Small Animal Myths Busted: What Most Pet Stores Still Get Wrong About Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & More

Misinformation Runs Wild in the Small Pet World

In Canada, the popularity of small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats has surged over the past decade - and for good reason. They’re affectionate, full of personality, and well-suited to modern lifestyles. But with this rise in small animal companions comes a major problem: outdated and inaccurate care advice, especially from big-box pet stores and non-specialist retailers.

Walk into most chain pet stores and you’ll still see misleading food blends, cramped cages, and “starter kits” that fail to meet even basic species-specific needs. The problem? These setups are designed to sell - not to support long-term health.

Even worse, many new pet parents rely on store staff for advice, unaware that most aren’t trained in small animal nutrition or behaviour. As a result, many bunnies and guinea pigs in Canada suffer from preventable health issues - like obesity, malocclusion (overgrown teeth), and vitamin deficiencies - because they’re not being fed or housed properly.

That’s where trusted, vet-backed brands like Oxbow Animal Health come in. With research-driven formulas, species-specific diets, and high-quality enrichment tools, Oxbow is one of the few brands that consistently gets it right. And when it comes to sourcing these essentials, Brindle Pet Supplies stands behind small pet parents with the right products, fast Canadian shipping, and no guesswork.

This blog sets the record straight. We're busting the most common myths still being spread - and giving Canadian pet parents the facts they need to raise healthier, happier small animals.

Myth #1: “Pellet Mixes Are Just as Good as Uniform Pellets”

Walk into many pet stores and you’ll find colourful “muesli-style” food mixes full of seeds, dried fruit, nuts, and various shaped pellets. They look fun, smell sweet, and promise “complete nutrition.” But here’s the truth: these mixes can be dangerously misleading - especially for rabbits and guinea pigs.

The Problem with Mixed Pellets

Small animals are selective foragers by nature. In the wild, this helps them avoid toxic plants - but in captivity, it means they’ll instinctively pick out the tasty bits (like corn, seeds, and sugary pieces) and leave behind the parts they actually need. This selective feeding leads to unbalanced nutrition, obesity, digestive issues, and dental disease.

Many of these mix-style foods are also too high in carbohydrates and too low in fibre - the opposite of what a healthy rabbit or guinea pig diet should be. Worse yet, they often contain artificial colours, preservatives, and fillers that offer no nutritional value.

The Oxbow Advantage: Uniform, Species-Specific Pellets

Vet-recommended brands like Oxbow Animal Health take a different approach. Their Essentials and Garden Select pellet lines are uniform in shape and texture, preventing picky eating and ensuring every bite delivers a balanced blend of nutrients.

For example:

• Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food is timothy hay-based, high in fibre, and fortified with stabilized Vitamin C.
• Oxbow Garden Select Adult Guinea Pig Food uses non-GMO ingredients and mimics the variety of a natural herbivore diet—without added sugars or colours.

Why It Matters

When you choose uniform pellets from a vet-trusted brand like Oxbow, you’re not just feeding your pet - you’re preventing health issues before they start. That’s the kind of proactive care that leads to longer, happier lives for our small furry friends.

Myth #2: “Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Don’t Need Much Hay”

It’s one of the most damaging myths still perpetuated by non-specialist retailers: that hay is optional or secondary to pellets when feeding small pets. In truth, hay isn’t just a snack - it’s a biological requirement for rabbits and guinea pigs. And when it’s missing or minimized, serious health consequences follow.

Hay: The Foundation of Digestive and Dental Health

In the wild, rabbits and guinea pigs graze on fibrous plants all day long. This constant forage feeds the good bacteria in their gut and keeps their digestive system in motion. Without high-fibre roughage like hay, they’re prone to GI stasis - a potentially fatal condition where the digestive system slows down or stops entirely.

Hay also stimulates healthy chewing behavior, which naturally wears down their continuously growing molars. Unlike dogs or cats, small pets don’t stop growing their teeth. Without abrasive foods like hay, they’re at high risk for tooth overgrowth, painful spikes, and costly vet dental work.

Debunking the “Just Add Pellets” Myth

Despite what many pet store chains still recommend, commercial pellet blends are not a complete diet for bunnies or guinea pigs. In fact, overfeeding pellets (especially grain-based, muesli-style ones) often causes health issues like obesity, dental disease, and nutrient imbalances.

Pellets should only make up about 5–10% of your small pet’s daily intake. Hay, on the other hand, should be 75–80% of their diet. Unlimited access to high-quality hay is the #1 way to prevent chronic illness and ensure your pet thrives long-term.

Choosing the Right Hay: Oxbow’s Premium Options

Brindle Pet Supplies carries the full range of Oxbow hays - trusted by vets and nutritionists across Canada. Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular options to help you choose the best for your small critter:

Many pet parents mix different types to keep things exciting and promote enrichment. Just like rotating proteins in dog food, offering hay variety helps encourage natural foraging behavior while supporting digestive health.

