Why Enrichment Matters for Small Animals
If your bunny seems a little too interested in your baseboards or your guinea pig is chewing the bars of their habitat more than usual, boredom might be to blame. While we often think of small animals as low-maintenance pets, the truth is - they’re intelligent, curious, and full of energy. Without enough mental stimulation and opportunities to engage in natural behaviours, they can quickly become stressed, destructive, or withdrawn.
That’s where small animal enrichment comes in.
For rabbits, bunny toys and chews aren’t just fun - they're essential tools for preventing boredom and keeping their minds and bodies active. Guinea pigs, hamsters, and even tiny mice and rats also benefit from a well-rounded enrichment routine that supports foraging, chewing, hiding, and exploring.
A thoughtful enrichment setup can help:
- Prevent destructive behaviours like over-chewing or digging
- Support dental health with safe, natural chew materials
- Encourage exercise and movement for weight and joint health
- Reduce stress by offering comfort, stimulation, and variety
This is especially important for pets living indoors - like so many in Canadian homes, where long winters and limited outdoor access can leave small animals with fewer ways to stay busy. Whether you're shopping for bunny chews, guinea pig toys, or hamster enrichment chews, the right combination of safe, high-quality products can make all the difference.
And when it comes to choosing the best small pet supplies, Oxbow Animal Health is a trusted favourite for good reason. In the next section, we’ll explore why Canadian pet parents choose Oxbow - and how to pick the perfect enrichment options for your furry friend.
Understanding Your Pet’s Natural Instincts
To choose the right enrichment chews and toys, it’s important to understand what drives your pet’s natural behaviours. Whether you’re caring for a bunny, guinea pig, hamster, or rat, all small animals share one thing in common - they’re wired to chew, forage, explore, and nest.
Ignoring these instincts can lead to frustration and boredom, but when we honour them with thoughtfully chosen small animal supplies, the result is a happier, healthier pet.
🐰 Rabbits
Bunnies are busy creatures. In the wild, they spend much of their day digging, foraging, and chewing - not to mention hopping around in search of food and safe places to rest. Indoors, they still crave those same experiences. That’s why bunny toys like tunnels, chew mats, and interactive feeders are essential. Look for items that encourage:
- Chewing (for dental health and stress relief)
- Digging or shredding (like grass mats and hay-based toys)
- Exploring and hiding (tunnels, hideouts, and foraging stations)
🐹 Guinea Pigs
Gentle and social, guinea pigs are natural foragers who love to sniff, hide, and nibble. Safe chew toys - like the Oxbow OXBOW Timothy Carrot or Oxbow Timothy Hay Twists - offer comfort while helping to wear down their constantly growing teeth. Adding soft tunnels and hideouts can also make them feel safe and engaged.
🐭 Hamsters, Mice and Rats
These clever climbers and burrowers need an environment full of variety. Hamsters enjoy chewing, tunneling, and nesting, while rats love problem-solving and interactive toys. Products like the Oxbow Enriched Life Celebration Cupcake Natural Chews or Oxbow Timothy CLUB Timothy Hay Square add physical and mental challenges that mimic the tasks they’d encounter in the wild.
No matter the species, your small pet’s natural instincts should be your guide when choosing enrichment products. In the next section, we’ll show you why Oxbow is a favourite among Canadian pet parents looking for safe, vet-recommended chews and toys that speak to these needs.
Oxbow Animal Health 101: A Trusted Brand for Small Pet Wellness
When it comes to choosing enrichment toys and chews for your small pets, quality matters. That’s why so many Canadian pet parents turn to Oxbow Animal Health - a brand that’s built its reputation on science-backed nutrition and species-specific enrichment designed to support every stage of a small animal’s life.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we proudly carry a wide range of Oxbow toys, chews, and supplies, making it easy for you to create a safe and stimulating environment for your furry friends.
Why Oxbow?
- Vet-Recommended: Oxbow works closely with exotic animal veterinarians to develop products that meet the unique physical and emotional needs of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and other small pets.
