UK Food Options Info
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
HAY
Since most of the hay available in the UK is meadow hay, here is a useful comparison.
On the left is Oxbow US timothy hay, in the middle is Pets at Home UK timothy hay, on the right is local pet store supplied meadow hay.
For those unable to get a hold of Oxbow Timothy Hay you might find this one by Sun Seed in pet shops. It's better quality than Pets at Home and some other 'home grown' timothy hays but is a little pricey for it's size. It's still imported Western Timothy Hay but in a smaller bag and cheaper than the cost of Oxbow delivery. May be a treat for those with only a few pounds to spend and unable to get Oxbow.
If good quality hay is hard to find from online supplies or locally, (also try horse feed suppliers) there is a good quality alternative available in some supermarkets and pet stores. It's packaged by Bob Martin in a range called 'Nourish' for small animals. It's sweet smelling, dust extracted and good green meadow hay. Always look for the greenest hay you can find.
Bethie has also tried hay from The Hay Experts: http://www.thehayexperts.com/index.php
Our piggies liked the Simply Grass best! They also liked the Field Fresh Timothy and Rye.
I'm including some pictures so you can see what's on offer:
Ryegrass and timothy grass are generally 2 of the 5 grasses grown to produce meadow hay.
Note that hay or grass known as 'lucerne', particularly labelled as such in the UK and parts of Europe, is actually alfalfa and has a higher calcium content.
Since most of the hay available in the UK is meadow hay, here is a useful comparison.
On the left is Oxbow US timothy hay, in the middle is Pets at Home UK timothy hay, on the right is local pet store supplied meadow hay.
For those unable to get a hold of Oxbow Timothy Hay you might find this one by Sun Seed in pet shops. It's better quality than Pets at Home and some other 'home grown' timothy hays but is a little pricey for it's size. It's still imported Western Timothy Hay but in a smaller bag and cheaper than the cost of Oxbow delivery. May be a treat for those with only a few pounds to spend and unable to get Oxbow.
If good quality hay is hard to find from online supplies or locally, (also try horse feed suppliers) there is a good quality alternative available in some supermarkets and pet stores. It's packaged by Bob Martin in a range called 'Nourish' for small animals. It's sweet smelling, dust extracted and good green meadow hay. Always look for the greenest hay you can find.
Bethie has also tried hay from The Hay Experts: http://www.thehayexperts.com/index.php
Our piggies liked the Simply Grass best! They also liked the Field Fresh Timothy and Rye.
I'm including some pictures so you can see what's on offer:
Ryegrass and timothy grass are generally 2 of the 5 grasses grown to produce meadow hay.
Note that hay or grass known as 'lucerne', particularly labelled as such in the UK and parts of Europe, is actually alfalfa and has a higher calcium content.
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
FORAGES
Just as an additional source of fibre to hay, there are also forages called Spillers ReadiGrass and Burgess Supa Forage which are basically dried grasses.
For comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is Spillers Readigrass and on the right is local grown meadow hay.
The advantage of dried grass is that it is slightly higher in nutrition and is useful for fussy pigs or those that require a pick-me-up after illness or loss of appetite. For healthy pigs, I'd just use it as a supplement sprinkled on top of hay to encourage them to eat the hay or put a small amount in a bowl. Use as a supplement, rather than an alternative to hay.
Both are dust extracted, unmolassed pure dried grass with the main difference being in the fibre content and Supa Forage having a specified Vitamin C content.
Both are 1kg bags with the ReadiGrass also available in 18kg bags as it's also a horse feed.
Supa Forage is available from most pet stores that carry the Burgess Supa range or online. ReadiGrass is available from horse feed suppliers or online.
Nutritional Analysis:
Spillers ReadiGrass
Protein 15%, Oil 2%, Fibre 32%, Calcium 8g/kg, Phosphorus 4g/kg (Ca:P ratio 2:1), dry matter 90%, metabolized energy 11.5-12 mj ME/kg.
Burgess Supa Forage
Protein 15%, Oil 2%, Fibre 20%, Vit C 150mg/kg, correct Ca:P ratio (no less than 1.5:1 and no more than 2:1), metabolized energy 11.5-12 mj ME/kg.
Oxbow Timothy Hay (For comparison)
Protein 7%, Fat 1.5%, Fibre 32%, dry matter 85%. Remember that this is a HAY and NOT dried grass.
NOTE the higher protein value in the dried grasses.
Just as an additional source of fibre to hay, there are also forages called Spillers ReadiGrass and Burgess Supa Forage which are basically dried grasses.
For comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is Spillers Readigrass and on the right is local grown meadow hay.
The advantage of dried grass is that it is slightly higher in nutrition and is useful for fussy pigs or those that require a pick-me-up after illness or loss of appetite. For healthy pigs, I'd just use it as a supplement sprinkled on top of hay to encourage them to eat the hay or put a small amount in a bowl. Use as a supplement, rather than an alternative to hay.
