Bell Feed Pantry – What’s for Supper?

animated bunny and guinea pig eating hay whats for supper blog

In the last post I talked about replanting our fields to produce hay better suited for small pets, I thought I would talk about what that means in this post a bit more.

 

 

 Why should small pets incorporate hay into their diet?

 

Our beloved small pets benefit immensely from including hay in their diet for several crucial reasons: their dental health, digestive well-being, and mental stimulation.

 

Small pets possess unique teeth that continue to grow throughout their entire lives, much like our fingernails. Imagine what would happen if we neglected to trim our nails – they'd grow excessively long, potentially leading to breakage. Similarly, small pets' teeth require constant maintenance. Feeding them hay is an exceptional way to ensure their teeth remain at an appropriate length. The grinding action involved in chewing hay ensures their teeth naturally wear down, preventing overgrowth.

 

To support optimal digestion, small pets need a high-fiber diet, and hay is their ideal source. Hay's abundant fiber content promotes regular bowel movements, preventing the potentially life-threatening condition known as GI stasis. Healthy gut function can even result in feces with a golden-brown hue, often referred to as 'golden poops,' which is a reliable indicator of overall health. Moreover, hay contains trace amounts of moisture, contributing to our small pets' hydration.

 

Small pets are natural foragers. If released into the wild, their instincts drive them to search for food. It is crucial for their mental well-being that we provide them with hay, which offers the mental stimulation of foraging. This helps ward off boredom and keeps them engaged, even when we're not around."

 

What type of hay should small pets consume?

 

As we've previously discussed, small pets rely on a hay rich in fiber to maintain their digestive health. The ideal choice to fulfill this requirement is grass hay, which comes in various varieties, each offering distinct benefits. These options include Timothy Hay, Orchard Grass Hay, Meadow Hay, Bermuda Grass, Kentucky Bluegrass Hay, and Brome Grass Hay. Any of these can serve as an excellent addition to a small pet's diet. Combining several grass types can also ensure that your small pet receives a well-rounded array of essential nutrients to support their gut health.

 

When selecting hay for your small pet, it's paramount to prioritize high-quality options that are free from mold and dust. Thorough research is advised before settling on a specific hay variety, and opting for hay that has undergone lab testing to verify its nutritional content is an added advantage. Remember, a well-fed pet is a healthy pet, so the quest for a hay that your furry friend truly enjoys is of utmost importance!

Based on 259 reviews
78%
(202)
9%
(23)
6%
(15)
3%
(8)
4%
(11)
2 LB
My Bunny

My Bunny, Gizmo loves it! We will definitely be purchasing again.

6 LB
My rabbit wouldn't stop eating this hay even

My rabbit wouldn't stop eating this hay even when I offered a treat! Great product!

2 LB
Wonderful Hay The Best

My bunny wasn’t eating much hay, but this was a life changer. He’s eating more hay and his Pooh is so much. Eater and he is gaining weight

2 LB
My Dutch rabbit

My Dutch rabbit, Coco, is eleven years young and has always been fussy about his hay. He likes softer texture hay so this second cut Timothy hay blend is perfect. It is always clean and fresh with no waste. We will continue to order this hay and I’ve recommended it to my friend for her rabbit.

2 LB
Must have quality hay

I’ve ordered a variety on the hay and my rabbits seem to really like them; been ordering from Bell for almost a year. The bags are always packed full and no scrappy pieces like the ones you get at the pet store. I love opening the bags and catching the scent of healthy hay grass for my buns! I encourage you to try this company and they deliver in a very timely manner too!

2 LB
My Bunny loved your

My Bunny loved your hay!

10 LB
Our bunny goes crazy for this stuff

Our bunny goes crazy for this stuff. She loves the smell, loves the crunch, and is diving into her litter boxes constantly to chow down. I have no idea how she fits so much hay in such a tiny body

4 LB
Cutie and Stuart love

Cutie and Stuart love it!

4 LB
My bunny loves it!

My bunny loves it!!

10 LB
First purchase

I love how the company assures you that the hay is free from anything that should not be there. I loved how it was packaged too. My young guinea pig is eating it better than the other hay. Thank you

4 LB
Great quality

My bunny loves this hay! Definitely better than Oxbow and I love that there’s no pesticides used so it’s healthier for my baby! I’m definitely switching to this company!

2 LB
Amazing, fresh smelling hay

And my picky rabbit loves it!!!! He refused any hay until we discovered Bell Feed. The Timothy and Orchard is his favorite so far… Must try!

10 oz sample bag
2nd Cutting Timothy Hay Blend

Everything with this order was great. Shipped in a timely manner, no damage to package, hay sealed to insure freshness. The fresh hay aroma was delightful. The freshness is what my Sugar bunny likes also. Encourages her to eat more. She is enjoying the 2nd Cutting Timothy Hay Blend. We both think this variety is a winner.

10 oz sample bag
First Cutting Timothy Mix Hay Custom Blend

The hay was very fresh & I personally loved the smell. Sugar Bunny is a picky eater & had not been eating her hay as she should but seems to be very interested in this selection also along with the second cutting. Using different rooms, I placed a sufficient amount in each room daily. She definitely gravitated to the Custom Blend & Bell's Second cutting more than she did her former hay purchased from the Pet Store. The jury is still out on which cutting she prefers, but both selections are a winner to me for my hard to please picky little eater.

No dust at all!!!

My pigs love it and my cats love the giant box it came it!! Well worth the money!!!

Fantastic!

My tortoises really like it

Fantastic!

My tortoises really like it

Highly recommended!

Highly recommended!

Senior Bunnies Love it

Love this stuff and I have bought several different brands. There is very little dust in the bottom which means more of the product and my free roaming rabbit and my six guinea pigs loves this stuff.

I like how its packaged and there is little dust which means more product and my free roaming rabbit and my 6 guinea pigs love this stuff!

Happy buns!

My two buns really enjoy this hay. It was new for them. I will be buying again

2 LB
Happy Bunny

Our Bunny LOVED the first cutting Timothy & Orchard Grass Hay!

My Pet Loves This Hay!