Best Small Animal Food of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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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 Food from The Wild Natural Snack Cover #TOP 1
Kaytee Food from The Wild Natural Snack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Vitakraft Premium Rabbit Food - Nutritious Blend with Fortified Vitamins and Minerals, Fruits, and Vegetables, 4.9 pounds Cover #TOP 2
Vitakraft Premium Rabbit Food - Nutritious Blend with Fortified Vitamins and Minerals, Fruits, and Vegetables, 4.9 pounds
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb Cover #TOP 3
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3lb
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Small Animal Food

#TOP 1

Kaytee Food from The Wild Natural Snack

100540860
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Food from The Wild Natural Snack Cover
Kaytee Food from The Wild Natural Snack for Pet Rabbits, Guinea Pigs And Other Small Animals, 1 Ounce

Kaytee Food from The Wild Natural Snack is a premium medley snack made from a limited number of whole ingredients, including spinach, strawberries, rose petal, marigold, and carrot. This natural snack is best for pet rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. It contains no added sugars, fillers, or artificial preservatives. The ingredients are inspired by what your pet would find and forage in the wild, providing a tasty and healthy treat for your furry friend.

What We Like
Affordable price
Fresh and vibrant ingredients
Variety of textures and flavors
Great for foraging activities
Resealable packaging
What We Don't Like
Small quantity
Some ingredients are too fine

Vitakraft Premium Rabbit Food - Nutritious Blend with Fortified Vitamins and Minerals, Fruits, and Vegetables, 4.9 pounds

34400
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Vitakraft Premium Rabbit Food - Nutritious Blend with Fortified Vitamins and Minerals, Fruits, and Vegetables, 4.9 pounds Cover
Vitakraft Menu Premium Rabbit Food - Alfalfa Pellets Blend - Vitamin and Mineral Fortified, Carrots,Greens,Grains,Fruits, 5 Lb

Vitakraft Premium Rabbit Food is a nutritious blend of vegetables, grains, fruits, and concentrated pellets that provide variety in every bite. The food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and natural probiotics to support a healthy brain, heart, vision, coat, and immune system. With ingredients that rabbits would forage for in the wild, this food is suitable for rabbits in all life stages, from young to adult. The resealable bag keeps the food fresh and tasty.

What We Like
Rabbits love the taste
Quick shipping
Good nutritional value
Promotes healthy weight
Variety of ingredients
What We Don't Like
Not all pieces are eaten
High nutrition for young bunnies

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 Pet Hamster & Gerbil Food, 3 Pound

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
Hamster enjoys the food
Variety of seeds and grains
Minimal waste and hoarding
Good for picky eaters
Easy to clean up
What We Don't Like
Some fillers present
Shipping issues reported
#TOP 4

Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb.

744845402888
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - 5 lb. Cover
Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - All Natural Adult Rabbit Pellets - Veterinarian Recommended- No Artificial Ingredients- All Natural Vitamins & Minerals- Made in the USA- 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-quality ingredients
Healthy, happy rabbits
Resealable, sturdy packaging
No strong odor
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Price could be lower
Transition needed for new users
#TOP 5

Oxbow Animal Health Timothy Hay, 40 Oz

744845402758
Oxbow Animal Health Timothy Hay, 40 Oz Cover
Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay - All Natural Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters & Gerbils - 40 Oz

Oxbow Animal Health Timothy Hay is a 100% all-natural hay that is hand-sorted and hand-packed with care. Proudly grown in the USA without any additives or binders, it is tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of small pets. Veterinarian recommended, this hay is high in fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and dental health. Feeding is easy, as you can place large handfuls of grass hay in your pet's habitat daily, and mix different grass hays together to enrich your pet's diet.

What We Like
Fresh and fragrant quality
High nutritional value
Variety of options available
Excellent for dental health
Durable and resealable packaging
What We Don't Like
Occasional quality issues with larger bags
Some difficulty pulling apart
#TOP 6

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
Good value for money
Fresh and nutritious ingredients
Convenient delivery to door
Size of bag ideal for storage
Pets enjoy the food
What We Don't Like
Possible quality inconsistency
Fake hay concern
#TOP 7

Kaytee Alfalfa Cubes for Small Animals

100036884
Greens
Kaytee Alfalfa Cubes for Small Animals Cover
Kaytee Alfalfa Cubes for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Other Small Animals, 15 oz

Kaytee Alfalfa Cubes are a great source of natural fiber and high protein that support digestive health and growth of small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Complement any Kaytee fortified food with this product that contains no artificial color or preservatives. These cubes are grown in the USA.