Both are dust extracted, unmolassed pure dried grass with the main difference being in the fibre content and Supa Forage having a specified Vitamin C content.
Both are 1kg bags with the ReadiGrass also available in 18kg bags as it's also a horse feed.
Supa Forage is available from most pet stores that carry the Burgess Supa range or online. ReadiGrass is available from horse feed suppliers or online.
Nutritional Analysis:
Spillers ReadiGrass
Protein 15%, Oil 2%, Fibre 32%, Calcium 8g/kg, Phosphorus 4g/kg (Ca:P ratio 2:1), dry matter 90%, metabolized energy 11.5-12 mj ME/kg.
Burgess Supa Forage
Protein 15%, Oil 2%, Fibre 20%, Vit C 150mg/kg, correct Ca:P ratio (no less than 1.5:1 and no more than 2:1), metabolized energy 11.5-12 mj ME/kg.
Oxbow Timothy Hay (For comparison)
Protein 7%, Fat 1.5%, Fibre 32%, dry matter 85%. Remember that this is a HAY and NOT dried grass.
NOTE the higher protein value in the dried grasses.
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
A newer product on the market is Excel® Herbage which is mainly Timothy Hay with herbs.
Timothy Hay Containing Marigolds and Dandelions
Marigolds provide an important source of Lutein with its natural anti-viral properties to help support the immune system whilst dandelions aid urinary tract health. Also has the correct calcium to phosphorous ratio.
Ingredients:
Timothy Hay ......... 98%
Marigold ......... 1.5%
Dandelion ......... 0.5%
Nutritional Analysis:
Protein ......... 12%
Fibre ......... 24%
Vitamin C ......... 150mg/kg
Dandelions aren't really appropriate for older pigs that may have issues with calcium intake, and mature dandelions will have a higher oxalate content. There is further information here on marigolds in food and for info relating to the marigolds in western medicine. Although containing only a small percentage of marigold and dandelion, it may be best fed as a supplement or treat rather than full time hay, similar to the forages above.
Timothy Hay Containing Marigolds and Dandelions
Marigolds provide an important source of Lutein with its natural anti-viral properties to help support the immune system whilst dandelions aid urinary tract health. Also has the correct calcium to phosphorous ratio.
Ingredients:
Timothy Hay ......... 98%
Marigold ......... 1.5%
Dandelion ......... 0.5%
Nutritional Analysis:
Protein ......... 12%
Fibre ......... 24%
Vitamin C ......... 150mg/kg
Dandelions aren't really appropriate for older pigs that may have issues with calcium intake, and mature dandelions will have a higher oxalate content. There is further information here on marigolds in food and for info relating to the marigolds in western medicine. Although containing only a small percentage of marigold and dandelion, it may be best fed as a supplement or treat rather than full time hay, similar to the forages above.
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
A wide range of natural products such as dried grass, herbs and leaf mixes from the Naturals company have also recently come on the market which can be fed as a treat to your guinea pig. They are ecologically grown and contain no additives or preservatives. They are available in some pet shops and selected UK online stores and are certainly a better alternative to the more traditional treats.
Of course there are also fresh grass (when available) and other forages such as dandelion leaves, plantains and herbs. Not to mention the many fresh vegetables and ocasional fruits to add to the guinea pig diet.
Of course there are also fresh grass (when available) and other forages such as dandelion leaves, plantains and herbs. Not to mention the many fresh vegetables and ocasional fruits to add to the guinea pig diet.
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
Gathering info again for the GLX Files which will be a better organised version of this. :·)
For comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is Burgess Excel Herbage and on the right is Burgess Excel Supa Forage, both mentioned above.
In my opinion, these last two are slightly better quality than the Pets at Home Timothy Hay or the local meadow hays - both being softer and greener, but they are a bit more expensive. This appears to be due to the quick drying process used rather than naturally drying outside. They are also marketed as' dried grass' rather than simply hay. They are cut when still quite green and dried similar to grain drying.
Again for comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is the new version of the Bob Martin 'Nourish' meadow hay, now called 'Little Critters' and on the right is Comfey Pet UK meadow hay.
Both these last two hays are marketed as bedding first and to be fed as 'unlimited fibre' second. One point on both these and probably why they are marketed as bedding, is they are fine hay strands and very soft to the touch - with no stalky or sharp bits.
For comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is Burgess Excel Herbage and on the right is Burgess Excel Supa Forage, both mentioned above.
In my opinion, these last two are slightly better quality than the Pets at Home Timothy Hay or the local meadow hays - both being softer and greener, but they are a bit more expensive. This appears to be due to the quick drying process used rather than naturally drying outside. They are also marketed as' dried grass' rather than simply hay. They are cut when still quite green and dried similar to grain drying.
Again for comparison, on the left is Oxbow timothy hay, in the middle is the new version of the Bob Martin 'Nourish' meadow hay, now called 'Little Critters' and on the right is Comfey Pet UK meadow hay.
Both these last two hays are marketed as bedding first and to be fed as 'unlimited fibre' second. One point on both these and probably why they are marketed as bedding, is they are fine hay strands and very soft to the touch - with no stalky or sharp bits.