- Safe, Natural Materials: From woven timothy hay to untreated woods and food-safe dyes, every Oxbow enrichment chew is made with safety in mind. No glues, no plastics - just thoughtfully designed fun!
- Species-Specific Design: Whether it’s a chew that fits a hamster’s tiny paws or a tunnel big enough for a full-grown rabbit, Oxbow crafts products that match the size, habits, and instincts of your pet.
- Enrichment You Can Trust: Oxbow’s Enriched Life line is a complete collection of enrichment tools - from chewable toys to hideouts to interactive feeders - all designed to promote mental stimulation, dental health, and natural behaviours.
Why Shop Oxbow at Brindle Pets?
- 🇨🇦 Buy Oxbow in Canada without high shipping fees or cross-border delays
- Curated selection of bestsellers like the Oxbow Stix and Hay Bundle Enrichment Chew
- Easy online shopping and fast, free Canadian-wide shipping
- Support a small, pet-focused Canadian business that cares deeply about small animal health and happiness
From bunny chews to guinea pig toys and hamster enrichment chews, you’ll find everything you need to start building a boredom-busting routine - all in one place.
Next up, we’ll break down the most-loved Oxbow enrichment products available now at Brindle Pet Supplies and help you choose the right ones for your rabbit or small animal.
Top Oxbow Enrichment Chews and Toys for Rabbits
If your rabbit is bouncing off the walls - or worse, chewing on your furniture - it might be time to upgrade their toy box. The right bunny toys and chews provide both mental and physical stimulation while supporting essential habits like foraging, digging, and dental care.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we carry a curated selection of Oxbow enrichment products designed specifically for rabbits. Each one is made with safe, natural materials and created to encourage your bunny’s favourite instincts.
OXBOW Enriched Life Apple Stick Bundle
Best for: Curious bunnies who love a challenge
A healthy outlet for their chewing instincts. Made from all-natural apple wood, these sticks satisfy their need to gnaw while supporting dental health.
- Ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small pets
- Promotes natural chewing behavior and helps prevent boredom
- Made with untreated, pet-safe apple wood for safe daily enrichment
Oxbow Enriched Life Play Wall
Best for: Rabbits that love to pull, shred, and explore
This large vertical toy attaches to your bunny’s habitat and features a variety of textures and chew materials like sisal, wood, and cardboard. It keeps curious rabbits busy while supporting instinctual behaviours like digging and shredding.
- Textural variety for sensory play
- Ideal for wall-mounted enrichment
- Perfect boredom buster for indoor rabbits
OXBOW Shake, Rattle and Roll
Best for: Gentle chewers and beginner bunnies
Keep your bunny active and entertained with the Oxbow Shake, Rattle and Roll. This rolling toy makes gentle noise as it moves, encouraging natural play and curiosity.
- Promotes exercise and mental stimulation through interactive movement
- Made with pet-safe materials like untreated wood and natural fibers
- Ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and other small animals who love to push and explore
Oxbow Enriched Life Celebration Cake
Best for: Bunnies with a flair for fun
This adorable chew toy is shaped like a mini cake and layered with different materials that rabbits love to nibble. Whether it’s for a bunny birthday or just because, this treat keeps your rabbit engaged with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.
- Great for special occasions
- Made with safe, pet-friendly paper and wood
- Adds variety to your enrichment rotation
Oxbow Hide and Seek Mat
Best for: Bunnies that love to dig and forage
This soft, diggable mat is perfect for laying on the floor of your bunny’s playpen or cage. You can stuff it with hay or treats to turn snack time into a fun challenge that mimics natural foraging.
- Encourages natural foraging and digging
- Machine washable and reusable
- Perfect for indoor bunny setups
With options for chewers, diggers, explorers, and everything in between, Oxbow’s bunny enrichment chews make it easy to create a stimulating environment your rabbit will love. In the next section, we’ll highlight the best toys for other small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats - so no one gets left out of the fun.
