Why Choosing the Right Supplies Matters for Small Pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats may be small - but they have big needs. Unlike dogs and cats, these pets rely on species-specific care to stay healthy, comfortable, and happy. The right food, bedding, toys, and enrichment aren’t just “nice to have” - they’re essential.
Choosing high-quality, purpose-built supplies helps prevent common issues like boredom, digestive problems, dental disease, and stress. For example:
- Guinea pigs can’t produce their own vitamin C, so they need a daily dose through foods or supplements like Oxbow Vitamin C Treats.
- Rabbits need constant access to fresh, high-fibre hay - like Oxbow Western Timothy Hay - to keep their teeth and digestion in check.
- Hamsters and rats thrive with small, chewable toys and enrichment items that let them forage, explore, and stay active.
That’s where Oxbow Animal Health comes in. Oxbow is one of the most trusted brands in the world for small animal care. Their products are developed with veterinarians and backed by years of research into the unique needs of small pets.
From hay and food to bedding, chews, and enrichment toys, Oxbow products are made specifically for the animals that use them - and it shows.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we make it easy to buy Oxbow in Canada. You’ll find a curated selection of their most popular products, along with fast, reliable shipping and friendly support from a Canadian-owned business that genuinely cares.
If you want to give your small pet a healthy, happy life, it starts with the right tools - and Oxbow is the perfect place to begin.
Habitat Essentials: Bedding, Hideouts and Hay
Creating a cozy, species-appropriate home is one of the most important things you can do for your small pet. Whether you have a bunny, guinea pig, hamster, or rat, the basics are the same: your pet needs a clean, comfortable space with plenty of room to rest, burrow, and feel safe.
Let’s break down the essentials - starting with the core of every small pet habitat: bedding, hideouts, and hay.
Bedding That’s Safe and Absorbent
Small pets are sensitive to dust and odor, so it’s important to use a bedding that’s both absorbent and low-dust. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can irritate their respiratory system.
Recommended options from Oxbow:
- OXBOW EcoStraw Wheat Straw Litter – Perfect for litter boxes or full-cage coverage, this pellet-style straw bedding is super absorbent and eco-friendly.
- OXBOW Pure Comfort Bedding – A soft, paper-based option that’s ideal for burrowing animals like hamsters and guinea pigs.
Both are designed to keep your pet dry and comfortable while controlling odor naturally.
Hideouts for Comfort and Security
Small animals need a place to retreat. Whether they’re sleeping, nibbling, or just looking for some alone time, hideouts help them feel safe and reduce stress.
Try these Oxbow favourites:
- OXBOW Timothy Hay Tunnel
- OXBOW Enriched Life Woven Hideout
- OXBOW Timothy Hay Bungalow Large
- OXBOW Enriched Life Cozy Cave
Pro tip: offer multiple hideouts in larger habitats so your pet can choose their favourite.
Hay Is Non-Negotiable (Especially for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs)
For herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs, hay isn’t just food - it’s a daily essential. It supports digestion, promotes healthy teeth, and provides enrichment through natural foraging.
Top Oxbow hay options at Brindle Pets:
- Oxbow Western Timothy Hay: The #1 choice for adult rabbits and guinea pigs
- Oxbow Orchard Grass: Softer and sweeter than timothy; a great option for picky eaters or variety
- Oxbow Alfalfa Hay: Higher in calcium and protein, ideal for young, growing pets
Make sure hay is always available, especially in litter box corners or hay feeders to encourage natural grazing.
Nutrition Basics: What to Feed (and What to Avoid)
Feeding your small pet the right diet is one of the easiest ways to prevent health issues. While every species has different needs, all small animals thrive on fresh hay, clean water, and species-specific pellets - plus the occasional healthy treat.
Daily Diet Essentials
Rabbits: Unlimited hay + measured daily pellets
Guinea Pigs: Unlimited hay + measured daily pellets
- OXBOW Organic Guinea Pig Food
- OXBOW Young Guinea Pig Food
- OXBOW Adult Guinea Pig Food
-
Oxbow Forage Wise Adult Guinea Pig Food
Hamsters and Gerbils: High-quality mix plus chews and occasional fresh produce
What to Avoid
- Sugary treats, seeds, and muesli mixes
- Lettuce (can cause digestive upset), citrus, or onion
-
Pellets not formulated for your pet’s species
Small Pet Supplements and Treats
- Oxbow Papaya Support
- Oxbow Joint Supplement
- Oxbow Digestive Support Supplement
- Oxbow Vitamin C
- Oxbow Multi-Vitamin Support
- Oxbow Urinary Supplement
- Oxbow Skin and Coat Supplement
Want to spoil them just a little? Try Oxbow Simple Rewards Treats - Veggie, Bell Pepper or Strawberry made with real veggies and fruits and no added sugar. Up next: we’ll cover enrichment - the toys, chews, and challenges that keep small pets active and engaged.
Enrichment Must-Haves: Chews, Toys and Mental Stimulation
Just like dogs and cats, small pets need more than just food and shelter - they need stimulation. Daily enrichment prevents boredom, encourages natural behaviours, and supports mental and physical health.
Here’s how to keep your small pet busy and happy with Oxbow enrichment chews and toys:
Foraging Toys
- Oxbow Enriched Life The Treat House
- Oxbow Enriched Life Lettuce Forage Mat
- Oxbow Enriched Life Play Garden
Chewing Toys
- Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Lollipop (Carrot)
- Oxbow Timothy Carrot
- Oxbow Magic Timothy Wand
- Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Waffle
- Oxbow Enriched Life Natural Play Dangly
Activity Toys
Rotate toys weekly to keep things exciting and encourage different types of play - chewing, digging, tossing, or exploring.
Grooming and Health Products to Keep On Hand
Routine care helps catch issues early and keeps your pet comfortable. Add a few essentials to your small animal supply kit:
- Nail clippers and a soft brush - especially for long-haired rabbits or guinea pigs
- A small scale for monthly weight checks (especially helpful for seniors)
Pro tip: Make weekly care a routine so you catch changes early - loss of appetite, odd behaviours, or weight loss can signal a problem.
Building a Routine: Daily, Weekly and Monthly Tasks
Staying consistent makes small pet care easier and helps your pet thrive.
Daily
- Feed hay and pellets
- Refresh water
- Clean litter spots
- Offer enrichment toys
Weekly
- Deep clean habitat
- Rotate bedding and toys
- Do a mini health check (eyes, teeth, weight)
Monthly
- Trim nails
- Restock food and hay
- Check hideouts and chews for wear
Tip: Keep your supplies organized in bins or baskets so everything’s easy to grab!
Why Shop Oxbow at Brindle Pets?
You could shop big box - but why not get trusted products, fast Canadian shipping, and personal support from people who actually know small pets?
- Curated Oxbow inventory, no filler products
- Flat-rate, Canada-wide shipping - no delays or surprise duties
- Autoship options for food, hay, and more
-
100% Canadian owned and pet-focused
We only stock what we’d use for our own pets - and we’re always happy to help you pick the best setup.
Your small pet’s world may be tiny - but with the right care, it can be full of joy. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to upgrade your setup, building a healthy routine with trusted Oxbow products is a great place to start.