- Jaycey
- Supporter in 2014
Hi Webs, what do you reckon to this hay from The Willow Warren:
http://www.willowwarren.co.uk/trh_ours.asp
I've swapped over to this from Oxbow because of the cost, but it looks alot different, very stalky, not green but it does have lots of "fluffies" which my fella's love:
Dry Matter 87.3 - %
Crude Fibre 32.92 - %
Protein 9.3 - %
Calcium 0.26 - %
Phosphorus 0.24
http://www.willowwarren.co.uk/trh_ours.asp
I've swapped over to this from Oxbow because of the cost, but it looks alot different, very stalky, not green but it does have lots of "fluffies" which my fella's love:
Dry Matter 87.3 - %
Crude Fibre 32.92 - %
Protein 9.3 - %
Calcium 0.26 - %
Phosphorus 0.24
- Jiggypiggy
- Look into my Eyes!
What a great piece of work - clear and concise - I’m in Scotland by the way. I realise this thread started in 2007, but is is OK to give a ‘heads up’ on the Science Selective Guinea Pig nuggets? A year ago I ordered a bag of this from our local pet shop to try. My two guys at the time (Jakey and Sammy) absolutely loved it.
To cut a long story short, after a few days using the Science Selective, I came downstairs one morning to bring the boys breakfast, and discovered Jakey in a bit of a panic, pawing at his mouth and shaking his head. I couldn’t think what the matter was, and believing he may have got a bit of hay stuck in his teeth I gave him a few minutes to see if he could dislodge it. I got worried because he seemed more and more distressed. I lifted him up to look in his mouth - and stuck firmly on his top set of incisors was a Science Selective nugget. For anyone who hasn’t seen them, they have a small hole in the middle. I was able to remove it by gently tugging.
I have to say that Jakey has always been a ‘petite’ pig, he was small when I adopted him, due I believe mainly to a very poor nutritional start in life. However, thinking it was a one-off situation, (maybe the nugget had a larger-than-usual hole), but not wanting to have a repeat performance, I then spent the rest of the week cutting each nugget in half with a sharp knife! It took hours!
I also e-mailed the manufacturers, telling them what had happened, and suggesting that the nuggets in their present form might not be suitable for younger or smaller pigs. Surprise surprise - I never received the courtesy of a reply. I don’t therefore know if the Science Selective nugget is still in exactly the same form?
To cut a long story short, after a few days using the Science Selective, I came downstairs one morning to bring the boys breakfast, and discovered Jakey in a bit of a panic, pawing at his mouth and shaking his head. I couldn’t think what the matter was, and believing he may have got a bit of hay stuck in his teeth I gave him a few minutes to see if he could dislodge it. I got worried because he seemed more and more distressed. I lifted him up to look in his mouth - and stuck firmly on his top set of incisors was a Science Selective nugget. For anyone who hasn’t seen them, they have a small hole in the middle. I was able to remove it by gently tugging.
I have to say that Jakey has always been a ‘petite’ pig, he was small when I adopted him, due I believe mainly to a very poor nutritional start in life. However, thinking it was a one-off situation, (maybe the nugget had a larger-than-usual hole), but not wanting to have a repeat performance, I then spent the rest of the week cutting each nugget in half with a sharp knife! It took hours!
I also e-mailed the manufacturers, telling them what had happened, and suggesting that the nuggets in their present form might not be suitable for younger or smaller pigs. Surprise surprise - I never received the courtesy of a reply. I don’t therefore know if the Science Selective nugget is still in exactly the same form?
- Webs
- Cavies 'n Cobwebs
Jaycey, after last year's weather I don't think any local hay is going to be very good at the moment but their hay is OK as far I understand. I doubt any timothy hay grown in the UK is going to be very green at all, we just don't get the good weather!
My only concern for many of these hays is to watch out for the stalks, timothy or meadow. :·)
Jiggypiggy, good for you for complaining about the Science Selective. I've never seen any pics of it so can't really comment, breaking it up a bit seems a good option if a little time consuming.
It's good to keep things updated as foods do change and new ones may appear or disappear.
My only concern for many of these hays is to watch out for the stalks, timothy or meadow. :·)
Jiggypiggy, good for you for complaining about the Science Selective. I've never seen any pics of it so can't really comment, breaking it up a bit seems a good option if a little time consuming.
It's good to keep things updated as foods do change and new ones may appear or disappear.
- Jiggypiggy
- Look into my Eyes!
rshevin, yes they did look a bit like fruit loops, smaller, 'knobbly' and with a smaller hole in the middle. The reason I used a very sharp knife was because they tended to crumble a bit if I used anything else, so I think a processor would be too rough. Good idea though.
webs, I certainly wasn't going to waste a newly opened bag and it was the only thing I could think of - I am from Scotland after all!
webs, I certainly wasn't going to waste a newly opened bag and it was the only thing I could think of - I am from Scotland after all!