One of the main reasons we all love Guinea Pigs so much is their intelligence, energy, and curiosity.
So, as responsible pet owners, it is our duty to provide mental stimulation, exercise, and fun for our little furry pets, and this is easy with the best guinea pig toys.
The best source of entertainment is being housed with a fellow Guinea Pig, but this isn’t always possible, and even if you’re lucky enough to have a number of these furry little friends, they’ll still benefit from a selection of toys to keep them happy and active
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Why do Guinea Pigs need toys?
A bored Guinea Pig is an unhappy Guinea pig.
Boredom can lead to depression and illness. Along with the right-sized enclosure, a good source of food, and freshwater, your guinea pig, or pigs, will benefit greatly from having a selection of toys and treats to keep them stimulated, both mentally and physically.
And, lots of attention and cuddles!
However, don’t expect to be playing fetch with your guinea pig. The best toys are ones that provide shelter, chewing, and most of all food. Guinea pigs love eating, so if a toy involves a tasty treat then all the better
Toys that encourage the guinea pig’s natural instincts of chewing, tossing, nudging, and digging are perfect.
And it’s worth bearing in mind that all Guinea Pigs are different – One toy might be an absolute hit with one piggy, but another might not touch it. This is why a selection of toys is a good idea, and you can rotate everyone once in a while.
Tunnels and hideouts are other great toys to keep with your guinea pig. At one time, they can provide a feeling of sanctuary where your pet can sleep, hide, and generally chill out, and at another time it gives them lots of fun and activity and a chance to run through, around, and underneath.
The 8 Guinea pig toys featured in this review – at a glance
- Wheeky Treat Ball Toy
- Niteangel Small Animal Activity Toy
- Living World Hagen Pet Tunnel
- Ware Manufacturing Hand Woven Willow Twig Tunnel
- Pulse Brands Wooden Cage Bridge
- Timothy Hay Chew Sticks
- Oxbow Timothy Tunnel
- Kaytee Superpet Apple Chews
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Important considerations when choosing a toy for your guinea pig
Because of the guinea pigs’ tendency to chew everything, it’s important that the toys are made of hardwearing, or nontoxic, natural materials. The best play balls and chew toys are made from wood, wicker, and grass. Always check the list of materials and ingredients. Make sure that materials such as paint and glue are non-toxic.
Better still, choose toys made from natural organic materials free from harmful pesticides, dyes, and preservatives.
It’s also very important to avoid exercise balls and wheels. We still see this kind of product advertised for Guinea Pigs. However, the body shape and autonomy of the guinea pig are not designed for bending and arching like that of a pet hamster or gerbil.
This is why we DO NOT advise anyone to purchase an exercise ball or wheel for their pet guinea, even if the packaging or labels suggests they are suitable. They can lead to pain and even permanent injury.
Best Guinea pig toys – Reviews
Guinea pig Balls
Here we are talking about ball toys designed for the guinea pig to push and chew, not to exercise in. We’ll say again, as we are passionate about it, exercise balls, the kind that animals are put inside, are not suitable for guinea pigs.
We’re talking about small balls, normally made of natural materials such as wicker or seagrass, that are small enough for your pet to roll around, often with their noses.
They need to be non-toxic as they’ll almost certainly get chewed. Some of these will contain treats, again please check these are ok for your guinea pig. Others may contain a bell. These are perfectly safe, but you should keep a close eye and the toy should be removed if there is any damage that may result in you pet getting to the metal bell inside.
Wheeky Treat Ball Toy
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The Wheeky Treat Ball is for Guinea Pigs or other small pets. Not really a chew toy, although it will cope with being chewed.
This is designed to be pushed and showed around. You’re able to put in a little treat, which could be store brought treats like kibble or dried fruit, or you can put in your own cut up veg, like diced carrot.
The treat door can be opened to different sizes to accommodate different treats.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Fun, interactive treat ball designed to be pushed and rolled by your pet for a great mental and physical workout
- Great boredom buster, enrichment activity, and foraging toy for guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, hedgehogs and all small pets - engages pets' natural foraging instincts and keeps them active and moving
- Small size (2.8-inch/7 cm diameter) is just right for small pets; bright yellow color with orange decorative carrots
- Adjustable treat opening -- Use with kibble, Wheeky Pea Flakes, small diced carrot, dried herbs or dried fruit
- 100% quality inspected in USA
Pros
- Bright Color
- Sturdy Construction
- Good size for Guinea Pigs
- Easy to use
- Can use different treats
Cons
- Dry food treats are better
- It doesn’t come apart for cleaning
Niteangel Small Animal Activity Toy
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Handmade all natural treat balls to prevent boredom and encourage chewing. No plastic glue or metal.
No plastic glue or metal. Made from natural materials including corn husk sea grass rattan and water hyacinth.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- All handmade, 100% natural materials, no glue, plastic or metal.