What We Like
Nutritious and fiber-rich
Convenient bite-sized portions
Supports dental health
Good value for money
Well-received by various pets
What We Don't Like
Some pets may ignore them
Can be hard for some animals
#TOP 8

Vitakraft Menu Premium Guinea Pig Food

34411
Blacks & Grays
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Vitakraft Menu Premium Guinea Pig Food Cover
Vitakraft Menu Premium Guinea Pig Food - Alfalfa Pellets Blend - Vitamin and Mineral Fortified 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

Vitakraft Menu Premium Guinea Pig Food is a blend of vegetables, grains, and fruits, and concentrated guinea pig food pellets that provide added nutrition fortified with vitamins, minerals, and natural probiotics. This food is perfect for all stages of life, from young to adult guinea pigs, and offers foraging fun with ingredients that guinea pigs would find in the wild. The resealable bag ensures that the food stays fresh and tasty.

What We Like
Picky eaters love it
Good quality ingredients
Fresh and colorful treats
Great value for price
Healthy mix of fruits and veggies
What We Don't Like
Watch portions due to treats
#TOP 9

Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food

744845402918
Green
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food Cover
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food - All Natural Adult Guinea Pig Pellets - No Seeds, Fruits, or Artificial Ingredients- Made in the USA -Veterinarian Recommended- 10 lb.(Packaging May vary)

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
Quality ingredients
Guinea pigs love it
Long-lasting supply
Veterinarian recommended
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Large bag may expire
Picky eaters may waste food
#TOP 10

Wild Harvest Adult Rabbit Food, 8 Lbs

G19808
brown
8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wild Harvest Adult Rabbit Food, 8 Lbs Cover
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet For Adult Rabbits, 8 Lbs

Wild Harvest Rabbit Food is a nutritious daily diet that offers adult rabbits a balanced variety of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The mix of alfalfa, Timothy hay, and vegetables creates an irresistible blend that replicates diets found in a natural habitat and encourages foraging behaviors. This food is designed to support a strong body and healthy skin and fur, ensuring that your pet stays healthy and happy. Wild Harvest Rabbit Food is easy to feed, and you can give it to your pet according to their size and weight. With its delicious taste and balanced nutrition, Wild Harvest Rabbit Food is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their rabbits with a healthy and satisfying diet.

What We Like
Excellent quality
Fresh product
Good value
Popular with pets
Consistent performance
What We Don't Like
Some picky eaters
Pellets not consumed
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 394,436 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 $10.91.

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, Vitakraft, Oxbow, Wild Harvest. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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

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Brand Kaytee Vitakraft Kaytee Oxbow Oxbow Wild Harvest Kaytee Vitakraft Oxbow Wild Harvest
Age Range (Description) All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult Adult
Item Form Pellet Pellet Pellet Pellet Dry Pellet Pellet Pellet Pellet Pellet
Specific Uses For Product Treat, Training Weight Management Dental Health,Digestion,Immunity,Nutrition Immune Support, Digestive Health, Dental Care Digestive Health, Dental Care Skin and Coat Health Digestive Health, Dental Care Digestive Health Body Health, Digestive Health, Dental Care Nutrition
Item Weight 1.01 ounces 4.9 pounds - 5 pounds 2.5 pounds 4 pounds 15 ounces 4.9 pounds 10 pounds 8 pounds
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 5.95 x 5.44 x 1.52 inches 10.5 x 9.2 x 5.5 inches - 10.51 x 8.54 x 3.7 inches 15.75 x 11.02 x 7.48 inches 11.97 x 10.04 x 3.19 inches 10.43 x 5.79 x 1.54 inches 11.3 x 9.72 x 3.82 inches 15.04 x 10.47 x 4.61 inches 16.81 x 11.26 x 4.06 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH 2 x 6 x 6.5 inches 12.5 x 11 x 5 inches - 11.02 x 7.09 x 3.15 inches 14.17 x 6.69 x 13.39 inches 9 x 5.5 x 10.25 inches 2 x 6.5 x 11 inches 12.5 x 11 x 5 inches 5.51 x 10.04 x 14.96 inches 16 x 11 x 3 inches
Brand Name Kaytee Vitakraft - Oxbow Oxbow Wild Harvest Kaytee Vitakraft Oxbow Wild Harvest
Target Audience Keyword Small Animal; Treat Medley; Premium treat; Natural Treat Rabbits, small-animal-pets, Rodents - small-animal-pets, rabbits hamsters, guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets, ferrets, rabbits guinea-pigs chinchillas^ferrets^gerbils^guinea-pigs^hamsters^mice^pot-bellied-pigs^rabbits^rats^rodents^small animals small-animal-pets, Other guinea-pigs, small-animal-pets small-animal-pets, rats
Size 1 Ounce (Pack of 1) 5 Pound (Pack of 1) - 5 Pound (Pack of 1) 40 Ounce (Pack of 1) 4 Pound (Pack of 1) 15 Ounce (Pack of 1) 5 Pound (Pack of 1) 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 8 Pound (Pack of 1)
Age Range Description All Life Stages All Life Stages - Adult All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult Adult
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
Where to Buy