Best Pet Toys for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are curious creatures that love to explore and discover new things. Toys play an important role in keeping your pet guinea pig healthy, active, and engaged with its surroundings. However, choosing toys requires some thought. Guinea pig toys should be size-appropriate, safe, and provide some sort of mental and/or physical stimulation. Let’s review some of the best toys for guinea pigs designed to promote new experiences and enrichment.

Edible Hanging Mobile Toy

An edible hanging mobile toy serves two important purposes. First, it provides these furry critters with a challenge. The rope of tasty treats hangs down from the top of the guinea pig’s cage, filled with different shapes and textures. Next, the treats on the mobile are completely edible, meaning your guinea pig can nibble and chew on the different pieces. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your pet’s foraging instincts.

Wooden Puzzle Toy

Wooden puzzle toys designed for small pets provide guinea pigs with a fun game that ends with a delicious treat. You can find puzzle toys in a variety of designs, with many having pieces that lift out to reveal food underneath. Your guinea pig will soon learn that pushing or pulling on these wooden pieces gets them closer to a tasty snack. Fill the puzzle with healthy pet treats such as carrot, tomato, or pepper flakes.

Tunnel Toys

Tunnels are a popular toy for guinea pigs as they are natural explorers. A set of tunnels can improve mental and physical health, prevent boredom, and provide a safe place for guinea pigs to hide and sleep. They also serve as a form of exercise to help pets maintain a healthy weight. You can often connect tunnels to your existing setup or create a separate play area.

Hide and Seek Mat

A hide and seek mat, also known as a foraging mat, can offer guinea pigs physical enrichment. Hide your pet’s favorite food or treats in the foraging mat and watch as they search and dig through the mat’s fibers to find the treats. Many of these mats are made with edible hay which makes them safe in the event that your guinea pig decides to take a nibble.

Guinea Pig Hammock

Consider adding a hammock or swing to your guinea pig’s enclosure. These hanging toys are often made from sturdy, soft fabrics that provide pets with a comfortable and safe place to play and rest. A cozy hammock offers guinea pigs a space to nap, making it a great stress-reduction tool. Many small pets also enjoy sitting and swinging on their hammocks as a form of entertainment.

Chew Grass Balls

Guinea pigs enjoy playing with balls just as much as dogs. Today, you can find small animal play balls made of safe, natural materials, such as seaweed, corn husks, and rattan. The balls can be chewed or pushed around the pet’s enclosure as a form of exercise. Many of these play balls also offer other benefits, such as tooth cleaning, tension relief, and better digestion.

Natural Guinea Pig Hideouts

A hideout toy provides a cozy retreat that makes guinea pigs feel comfortable and secure. Choosing a natural hideout designed to look like materials seen in the wild helps mirror the animal’s natural instincts and helps guinea pigs feel safe and protected. Providing hideouts in your pet’s enclosure can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which is important when introducing a new guinea pig to your home.

Timothy Waffle

Timothy waffles are chew toys made to nurture natural behaviors in small animals. They resemble a traditional waffle but are made from safe, natural materials, such as timothy hay. Timothy waffle toys help keep pets busy and entertained. Many pets also love the taste and texture of the waffle and will return to play and chew again and again. Finally, a timothy waffle can help trim and wear down teeth to promote healthy dental care.

Wood Gnawing Blocks

Guinea pigs enjoy chewing on hard items, and wood blocks are no exception. In the wild, chewing is how these critters wear down their teeth. However, not all types of wood are suitable for gnawing. For the safety of your pet, look for woods like birch, linden, willow, basswood, or hazelnut. Avoid woods that have toxic paints or sealants which could harm your pet’s health.

Homemade Guinea Pig Toys

The best toys for guinea pigs are not necessarily store-bought. There are many materials you can find around your own home that will delight your pet. Remove the handles from a brown paper bag and stuff it with herbs and hay. Alternatively, you can fill a paper towel or toilet paper roll with treats. Cardboard boxes and shredded paper are also popular homemade toys that are safe for guinea pigs.

Engaging Your Guinea Pig with the Right Toys

While every guinea pig is unique, many enjoy playing with toys. Whether it’s a toy that offers mental stimulation, exercise, or exploration, the right toys will help keep your pet mentally and physically active and engaged. Before giving your guinea pig a new toy, ensure that it is safe and poses no health risks. Switch out toys on a regular basis so that your pet doesn’t get bored playing with the same ones.