Myth #3: “Fresh Veggies Are Enough for Vitamin C”

While a crisp slice of bell pepper or leafy greens may seem like a healthy treat, they’re not enough to meet your guinea pig’s daily vitamin C needs. This is one of the most common - and dangerous - myths still passed around by pet stores and outdated care guides.

Why Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C Daily

Unlike most other animals, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, making it an essential daily requirement. Without a steady intake, they’re at serious risk for scurvy, a condition that can cause swollen joints, weakness, lethargy, poor appetite, and even tooth and gum issues.

The Problem with Relying on Fresh Produce

Fresh vegetables like kale and bell peppers do contain vitamin C, but here’s the catch:

• Vitamin C degrades quickly after harvesting and during storage—even in your fridge.
• The levels vary wildly between vegetables and even between individual pieces.
• Guinea pigs are picky eaters and may not consume enough of the right veggies daily.

So while veggies are important for enrichment and variety, they simply don’t offer the reliable, measured dose of vitamin C your pet needs to stay healthy.

How Oxbow’s Fortified Guinea Pig Pellets Fill the Gap

Oxbow Essentials Young Guinea Pig Food and Oxbow Garden Select Adult Guinea Pig Food are formulated with stabilized vitamin C to guarantee your piggy gets a consistent, bioavailable source of this crucial nutrient. Unlike produce, the vitamin C in Oxbow pellets is protected during storage, ensuring every serving delivers the full nutritional punch.

💡 Pro Tip: Pellets should complement unlimited hay, not replace it. Stick to the recommended 1/8 cup per day per adult guinea pig.

Early Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:

• Rough or thinning coat
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Swollen joints or limping
• Poor appetite

If you notice these signs, it's important to consult a vet immediately and assess your piggy’s current diet.

Trusted Nutrition Backed by Experts

Oxbow Animal Health works closely with exotic vets and nutritionists to develop science-backed, species-specific formulas. By offering their vitamin C-fortified pellets, Brindle Pet Supplies ensures Canadian guinea pig owners can confidently support long-term wellness - without the guesswork.

Myth #4: “Small Pets Don’t Need Enrichment”

Walk into most big-box pet stores and you’ll find aisle after aisle of enrichment toys for dogs and cats… but when it comes to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or rats? You're lucky if there’s a dusty wood chew or plastic igloo on the shelf.

This outdated thinking - that enrichment isn’t important for small animals - is one of the most damaging myths in modern pet care.

Why Enrichment Matters for Small Animals

Bunnies, guinea pigs, and rodents are highly intelligent, emotionally complex animals that thrive when given opportunities to explore, chew, dig, and play. Without enrichment, they face boredom, depression, and even destructive behaviours like cage bar chewing, aggression, or over grooming.

It’s not about pampering - it’s about meeting their basic psychological needs.

Essential Enrichment Activities for Small Pets

• Chewing: Keeps teeth naturally filed and relieves anxiety
• Tunneling/Digging: Mimics natural burrowing instincts
• Foraging: Encourages problem-solving and physical activity
• Climbing: Especially beneficial for rats, mice, and some guinea pigs
• Social Interaction: Bonded pairs or quality human time boosts emotional wellness

Why Oxbow Enriched Life Is the Gold Standard

The Oxbow Enriched Life product line is backed by veterinary and small animal experts. Each item is made from safe, pet-friendly materials - no dyes, glues, or artificial coatings - and is designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional stimulation.

At Brindle Pet Supplies, we offer the full Oxbow Enriched Life collection, including:

• Natural woven hideouts for burrowing and privacy
• Timothy hay-based chews for dental health and boredom relief
• Forage mats and puzzles that encourage natural food-seeking behaviour
• Stackable chews and hanging mobiles for climbing and manipulation

All of these supplies are thoughtfully crafted to match the specific needs of bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and rats.

Enrichment = Longer, Happier Lives

Canadian pet parents who invest in enrichment aren’t just improving daily life - they’re actively reducing stress and supporting immune function, digestion, and behavioural stability in their small pets.

Give your small animal a life that’s not just safe - but full of joy and purpose.

Myth #5: “Treats Are Just for Fun”

In the world of small pet care, treats are often misunderstood. Many pet stores still promote sugary yogurt drops and brightly coloured “fun” snacks as everyday indulgences. But in reality, the best treats for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small animals should serve a functional purpose - not just satisfy human preferences for cute packaging.

Functional Treats for Daily Support

Oxbow Simple Rewards are designed to do more than make pets happy - they offer nutritional benefits that support digestion, healthy skin, and the bonding experience between pet and parent. Whether it’s a freeze-dried banana slice or a baked hay-based biscuit, these treats use whole-food ingredients and no added sugars or fillers.

