Best Small Animal Food of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Small animal food is an essential element in the daily routine of pet owners. Whether it's a rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, or any other small animal, providing them with the right nutrition is essential for their well-being. Small animal food comes in various types, including pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables. A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing health issues. Some small animal food products are designed for specific life stages or health conditions, such as senior pets or those with urinary tract problems. It's important to choose high-quality small animal food that meets the specific dietary needs of the pet and provides them with the necessary nutrients for a happy and healthy life.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb Cover #TOP 1
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Wild Harvest G1970W Guinea Pig Food Cover #TOP 2
Wild Harvest G1970W Guinea Pig Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb. Cover #TOP 3
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb.
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Small Animal Food

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb

100502072
3 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb Cover
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Nourish+Protect Hamster and Gerbil Food, Comprehensive Nutrition Backed by Science, Digestive Health, Immune Support, 3 Pounds

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food is a nutritionally complete diet that supports dental health through natural chewing activity with larger, crunchy pieces. It also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health, while being naturally preserved for ideal freshness. This all-natural food is perfect for hamsters and gerbils.

What We Like
Nutritious balanced mix
Affordable price
Fresh smell
Variety of seeds and grains
Improves coat and energy
What We Don't Like
Bag design issues
Some artificial ingredients
#TOP 2

Wild Harvest G1970W Guinea Pig Food

G4970W-1
Multi
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wild Harvest G1970W Guinea Pig Food Cover
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Guinea Pig, 4 Pounds, Complete And Balanced Diet

This advanced nutrition diet for guinea pigs is formulated with a Fruit Amp formula containing fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains. It is also enriched with Vitamin C to support your pet's overall health. The 4-pound bag provides a good value for its price. Note that the outer packaging may vary.

What We Like
Guinea pigs love it
Fresh and clean ingredients
Good value for money
Increases guinea pig energy
Fast shipping
What We Don't Like
Quality seems lacking

Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb.

744845402888
5 pound (Pack of 1)
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb. Cover
Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food, Adult Rabbit, Made with Oxbow Timothy Hay, Pet Pellets with Vitamins & Minerals, Small Animal Pet Products, Bunny Supplies, Made in USA, Bunny Food, 5 lb

Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food is a high-quality, all-natural adult rabbit food that is perfect for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Made with high fiber Oxbow Timothy Hay, it supports healthy digestion, ensuring that your adult rabbit's digestive system stays in top shape. This fortified food is also packed with antioxidants and prebiotics, which help support your rabbit's immune system health. The uniform pellets prevent selective feeding, making it ideal for picky eaters. Formulated with the guidance of top veterinarians and nutritionists, this veterinarian-recommended food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health. To complement the diet, it is recommended to offer unlimited amounts of fresh grass hay. With Oxbow Essentials Rabbit Food, you can ensure that your furry friend is getting all the essential nutrients they need for a happy and healthy life.

What We Like
High fiber content
Timothy hay-based formula
Veterinarian-recommended
Fresh resealable packaging
No added sugars
What We Don't Like
Occasional freshness inconsistency
Some rabbits need transition time
#TOP 4

Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food

744845402901
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food Cover
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food, Adult Guinea Pig, Made with Oxbow Timothy Hay, Pet Food Pellets with Vitamin C, Small Animal Pet Products, Made in USA, High Fiber, 5 lb. bag

The Oxbow Guinea Pig Food offers balanced nutrition tailored to meet your pet's daily needs, ensuring they stay healthy and happy. Made with high-fiber Timothy hay, it supports good digestion and encourages natural foraging, which keeps your guinea pig active and engaged. The food is enriched with stabilized vitamin C and prebiotics, helping your pet's immune system and overall vitality. Plus, it contains no artificial additives, so you can feel confident feeding your guinea pig wholesome ingredients that promote good eating habits and long-term wellness.

What We Like
High nutritional quality
Loved by guinea pigs
Consistent freshness
No artificial ingredients
Visible health improvements
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 5

Kaytee Supreme Hamster & Gerbil Food

100213785
2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Supreme Hamster & Gerbil Food Cover
Kaytee Supreme Hamster & Gerbil Food, 2 Lb

This small animal food is made of natural seeds and grains, high quality ingredients, and is naturally preserved for ideal freshness. It contains no artificial colors or flavors, making it a healthy and nutritious option for your pet. The natural ingredients in this food can provide your hamster or gerbil with a balanced diet and help maintain their overall health.