- Great for playing and nibbling, help prevent boredom.
- Extra deep base for deep filling with litter so pets can tunnel and burrow.
- Suitable for rabbits, bunny, guinea pigs and other small animals.
- Diameter approximately 2.9 inches, include natural cornhusk ball, seagrass ball, water hyacinth ball and rattan ball.
Pros
- Pack of 4 which is great value
- Perfect size for a Guinea Pig
- Nice Variety for your pet
- 100% Natural materials
Cons
- Stock up as your pets will love them and they will get through quite a few !
Guinea pig tubes and tunnels
If there was such a thing as an essential toy for a guinea pig, then a tube or tunnel would probably be it. Guinea Pigs love running through tunnels, or sleeping in tunnels, or just chilling out in tunnels.
They provide not only entertainment and exercise but also shelter and sanctuary. Normally made from plastic, which is not only hardwearing and easy to clean but also flexible which means you can bend it around corners of the enclosure.
Living World Hagen Pet Tunnel
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Available in two sizes, medium and large.
Extending tunnel that can be folded for storage and linked up to various other accessories from the same range.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Extension tunnel for hiding out, exercising or sleeping promotes play and exploration for small animals
- Large tunnel is ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets
- Can be attached to a Living World Tent or an additional tunnel (sold separately)
- Sturdy metal frame’s collapsible design allows for easy setup and dismantling; folds up for easy storage
- Large tunnel measures 7.9 inches in diameter by 35.4 inches in length
Pros
- Folders for storage
- classic guinea pig tunnel
- Can be bent around an enclosure
- Easy to clean
- Provides exercise as well as a hideout
Cons
- Check the metal spring parts regularly
- Wont take a lot of chewing
Ware Manufacturing Hand Woven Willow Twig Tunnel
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Available in two sizes, these willow twig tunnels provide a safe natural hideout.
Made from 100% natural materials, this tunnel is perfectly safe for animals to chew.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Small pet hideout twig tunnel
- Made of a renewable source
- Perfect hideout for guinea pigs, ferrets and more
- 100 Percent hand woven willow; safe for all small pets
- Measures 8-inch width by 10-inch depth by 7-inch height
Pros
- 100% natural willow
- Non toxic
- Available in two sizes
- Great price
- Made from renewable sources
Cons
- Some users report it being a bit ‘wonky’
- Check for sharp edges before use
Guinea Pig Ramps and stairs
Guinea Pigs aren’t natural climbers. One of the first hutches we had was a multi-level hutch and the pigs struggled to use the ladder, it was a little steep. But we don’t all have enough space for a big single-level enclosure, so ramps and stairs do have a place.
Not really considered a toy, but if it gives your pets a chance to run around, climb, and explore, then great!
Things to consider with Guinea Pigs and ramps/stairs. Try to avoid anything too steep, look for solid materials like wood or plastic, and try to avoid mesh types as these are hard on the little pet’s feet and difficult to climb
Pulse Brands Wooden Cage Bridge
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This flexible bridge by Pulse Brands makes a great bridge, tunnel, or ramp for guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small animals.
The wooden sticks are held together by wire and can, therefore, be bent into shape. Size varies slightly since this is a natural product, but is approximately 14″ x 9″.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Real, All Natural Wood Sticks Held Together By Wire. Made in the U.S.A.
- 14 x 9 inches (L x W)
- Flexible and Bendable: Used as a Tunnel, Bridge, or Ramp.
- Completely Safe for Your Pets to Chew
Pros
- Folders for storage
- Can be bent into custom shapes
- Natural material
- Can be used in or out of your enclosure
Cons
- Pets will love to chew it!
Guinea pig Chews
The reason Guinea pigs love to chew, like all rodents, is that their teeth grow continuously. So, it’s important to provide, along with a good diet, toys that encourage and help to chew and gnaw. Chewing is their way to keep their teeth at a good length
Timothy Hay Chew Sticks
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Made from pet grade timothy hay, these lovely little chew sticks are low temp baked to keep their shape.
We all know the benefits of feeding you pet timothy hay, and these sticks are perfect as a treat and to keep your guinea pigs teeth in tip top condition.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- 25pcs taste grass sticks, sticks length is 4.3-5.1 inch (11-13 cm).
- MULTIPLE TASTES FOR CHOICE --- Timothy, Alfalfa, Fruit tree, Rye, Oat, 5 tastes for your choice. If your pet eats a chewing stick for a long time, it will make him bored. We suggust to choose different taste for your pet, and then your pet will always be full of freshness.
- NATURAL PRODUCTION --- The chew stick grows in the natural environment, which is good for the teeth and can be chewed safely. Small animals that move teeth must grind their teeth. If they don't grind their teeth, when the teeth are long, they will wear the upper and lower jaws and even inflammation.
- MATERIAL --- Selective natural high quality timothy grass powde, ideal for squirrel, rabbit, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small pet molar activities, suitable for long-term storage without adding preservatives.