Popular functional options include:

• Simple Rewards Baked Treats with Cranberry – rich in antioxidants
• Simple Rewards Veggie Treats – great for digestive support
• Freeze-Dried Banana & Apple Treats – perfect for picky eaters and bonding moments

Why to Avoid Sugary “Junk Food” Treats

While yogurt drops and colourful pellets might seem cute, they often contain excessive sugar, artificial colours, dairy, or low-quality fillers that can:

• Upset digestion
• Lead to obesity and dental issues
• Cause long-term health issues in herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs

Veterinarians and small animal experts overwhelmingly agree that these treats do more harm than good. Rabbits and guinea pigs are highly sensitive to dietary imbalances, and their digestive systems thrive on natural, high-fibre foods - not sweets.

Myth #6: “All Small Pets Have the Same Needs”

Despite what many generic pet care guides or big-box stores might suggest, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and other small animals are not interchangeable when it comes to their care. Each species has distinct biological, nutritional, and behavioural needs - and failing to meet them can lead to serious health issues.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work

Rabbits and guinea pigs are strict herbivores with complex digestive systems and a need for constant fiber intake. Hamsters and rats, on the other hand, are omnivores with different nutrient requirements, dental needs, and enrichment preferences.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feeding your guinea pig rabbit food? Giving your hamster a bunny hay mix? These mismatches can result in vitamin deficiencies, obesity, dental issues, or digestive distress.

Smarter Shopping for Multi-Species Households

If your home includes more than one type of small animal, you’ll need to customize your care - and your shopping list. Choose species-specific foods and enrichment items designed for each animal's unique needs. Don’t rely on blanket solutions.

Tailored Oxbow Nutrition for Each Species

One of the key reasons Oxbow Animal Health is trusted by veterinarians worldwide is their commitment to species-specific formulas. Every diet is tailored to the biology of the animal it’s made for:

• 🐰 Oxbow Organic Rabbit Food – High-fiber Timothy hay-based for optimal digestion and dental wear
• 🐹 Oxbow Forage Wise Adult Guinea Pig Food – Fortified with stabilized Vitamin C for immune health
• 🐭 Oxbow Essentials Hamster & Gerbil Food – Nutrient-balanced pellets with appropriate levels of protein
• 🐀 Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food – Complete diet with added vitamins and minerals for omnivores

When shopping Oxbow online in Canada at Brindle Pet Supplies, you can browse by species, ensuring your small pet gets exactly what they need - no guesswork, no shortcuts.

Canadian Pet Parents: How to Shop Smarter

If you’ve ever tried to buy Oxbow Animal Health products online in Canada, you may have run into frustrating roadblocks: out-of-stock listings, long shipping times from U.S. retailers, or surprise customs fees. At Brindle Pet Supplies, we’ve built our store around solving those exact problems for Canadian small pet families.

Where to Buy Oxbow Online in Canada

Brindle Pet Supplies is your one-stop shop to buy Oxbow online in Canada, with an extensive collection of hay, pellets, enrichment toys, treats, and more - specifically curated for bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small pets.

We’re proud to offer:

• Fast, Canada-wide shipping
• No hidden duties or customs delays
• Subscribe & save options on essentials like Oxbow Western Timothy Hay and Essentials Pellets
• Guaranteed freshness with reliable product rotation

Whether you're looking for Oxbow bunny food, guinea pig food with stabilized Vitamin C, or enrichment chews from Oxbow Enriched Life, we carry trusted stock and ship it right to your door.

Final Thoughts: Facts Over Fluff

The world of small pet care is filled with outdated advice, misleading marketing, and generic recommendations. But today’s Canadian pet parents are smarter - and you deserve better information and better products.

Let’s recap the biggest myths we’ve busted:

• Muesli mixes are not balanced nutrition
• Rabbits and guinea pigs need more than just a pellet diet
• Fresh veggies alone don’t supply enough Vitamin C
• Enrichment is essential - not optional
• Not all small pets have the same needs

By choosing brands like Oxbow Animal Health, which are backed by veterinary nutritionists, you’re making an educated investment in your pet’s health and happiness. And by shopping with Brindle Pet Supplies, you’re ensuring easy access to quality care products without the headaches of cross-border shopping.

Shop Smarter for Your Small Pets

Ready to take the guesswork out of small animal care?

1. Browse Oxbow Animal Health products for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and more
2. Upgrade to species-specific nutrition - ditch the myths for vet-backed, balanced care
3. Enjoy fast shipping across Canada, no duties, and save with our subscribe & save program

Healthy pets start with informed choices. Let Brindle Pet Supplies be your trusted Canadian source for Oxbow hay, food, and enrichment. 🐾