choice for budget-conscious owners or those buying in bulk.

4.2
★★★★☆
Show More Timothy Hay for Rabbits and Small Herbivores
  • Budget-friendly fiber

  • Good daily forage

  • Budget-friendly fiber

  • Good daily forage

Review Summary

82%

"An affordable, widely available timothy hay that reliably feeds rabbits, though reviewers report occasional inconsistency in leafiness and some bags with more dust or coarse stems."

  • Barn-fresh nostalgia

  • Affordable, widely available timothy hay suitable for daily feeding.

  • Barn-fresh nostalgia

  • Affordable, widely available timothy hay suitable for daily feeding.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay is an affordable, widely available option that provides acceptable fiber content and stem variety for everyday feeding of rabbits and small herbivores. While not as selectively cut as Small Pet Select or as standardized as Oxbow, Kaytee's retail penetration and lower shelf price make it a practical choice for budget-conscious owners or those buying in bulk.

  • Budget-friendly fiber

  • Good daily forage

  • Barn-fresh nostalgia

  • Affordable, widely available timothy hay suitable for daily feeding.

  • Light, airy bales provide reliable fiber for dental wear and digestion.

  • Budget-friendly fiber

  • Good daily forage

  • Barn-fresh nostalgia

  • Affordable, widely available timothy hay suitable for daily feeding.

  • Light, airy bales provide reliable fiber for dental wear and digestion.

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From 14.99$
2
BEST ORCHARD GRASS HAY FOR SMALL HERBIVORES

Small Pet Select Orchard Grass Hay

Small Pet Select

Small Pet Select focuses on freshness and value, offering large, vacuum-packed bales that reduce waste and lower the cost per feeding for multi-pet households. Compared with Oxbow, it tends to be more budget-friendly while still scoring highly for palatability and green color, though it can show slightly more variability between batches due to its emphasis on fresh, minimally processed supply.

4.8
★★★★☆
Show More Orchard Grass Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Sweet aroma treat

  • Fine, leafy blades

  • Sweet aroma treat

  • Fine, leafy blades

Review Summary

96%

"Extremely fresh and aromatic with abundant leaves and minimal dust; many repeat buyers say pets prefer it and the batches are reliably high quality."

  • Hand-sorted quality

  • Hand-sorted and sun-cured batches emphasize freshness and low dust for sensitive animals.

  • Hand-sorted quality

  • Hand-sorted and sun-cured batches emphasize freshness and low dust for sensitive animals.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Small Pet Select focuses on freshness and value, offering large, vacuum-packed bales that reduce waste and lower the cost per feeding for multi-pet households. Compared with Oxbow, it tends to be more budget-friendly while still scoring highly for palatability and green color, though it can show slightly more variability between batches due to its emphasis on fresh, minimally processed supply.

  • Sweet aroma treat

  • Fine, leafy blades

  • Hand-sorted quality

  • Hand-sorted and sun-cured batches emphasize freshness and low dust for sensitive animals.

  • Available in larger bag sizes ideal for multi-pet households or frequent feeders.

  • Sweet aroma treat

  • Fine, leafy blades

  • Hand-sorted quality

  • Hand-sorted and sun-cured batches emphasize freshness and low dust for sensitive animals.

  • Available in larger bag sizes ideal for multi-pet households or frequent feeders.

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$18-45 CAD

3
BEST ALFALFA HAY FOR YOUNG SMALL HERBIVORES

Living World Alfalfa Hay

Living World
🏠 Local Product

Living World Alfalfa Hay is a mid-range, widely accessible option that balances cost and quality, making it a sensible sampler for owners transitioning small herbivores to alfalfa without committing to premium bales. It offers smaller bag sizes and steady availability that undercut pricier specialty brands like Oxbow and Small Pet Select, though it may not match their leafiness or nutrient consistency — a trade-off that suits households prioritizing affordability and convenience.

4
★★★★☆
Show More Alfalfa Hay for Young Small Herbivores
  • Balanced nutrition boost

  • Fresh-cut scent

  • Balanced nutrition boost

  • Fresh-cut scent

Review Summary

78%

"Generally acceptable and economical, but reviews mention variable leaf-to-stem ratio and occasional dust or less-fresh batches."