What We Like
Affordable price
Fresh ingredients
Variety of seeds and grains
Pets enjoy eating
Easy to store
What We Don't Like
Some pets are picky
Occasional quality concerns
#TOP 6

Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food

20077
No artificial color
Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food Cover
Vitakraft Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food 2 lb Bag with Fruits Vegetables Grains and Seeds Providing Wholesome Daily Nutrition and Foraging Variety for Happy Healthy Small Pets

Sunseed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food is a nutritious and healthy dry food for dwarf hamsters. It is made with a unique blend of ancient grains that are fortified with omega-3s and probiotics to support health and digestion. The crunchy texture of the food encourages chewing for dental health support. Additionally, it contains no added sugar or molasses, and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

What We Like
Varied ingredients blend
Quality nutrition
Fresh, natural smell
Minimal corn content
Hamsters eat all
What We Don't Like
Some large pieces
Price could be lower
#TOP 7

Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food

744845402918
Green
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food Cover
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food, Adult Guinea Pig, Made with Oxbow Timothy Hay, Pet Food Pellets with Vitamin C, Small Animal Pet Products, Made in USA, High Fiber, 10 lb. bag

Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food is made with high fiber Timothy hay to support healthy digestion and fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure optimum health. The stabilized Vitamin C and antioxidants in the food support the immune system health of your guinea pig. The uniform pellets prevent selective feeding, making it perfect for picky eaters. The product is formulated with the guidance of veterinarians and nutritionists, making it a recommended food for adult guinea pigs.

What We Like
High nutritional quality
Loved by guinea pigs
Consistent freshness
Trusted brand
Supports pet health
What We Don't Like
Occasional damaged packaging
Higher price point

Kaytee Fiesta Pet Mouse and Rat Food

100502637
Mouse/Rat
Kaytee Fiesta Pet Mouse and Rat Food Cover
Kaytee Fiesta Mouse & Rat Food, Nutritious and Fun Blend, Supports Dental Health and Digestion, 4.5 pounds

Kaytee Fiesta Pet Mouse and Rat Food includes shapes and textures that support dental health through natural chewing activity. The food contains prebiotics and probiotics, assorted fruits, and veggies for added enrichment and variety. Additionally, it is rich in natural antioxidants for general health and immune support. The food is naturally preserved for ideal freshness.

What We Like
Variety of ingredients
Supports dental health
Good for digestion
Well-liked by rodents
No unpleasant smell
What We Don't Like
Zipper closure could be better
Some pets avoid pellets
#TOP 9

Oxbow Essentials Hamster and Gerbil Food - 15 lb.

744845302065
Oxbow Essentials Hamster and Gerbil Food - 15 lb. Cover
Oxbow Essentials Hamster and Gerbil Food – Complete Daily Diet with Vitamins & Minerals, High-Fiber Uniform Pellets for Balanced Nutrition, Vet-Formulated Small Animal Food, 15 lb, Made in USA

Oxbow Hamster & Gerbil Food is a balanced diet designed to provide the essential nutrients your pet needs for a healthy, active lifestyle. Its balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates provide energy for daily function and performance. This food is fortified with vitamins and minerals to promote optimum health. It also contains antioxidants and prebiotics to support the immune system health of your hamster or gerbil. Uniform kibble prevents selective feeding, making it perfect for picky eaters. In addition, it is veterinarian recommended and easy to feed according to weight specifications provided. Complement this food by adding Oxbow Grass Hay to support your pet's burrowing and nesting instincts.

What We Like
Healthy nutrition option
Popular with small pets
Small, easy-to-eat kibbles
Good freshness and resealable packaging
Improves pet coat and digestion
What We Don't Like
Kibble size slightly large for mice
Bag not always filled completely
#TOP 10

Wagner's 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food

62046
8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wagner's 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food Cover
Wagner's 62046 Backyard Wildlife Food, 8-Pound Bag

Wagner's Wildlife Food is designed to attract small backyard animals like rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels, giving you a chance to enjoy nature right outside your door. By feeding these creatures directly on the ground or using a platform feeder, you can easily provide a convenient food source. This product helps keep playful squirrels and other small animals full, which can reduce their interest in raiding your bird feeders. If you want to create a lively and natural backyard environment, this food offers a simple way to engage with local wildlife and enjoy their presence more closely.

What We Like
Fresh quality ingredients
Attracts various wildlife
Large quantity per bag
Convenient bag closure
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Some animals avoid corn
Occasional stale or dusty batch
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Small Animal Food for Your Pets

What Kind of Animal are You Feeding?

Before you start shopping for small animal food, it's important to consider what kind of animal you're feeding. Different animals have different dietary needs, so it's important to choose a food that's specifically formulated for your pet's species. For example, a hamster will have very different dietary needs than a rabbit or a guinea pig.

Consider Your Pet's Life Stage

Another important factor to consider when choosing small animal food is your pet's life stage. Puppies and kittens, for example, have different dietary needs than adult animals, so it's important to choose a food that's appropriate for your pet's age. The same is true for senior pets – their dietary needs may change as they get older, so it's important to choose a food that's tailored to their age and stage of life.