Best Oxbow Enrichment Chews for Guinea Pigs, Hamsters and Rats
While rabbits often steal the spotlight, other small pets - like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats - have just as strong a need for stimulation. These clever, curious companions thrive on variety and engagement. The right mix of chews, hideouts, and interactive toys can improve not only their happiness, but also their health and behaviour.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we stock a wide selection of Oxbow enrichment chews and small animal supplies that cater to the unique needs of these tiny explorers. Here are some of our favourite boredom busters:
Oxbow Play Table
Best for: Guinea pigs, and rats who love to explore with their paws and teeth
This engaging activity table is designed to encourage natural play behaviours like chewing, pawing, and pulling. With dangling chews and varied textures, it keeps small pets mentally stimulated and physically active.
- Supports instinctual play through chewing and manipulation
- Dangling parts add movement and sensory enrichment
- Made from natural, pet-safe materials for safe daily use
OXBOW Magic Timothy Wand
Best for: Mice and hamsters who love to chew, toss, and nibble
This whimsical chew toy is made with hand-woven timothy hay and shaped like a wand for magical playtime. It’s lightweight, totally edible, and perfect for promoting natural chewing habits.
- Made with 100% hand-woven timothy hay
- Supports dental health and relieves boredom
- Fun shape encourages tossing, carrying, and chewing
OXBOW Enriched Life Natural Kabob
Best for: Guinea pigs, and rats who enjoy chewing and interactive textures
This hanging kabob toy features a variety of chewable natural materials strung together to keep your pet engaged. It’s perfect for satisfying chewing instincts while adding visual and tactile interest to their habitat.
- Includes wood, sisal, and loofah for multi-textured fun
- Hangs easily in any habitat for vertical enrichment
- Made with pet-safe, natural materials—no glues or dyes
Oxbow Enriched Life Deluxe Hay Wrap
Best for: Guinea pigs who love to chew and forage
This chewable wrap is filled with aromatic Western Timothy hay and wrapped in natural paper for a multi-sensory experience. It encourages healthy chewing and mimics natural foraging behavior.
- Supports dental health and mental stimulation
- Made with high-fibre, premium timothy hay
- Safe, natural materials with no added dyes or adhesives
No matter the size of your pet, Oxbow’s enrichment products offer thoughtful, safe ways to meet their daily mental and physical needs. Whether you’re filling a guinea pig’s playpen or updating a hamster’s habitat, these toys are an easy way to make their world more exciting - and more natural.
Create a Fun and Safe Enrichment Zone at Home
Whether you live in a condo in Toronto or a farmhouse in rural Alberta, your small pet deserves a space that’s more than just functional - it should be fun, safe, and full of daily opportunities to explore. The good news? Creating an enriching setup doesn’t require a massive budget or square footage. With a few key pieces from Oxbow Animal Health, you can transform any small space into an engaging habitat or play zone.
Step 1: Mix and Match Toy Types
To satisfy your pet’s natural instincts, offer a rotation of enrichment chews and toys that support different behaviours:
- Chew Toys like the Oxbow Enriched Life Treasure Barrel for dental health
-
Foraging Mats to encourage digging and scent work
-
Oxbow Timothy Hay Bungalow Medium or OXBOW Enriched Life Woven Hideout for a sense of safety and exploration
Rotating toys weekly keeps things fresh and prevents boredom - even if you’re working with a small cage or pen.
Step 2: Designate a Safe Play Area
For bunnies, guinea pigs, and rats that enjoy supervised free-roam time, set up a bunny-proof or piggy-safe space in your home:
- Use exercise pens or barriers to limit access to wires, plants, and furniture
- Lay down a washable mat and scatter enrichment items like chewable walls or tunnels
- Hide small treats or hay in toys to encourage natural foraging during playtime
- Place soft, non-slip flooring to protect little feet and joints
If you’re in a small space, even a 4’x4’ pen filled with Oxbow enrichment chews and cozy bedding can make a big difference.
Step 3: Avoid Common Enrichment Pitfalls
Don’t use unsafe materials like plastic toys, fabrics with loose threads, or items coated in paint or glue not designed for animals.
- Don’t overcrowd the habitat - leave room for rest, movement, and daily routines
- Don’t forget the senses - rotate scents, sounds, and textures to provide full enrichment variety
That’s why Oxbow toys are such a smart choice: they’re made with natural, pet-safe materials and designed to work together in a customizable enrichment rotation.