  • Pocket-sized goodness

  • Balanced alfalfa option targeted at young small herbivores with consistent quality.

  • Pocket-sized goodness

  • Balanced alfalfa option targeted at young small herbivores with consistent quality.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Living World Alfalfa Hay is a mid-range, widely accessible option that balances cost and quality, making it a sensible sampler for owners transitioning small herbivores to alfalfa without committing to premium bales. It offers smaller bag sizes and steady availability that undercut pricier specialty brands like Oxbow and Small Pet Select, though it may not match their leafiness or nutrient consistency — a trade-off that suits households prioritizing affordability and convenience.

  • Balanced nutrition boost

  • Fresh-cut scent

  • Pocket-sized goodness

  • Balanced alfalfa option targeted at young small herbivores with consistent quality.

  • Soft texture and natural sweetness that encourages consumption by young animals.

  • Balanced nutrition boost

  • Fresh-cut scent

  • Pocket-sized goodness

  • Balanced alfalfa option targeted at young small herbivores with consistent quality.

  • Soft texture and natural sweetness that encourages consumption by young animals.

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From 15.48$
4
BEST MIXED FORAGE BLENDS FOR SMALL HERBIVORES

Oxbow Western Timothy & Orchard Grass Hay Blend

Oxbow Animal Health

Oxbow Western Timothy & Orchard Grass Hay Blend earns a best-in-class spot for mixed forage blends for small herbivores because of its consistent timothy-to-orchard ratio, strict quality controls and reputation among veterinarians and breeders. It commands a premium price but delivers predictable fiber content and dust-minimized bales that outpace value-focused competitors on nutritional consistency and long-term health value.

4.7
★★★★☆
Show More Mixed Forage Blends for Small Herbivores
  • High-fiber fuel

  • Low-dust comfort

  • High-fiber fuel

  • Low-dust comfort

Review Summary

92%

"Shoppers praise Oxbow Western Timothy & Orchard Grass for consistent high-quality, fresh, leafy hay that picky rabbits and guinea pigs readily eat; a few long-term users note occasional brown bits or slightly higher price. Overall it’s seen as a reliable premium everyday hay blend."

  • Western-grown pride

  • Western-harvested timothy blended with orchard grass for a balanced stem-to-leaf texture

  • Western-grown pride

  • Western-harvested timothy blended with orchard grass for a balanced stem-to-leaf texture

Recreational Enjoyment

Increased Safety & Security

Oxbow Western Timothy & Orchard Grass Hay Blend earns a best-in-class spot for mixed forage blends for small herbivores because of its consistent timothy-to-orchard ratio, strict quality controls and reputation among veterinarians and breeders. It commands a premium price but delivers predictable fiber content and dust-minimized bales that outpace value-focused competitors on nutritional consistency and long-term health value.

  • High-fiber fuel

  • Low-dust comfort

  • Western-grown pride

  • Western-harvested timothy blended with orchard grass for a balanced stem-to-leaf texture

  • High fiber profile to support dental wear and healthy digestion in small herbivores

  • High-fiber fuel

  • Low-dust comfort

  • Western-grown pride

  • Western-harvested timothy blended with orchard grass for a balanced stem-to-leaf texture

  • High fiber profile to support dental wear and healthy digestion in small herbivores

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$15-30 CAD

5
BEST DUST REDUCED HAY FOR SMALL HERBIVORES

Martin Little Friends Timothy Hay

SILVERLINE

Martin Little Friends Timothy Hay is a budget-friendly hay commonly sold in European markets that focuses on cost-per-bale efficiency and straightforward packaging to keep prices low for routine feeding. Its financial advantage is clear for bulk buyers, though its dust reduction and stem uniformity are generally less refined than the premium U.S. brands, so it is best suited for healthy animals or owners prioritizing economy over ultra-low dust performance.

