Two Oxbow hays, two different jobs
If you're choosing between Oxbow Botanical Hay and Oxbow Garden Animal Health Blends, you're really deciding between a flavorful herbal treat and a daily staple blend. Both are high-fiber hays grown specifically for small pets, but they serve different roles in your pet's diet. Here's how to match each one to your rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchilla.
What makes each hay different
Oxbow Botanical Hay is a fragrant mix of Timothy Grass Hay with chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and clover. The herbs add aroma and taste that many small pets find irresistible, making it a great option for picky eaters or as an occasional treat. It comes in a 15 OZ bag, ideal for trying out or for smaller pets.
Oxbow Garden Animal Health Blends combines Western Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass in one 90 OZ package. It's designed as a convenient, enriching daily blend that offers variety in taste and texture. The larger size suits multi-pet households or owners who want a longer-lasting supply.
Key facts at a glance
- Oxbow Botanical Hay 15 OZ: Oxbow Botanical Hay 15 OZ blends Timothy Grass Hay with chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and clover. The herbal mix adds aroma and flavor that can entice picky eaters or serve as a special treat.
Oxbow Botanical Hay 15 OZ - Oxbow Garden Animal Health Blends Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass 90 OZ: Oxbow Garden Animal Health Blends Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass comes in a 90 OZ package. The larger size and two-hay blend support daily feeding for multiple pets or longer use between purchases.
Oxbow Garden Animal Health Blends Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass 90 OZ
Botanical Hay vs Garden Blend: side by side
- Ingredients: Botanical Hay adds chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and clover to Timothy Grass Hay. Garden Blend combines Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass with no added herbs.
- Flavor and aroma: Botanical Hay is designed for enticing herbal flavor and aroma. Garden Blend offers a milder, more natural hay taste with variety from two grass types.
- Package size: Botanical Hay comes in 15 OZ; Garden Blend is 90 OZ. The larger Garden Blend suits daily feeding, while Botanical Hay is easy to try or use as a treat.
- Nutritional profile: Both hays list the same guaranteed analysis: Crude Protein (min) 7.00%, Crude Fat (min) 1.50%, Crude Fiber (max) 32.00%, Moisture (max) 15.00%.
How to choose between them
Start with your pet's eating habits. If your rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchilla turns up its nose at plain hay, Oxbow Botanical Hay's herbal blend can make mealtime more appealing. Use it as a daily option or as a treat to encourage foraging.
If you want a straightforward, versatile hay that provides variety without extra herbs, Garden Blend is a practical staple. Its larger 90 OZ size means fewer refills, and the mix of Timothy and Orchard Grass gives your pet different textures to enjoy.
Many owners keep both on hand: Garden Blend for everyday fiber and Botanical Hay as an occasional flavor boost. That way, your pet gets consistent nutrition plus a little excitement in the bowl.
What the catalog doesn't tell you
The supplied information confirms both hays are high in fiber and grown specifically for small pets, but it doesn't specify feeding amounts, storage instructions, or suitability for every life stage. Start with a small amount and observe how your pet responds, and always provide fresh water. If your pet has a health condition, check with your veterinarian before changing its diet.