- HAVE FUN --- Your furry animals will love this sticksas a simple chewable mat, spend a lot of time chewing on it, and it is also perfect for hand feeding, interaction and bonding.
Pros
- Pet Grade ingredients
- Can be stored long term
- Pets seem to love them
- Great as a treat and to bond with your pet
- You’ll end up buying more!
Cons
- Made in China, Not Canada
- Not all sticks may arrive in one piece
Oxbow Timothy Tunnel
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Oxbow Pet Products loyalty to small animals goes beyond premium nutrition. Introducing Timothy Club – 100% timothy hay habitats for small animals.
Environmental enrichment is as vital as nutrition to the health of small animals. High-fiber, 100% timothy hay 100% edible – a beneficial source of fiber Hand-crafted for premium quality Made of all-natural material -no chemicals, wire, or thread.
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- HAND-WOVEN FOR REST AND RELAXATION: Made by hand to offer an ideal place for your rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchilla to rest and relax throughout the day
- 100% EDIBLE: Made with only 100% all-natural Timothy hay
- 100% ALL-NATURAL: All-natural – no chemicals, wires, or threads
- PROVIDES ESSENTIAL ENRICHMENT: Supports your pet's instinctual hiding behaviors. Enrichment is essential to total pet health and wellbeing.
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Used and recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide
Pros
- A tunnel and a chew
- Pets love it
- Good price
- Should last a good few weeks
Cons
- Eventually youl will need a new one, but your piggies wont mind!
Kaytee Superpet Apple Chews
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Classic pet chew. Made from all natural apple wood, these chews are an excellent boredom breaker with the added benefit of being good for the teeth
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Apple orchard sticks are delicious all-natural wood chews
- Helps keep pet's teeth health, clean and trim; completely safe to chew
- Perfect for use on any of Ka-Bob dispensers
- Ideal for rabbits, guinea pigs, Hamsters and other furry animal
- Available 10 sticks per pack, in assorted size
Pros
- Natural Apple wood
- Good for teeth
- Great price
- No glue or dyes
- Pack of 10
Cons
- Not all Guinea pigs will like them !
Guinea pig exercise wheels and balls
As discussed already, these should be avoided, no matter what the packaging says.
Guinea pigs’ backs are not built to arch backward.
How many toys should I buy for my Guinea Pig?
Whilst it’s important to have a nice selection of toys for your pets, it’s just as important to make sure the cage or enclosure is not cluttered. It’s best to keep a selection of toys that you can rotate on a regular basis, maybe when you clean them out, to keep boredom at bay.
The number of toys you can keep with your pet will differ based on the size of their enclosure.
Where should Guinea Pig toys be placed?
Preferably you should leave enough space around the perimeter of the enclosure for your pet to do laps, which they love. Of course, a tunnel here, and a ramp there is fine, but try to keep floor space clear.
It’s best not to overdo it with toys. They are great fun and a lovely treat for your guinea pig but try not to overcrowd the enclosure.
The best scenario would be to have a number of toys with you rotate each time you clean the cage, and maybe a few more if your guinea pig is lucky enough to get some ‘yard time’
Replacing broken Guinea pig toys
It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet’s toys. Toys are generally built to last as long as possible, but most, particularly wooden chew toys, we’ll need to be replaced at some point.
Watch out for any metal that may be exposed, as this can cause harm to your guinea pig. And, if a toy gets particularly chewed, which will invariably happen with your pet’s favorite, then this should also be replaced. Chewed toys will often leave sharp bits and certainly harbor more germs.
Cleaning Guinea Pig toys
As we recommend, it’s handy to have a number of toys to rotate and keep boredom at bay. These can be swapped around when you clean the enclosure. This will also give you a chance to clean the toys. Plastic toys can be washed in warm soapy water, or placed in the dishwasher if made of hard plastic.
Wooden and natural toys should not be placed directly into the water, as these will leave them damp and prone to rotting. These types of toys can be wiped down with a damp cloth or special antibacterial cleaning wipes.
In either case, make sure that all toys are completely dry before placing them back in with your pet.
Making your own Guinea Pig toys
With a little imagination, it’s possible to keep your pets entertained with a multitude of household objects. Soda boxes, like a 12-pack, can be opened up and stuffed with hay. A tennis ball is great to push around. Cardboard tubes from loo rolls. Empty cereal boxes and even scrunched-up newspaper. As long as you check its safe, the possibilities are endless
Always check for and remove staples, and for small tubes makes sure there is a cut down the side so your guinea pig can get free should they decide to squeeze into them (which they will do their best to try to)
These types of cardboard or paper toys won’t last long, sometimes just a few hours, but they’ll keep your pet entertained whilst they chew them to bits.
Hope you enjoyed our round-up. Ready to buy? Please see our Top 3 Guinea Pig Toys and Boredom breakers below.