3.9
★★★☆☆
Show More Dust Reduced Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Budget friendly bale

  • Classic hay aroma

  • Budget friendly bale

  • Classic hay aroma

Review Summary

73%

"Martin Little Friends Timothy Hay is often considered economical and palatable enough for many small pets, but reviews commonly cite variability in cut and somewhat higher dust levels compared with market leaders."

  • Surprisingly low dust

  • Economical timothy option with basic dust-control measures for everyday use

  • Surprisingly low dust

  • Economical timothy option with basic dust-control measures for everyday use

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Martin Little Friends Timothy Hay is a budget-friendly hay commonly sold in European markets that focuses on cost-per-bale efficiency and straightforward packaging to keep prices low for routine feeding. Its financial advantage is clear for bulk buyers, though its dust reduction and stem uniformity are generally less refined than the premium U.S. brands, so it is best suited for healthy animals or owners prioritizing economy over ultra-low dust performance.

  • Budget friendly bale

  • Classic hay aroma

  • Surprisingly low dust

  • Economical timothy option with basic dust-control measures for everyday use

  • Light, leafy texture that many small herbivores readily accept

  • Budget friendly bale

  • Classic hay aroma

  • Surprisingly low dust

  • Economical timothy option with basic dust-control measures for everyday use

  • Light, leafy texture that many small herbivores readily accept

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From 27.49$
6
BEST FORTIFIED FORAGE MIXES FOR SMALL HERBIVORES

Oxbow Organic Bounty Adult Rabbit Food

Oxbow Organic Bounty Adult Rabbit Food

Oxbow Organic Bounty holds a best-in-class position for fortified forage mixes thanks to its certified-organic forage blend and a formulation designed in consultation with small herbivore nutritionists; it delivers premium, wide-spectrum nutrients and probiotics that justify a higher price for owners prioritizing ingredient traceability. Compared with the other products on this list, Oxbow emphasizes organic sourcing and research-backed nutrient balance, making it the top choice for owners who want clinical-quality fortification and are willing to pay a premium for sustainability and vet endorsement.

4.6
★★★★☆
Show More Fortified Forage Mixes for Small Herbivores
  • Organic hay bliss

  • High-fiber crunch

  • Organic hay bliss

  • High-fiber crunch

Review Summary

88%

"Generally praised for high-quality organic ingredients and good pellet consistency; owners like its digestibility and overall nutrition though many note the premium price. Rabbits typically accept it well and it’s favored by those seeking organic options."

  • Garden-fresh aroma

  • Made with certified organic timothy and organic botanicals to reduce pesticide exposure

  • Garden-fresh aroma

  • Made with certified organic timothy and organic botanicals to reduce pesticide exposure

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Oxbow Organic Bounty holds a best-in-class position for fortified forage mixes thanks to its certified-organic forage blend and a formulation designed in consultation with small herbivore nutritionists; it delivers premium, wide-spectrum nutrients and probiotics that justify a higher price for owners prioritizing ingredient traceability. Compared with the other products on this list, Oxbow emphasizes organic sourcing and research-backed nutrient balance, making it the top choice for owners who want clinical-quality fortification and are willing to pay a premium for sustainability and vet endorsement.

  • Organic hay bliss

  • High-fiber crunch

  • Garden-fresh aroma

  • Made with certified organic timothy and organic botanicals to reduce pesticide exposure

  • High-fiber forage base fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for adult rabbits

  • Organic hay bliss

  • High-fiber crunch

  • Garden-fresh aroma

  • Made with certified organic timothy and organic botanicals to reduce pesticide exposure

  • High-fiber forage base fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for adult rabbits

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$17-30 CAD

7
BEST HAY PELLETS FOR SMALL HERBIVORES

Kaytee Timothy Complete Pellets

Kaytee

Kaytee Timothy Complete Pellets distinguish themselves as a convenient, fortified option that combines timothy fiber with added vitamins and minerals, appealing to owners who want a single-product feeding solution compared with pure hay pellets like Martin or Living World. Technically it offers measured nutrient guarantees that can reduce the need for supplements, and its mid-range price balances convenience and nutritional completeness.