Look for High-Quality Ingredients

When it comes to choosing small animal food, the ingredients are just as important as the species and life stage. High-quality ingredients are essential for a healthy diet, so it's important to choose a food that's made with wholesome, natural ingredients. Avoid foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and look for options that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Read the Label

Reading the label is an essential step in choosing small animal food. The label will tell you everything you need to know about the food, including the ingredients, nutritional information, and feeding instructions. It's important to read the label carefully and choose a food that's balanced and complete, and that provides all the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy.

Consult with Your Veterinarian

If you're unsure about which small animal food to choose, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can provide expert advice and guidance on the best options for your pet, based on their species, life stage, and any special dietary needs they may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you feed small animals?

Small animals should be fed a product specifically designed for their species, along with hay and/or grass. This ensures they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Occasionally, a small handful of fresh herbs or leafy green vegetables can be given to provide variety and behavioral enrichment.

2. How do you take care of small animals?

Taking care of small animals involves providing them with the right diet, a clean and dry habitat, fresh food and water, safe toys, and daily attention. The frequency of cage cleaning depends on the cage size and the number of animals living in it. These elements are crucial for keeping small animals happy and healthy.

3. What do small animals need to survive?

Small animals, like all animals, have three basic needs for survival: food, water, and shelter. These needs must be met throughout the year when the animals are present. It's important to ensure that food, water, and shelter are arranged in a way that is accessible to the animals, ensuring their survival and well-being.

Editor's Notes

During our small animal food research, we found 24 small animal food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 354,677 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small animal food list. We found that most customers choose small animal food with an average price of $11.63.

The small animal food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small animal food, including Kaytee, Wild Harvest, Oxbow, Sunseed, Wagner's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Small Animal Food Comparison Table

#TOP1
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Brand Kaytee Wild Harvest Oxbow Oxbow Kaytee Sunseed Oxbow Kaytee Oxbow Wagner's
Item Weight 3 pounds 4 pounds 5 pounds 5 pounds 2 pounds 1.99 pounds 10 pounds 4.5 pounds 15 pounds 0.635 ounces
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 10.63 x 8.31 x 3.31 inches 11.06 x 10.1 x 3.23 inches 12.44 x 10.24 x 3.19 inches 12.09 x 8.03 x 3.98 inches 9.41 x 6.73 x 3.31 inches 9.61 x 6.42 x 2.72 inches 14.33 x 10.04 x 4.37 inches 9.61 x 9.41 x 4.21 inches 23 x 16 x 4.5 inches 14.77 x 12.21 x 4.04 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH 3.5 x 7 x 8 inches 9 x 5.5 x 10.25 inches 11.02 x 7.09 x 3.15 inches 8.27 x 2.36 x 11.81 inches 3.75 x 6 x 8.75 inches 3.25 x 6.5 x 10 inches 5.51 x 10.04 x 14.96 inches 3.5 x 6 x 9 inches 21.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 inches 12.5 x 8.5 x 4.9 inches
Brand Name Kaytee Wild Harvest Oxbow Oxbow Kaytee Sunseed Oxbow Kaytee Oxbow Wagner's
Target Audience Keyword ferrets, hamsters, rabbitsratsferretshamstersmicechinchillas guinea-pigs rabbits, small-animal-pets guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets hamsters, rats, small-animal-pets dogs, small-animal-pets guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets chinchillas^ferrets^gerbils^guinea-pigs^hamsters^mice^pot-bellied-pigs^rabbits^rats^rodents^small animals, rats house-cats, small-animal-pets birds, small-animal-pets
Size 3 Pound (Pack of 1) 4 Pound (Pack of 1) 5 pound (Pack of 1) 5 Pound (Pack of 1) 2 Pound (Pack of 1) 5.33 Ounce (Pack of 6) 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 4.5 Pound (Pack of 1) 15 Pound (Pack of 1) 8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Age Range Description All Life Stages Adult Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages
Breed Recommendation All Breed Sizes Small Breeds Small Breeds Small Breeds Small Breeds All Breed Sizes Small Breeds Small Breeds Small Breeds Small Breeds
Specific Uses for Product Dental Health,Digestion,Immunity,Nutrition Skin and Coat Health Dental Care, Digestive Health, Immune Support Digestive Health, Immune Support, Weight Management Nutrition Active Body Health, Dental Care, Digestive Health Immune Support Hamster food Backyard Wildlife Feeding
Flavor Multiple Flavor Apple Adult Adult Unflavored Oats Adult Vegetable Hamster & Gerbil Food Unflavored
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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