Whether you’re shopping for small animal supplies in Canada or looking for a way to keep your bunny engaged while you’re at work, a well-planned enrichment zone turns ordinary spaces into thriving, interactive environments.
Enrichment Tips for Every Season (Especially Canadian Winters)
Keeping your small pets active and engaged year-round can be a challenge - especially when you're cooped up indoors during a Canadian deep freeze. But the seasons don’t have to limit your rabbit’s or guinea pig’s fun. With a few creative adjustments, you can provide fresh stimulation that changes with the weather, helping your pets stay mentally sharp and physically healthy in every season.
Winter Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Pets
During colder months, many small pets get less natural light and less environmental variety. That’s when indoor enrichment becomes even more essential.
Boredom busters keep your bunny hopping (literally) and prevent cabin fever for smaller pets like hamsters and rats.
Spring and Summer: Time to Explore
Warmer months allow for more natural light and potentially even supervised outdoor playtime (weather and safety permitting). Even just changing the scenery - like setting up their pen near a window - can introduce new sights and smells for curious critters.
Fall: Refresh Your Enrichment Rotation
As the weather cools, it’s a good time to prepare for the indoor months ahead. Reintroduce or swap in seasonal toys to keep things interesting. Plan ahead with a subscription or autoship of your pet’s favourite toys and supplies from Brindle Pets.
With a little planning and seasonal variety, your small pet’s enrichment routine can stay fresh and engaging all year long. And with the full range of Oxbow Animal Health products available in Canada at Brindle Pet Supplies, you’ll always have access to the tools you need - no matter the weather.
Signs Your Small Pet Might Be Bored (and What to Do About It)
Even with the best intentions, it’s not always easy to tell if your pet is feeling under-stimulated. Unlike dogs or cats, rabbits and small animals may express boredom in more subtle (or sometimes destructive) ways.
Here are a few common signs to watch for:
🐰 For Rabbits
- Chewing on baseboards, furniture, or cage bars
- Digging at flooring or corners excessively
- Lethargy or loss of curiosity
- Over-grooming or aggression
🐹 For Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Rats
- Bar chewing or repeated escape attempts
- Pacing, hiding for long periods, or biting cage mates
- Overeating out of boredom
- General restlessness or cage rearrangement
What You Can Do:
- Introduce new enrichment items weekly (rotate chew toys and foraging mats
- Rearrange their setup to refresh their space
- Add Oxbow chewables and tunnels to encourage movement and natural play
- Make time for daily supervised play or cuddle time (yes, even hamsters love enrichment!)
The good news? Many of these behaviours can be reversed once boredom is addressed with appropriate enrichment chews and routine variety.
Shop Oxbow Enrichment Products at Brindle Pets
Ready to upgrade your bunny’s toy stash - or finally give your guinea pig the foraging fun they’ve been craving? At Brindle Pet Supplies, we make it easy to buy Oxbow in Canada with fast, flat-rate shipping and a hand-picked selection of the best enrichment products available.
Why Brindle Pets?
- We’re a Canadian-owned small business that truly cares about animals
- We ship across Canada - no surprise fees, no long waits
- Our curated collection includes only the most trusted Oxbow toys and chews
- Need routine restocks? Take advantage of autoship options and keep boredom at bay all year long
Explore our full collection of small animal supplies and give your pets the healthy, enriching life they deserve.
Final Thoughts: A Happy Bunny Is a Busy Bunny
Whether you share your home with a hopping house rabbit, a snuggly guinea pig, or a busy little hamster, one thing’s true across the board - a well-stimulated pet is a happier, healthier pet. And with Oxbow’s thoughtful, vet-recommended enrichment products, supporting their mental and physical well-being has never been easier.
By rotating safe, engaging chews and toys, building a fun indoor environment, and shopping trusted brands like Oxbow Animal Health, you’ll be setting your small pet up for a life full of curiosity, comfort, and joy.
So go ahead - mix up their toy box, add a new chew, and watch the binkies, popcorns, and zoomies begin.