3.9
★★★☆☆
Show More Hay Pellets for Small Herbivores
  • Balanced nutrition

  • Pellet consistency

  • Balanced nutrition

  • Pellet consistency

Review Summary

77%

"Kaytee Timothy Complete Pellets receive mixed reviews: many owners appreciate the convenience and animals that eat them readily, but others raise concerns about inconsistent quality and higher carbohydrate content compared with premium brands. Long-term users sometimes rotate with straight hay rather than rely on it exclusively."

  • Pocket-friendly crunch

  • Formulated as a complete feed with timothy-based fiber for daily use.

  • Pocket-friendly crunch

  • Formulated as a complete feed with timothy-based fiber for daily use.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Self-Improvement & Personal Growth

Kaytee Timothy Complete Pellets distinguish themselves as a convenient, fortified option that combines timothy fiber with added vitamins and minerals, appealing to owners who want a single-product feeding solution compared with pure hay pellets like Martin or Living World. Technically it offers measured nutrient guarantees that can reduce the need for supplements, and its mid-range price balances convenience and nutritional completeness.

  • Balanced nutrition

  • Pellet consistency

  • Pocket-friendly crunch

  • Formulated as a complete feed with timothy-based fiber for daily use.

  • Includes added vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  • Balanced nutrition

  • Pellet consistency

  • Pocket-friendly crunch

  • Formulated as a complete feed with timothy-based fiber for daily use.

  • Includes added vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

Order Now
From 19.86$

Explore More
  • Timothy Hay for Rabbits and Small Herbivores
  • Orchard Grass Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Alfalfa Hay for Young Small Herbivores
  • Mixed Forage Blends for Small Herbivores
  • Dust Reduced Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Fortified Forage Mixes for Small Herbivores
  • Hay Pellets for Small Herbivores

What research and veterinary guidance say about hay and forage

Veterinary nutrition guidance and animal health research consistently identify forage as the primary source of fiber and mechanical dental wear for small herbivores. Peer-reviewed veterinary literature and extension resources from North American universities emphasize matching hay type to life stage and health needs: timothy and orchard grass are commonly recommended for adult maintenance because of their high fiber and lower protein, while alfalfa is useful for young, pregnant, or underweight animals due to higher protein and calcium. Studies and clinical guidance also note that dust-extracted and well-cured hay reduce respiratory irritation, and fortified blends or vitamin C supplementation are important for species like guinea pigs that cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. Practical recommendations from veterinarians and reputable organizations focus on free-choice access to appropriate hay, rotation of forage types when needed, and close monitoring of body condition and stool quality.

High-fiber hay promotes gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits and other small herbivores.

Coarse stem structure in timothy and orchard grass encourages natural dental wear and helps prevent malocclusion.

Alfalfa provides higher protein and calcium; suitable for kits, pregnant or lactating animals, but not ideal for adult maintenance due to calcium load.

Dust-extracted and well-cured hay lowers risk of respiratory irritation and nasal discharge associated with dusty forage.

Fortified mixes and vitamin C supplementation address species-specific deficiencies, notably guinea pigs' inability to synthesize vitamin C.

Hay maturity affects sugar and fiber balance: earlier cut hay is greener and higher in protein and sugars; later cuts are higher in indigestible fiber.

Locally sourced and organic hay can reduce exposure to pesticides and support sustainable supply chains popular with Canadian buyers.

Regular visual and smell checks, plus monitoring stool consistency and body condition, are practical measures validated by veterinary guidance.

In Canada, choosing the right hay and forage means balancing fiber, nutrient needs, and product quality while considering local availability and sustainability. We hope this guide helped you narrow the top 7 options for 2025 — if you did not find exactly what you need, use the search or filters to refine by species, life stage, organic certification, dust-extracted processing, or fortified mixes. For individualized recommendations, consult your veterinarian, especially for animals with special health needs.

Discover More
  • Timothy Hay for Rabbits and Small Herbivores
  • Orchard Grass Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Alfalfa Hay for Young Small Herbivores
  • Mixed Forage Blends for Small Herbivores
  • Dust Reduced Hay for Small Herbivores
  • Fortified Forage Mixes for Small Herbivores
  • Hay Pellets for Small Herbivores

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