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Small animal treats

Treats for rabbits, guinea pigs and similar small pets should stay a small addition to a diet built mainly around hay, not a substitute for it — welfare charities are consistent on this, and it is worth keeping in mind before filling a treat pouch.

What's in this range

Forage-style products like Natural Nibbles Flower Forage Mix and Best Furry Friend Small Animal Fruit Mix give animals something to search through and pick at, which suits the natural foraging behaviour of rabbits and guinea pigs better than a treat handed over directly.

These sit alongside everyday feeding staples such as Burgess Excel Long Stem Feeding Hay and Selective Rat, which are food rather than treats, and it is worth keeping that distinction clear when deciding how much of each to offer.

Why hay still matters more than any treat

The RWAF and PDSA both advise that hay or grass should make up the bulk of a rabbit's daily diet, with pellets and treats forming a much smaller part — a treat-heavy diet can lead to weight gain and dental problems over time.

Guinea pigs follow a similar pattern, needing constant access to hay alongside a small amount of fresh vegetables and a measured portion of pellets, with treats offered only occasionally rather than daily.

Watching weight alongside treats

Rabbits and guinea pigs put on weight quickly relative to their size, and a treat-heavy diet is one of the more common contributors, alongside a shortage of hay. Weighing a small pet occasionally, and cutting back on treats if weight is creeping up, catches this early.

If in doubt about how much to offer, treat forage mixes and dried treats the same way you would treats for a dog or cat — a small, occasional extra on top of a diet that is mostly hay and a measured portion of pellets or fresh food.

In this section

Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.

Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead

Adjustable Tortoise Harness and Lead

£7.99

Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid
Fast UK delivery

Four Flags Quick Ferret Muzzle — Grooming & Handling Aid

£14.99

Hamster Exercise Ball

Hamster Exercise Ball

£7.99

Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam

Rabbit No-Rinse Dry-Cleaning Foam

£7.99

PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White

PawHut 12-Panel Small Animal Playpen for Guinea Pigs, 105cm, White

£35.99

Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese

Poultry Nappy Harness for Chickens, Ducks & Geese

From£7.99

Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets

Hanging Cage Hammock for Small Pets

From£8.99

Selective Timothy Hay
Fast UK delivery

Selective Timothy Hay

£9.99

Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window

Small Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag with Bubble Window

£13.99

Selective Naturals Woodland Loops
Fast UK delivery

Selective Naturals Woodland Loops

£3.99

Selective Naturals Orchard Loops
Fast UK delivery

Selective Naturals Orchard Loops

£3.99

Selective Naturals Meadow Loops
Fast UK delivery

Selective Naturals Meadow Loops

£3.99

Browse all of Small Pet Food

Common questions

How many treats can I give my rabbit or guinea pig?
Keep treats to a small, occasional addition rather than a daily habit — welfare organisations such as the RWAF recommend hay as the main part of the diet, with treats making up only a very small proportion of what is fed.
Are forage mixes the same as treats?
They serve a similar purpose but encourage natural foraging behaviour rather than being handed over directly, which can be better for both physical activity and mental stimulation. They should still be offered in moderation alongside a hay-based diet.
Why is hay so important for rabbits and guinea pigs?
Hay provides the fibre these animals need for healthy digestion and constantly growing teeth, and a shortage of it is linked to dental and gut problems. The PDSA and RWAF both recommend it should make up the majority of the daily diet.

Related

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.