Quick answer

Treats should never make up more than about 5–10% of your small pet's daily food intake. For a typical adult rabbit or guinea pig, that means roughly one to two small pieces of a healthy snack per day, such as a single Healthy Snacker or a small pinch of Pea Flakes. Always base the exact amount on your pet's size, activity level, and main diet.

How many treats does a rabbit or guinea pig actually need?

The 5–10% guideline is a simple starting point: if your pet eats about 1/4 cup of pellets and unlimited hay each day, treats should be a tiny fraction of that. For a medium rabbit (4–5 lbs), one Healthy Snacker or half a tablespoon of Pea Flakes is plenty. For a guinea pig (2–3 lbs), a single small piece or a few flakes is enough. Overfeeding treats—even healthy ones—can upset the delicate balance of their digestive system and lead to obesity or loose stool.

Are Healthy Snackers and Pea Flakes low-calorie enough for daily use?

Both are made from whole-food ingredients, but 'natural' doesn't automatically mean 'low-calorie.' Healthy Snackers are fruit-based, so they contain natural sugars; Pea Flakes are made from green field peas and provide plant-based protein, but they still carry calories. The key is portion control, not the treat itself. Use them as a small reward, not a meal replacement. If your pet is overweight or prone to digestive issues, reduce the amount to a few times per week instead of daily.

Can I use Timothy Hay Cubes as a treat instead of loose hay?

Timothy Hay Cubes are compressed hay, so they offer the same fiber benefits as loose hay but in a convenient, chewy form. They are not a substitute for unlimited loose hay—your pet still needs long-strand hay to wear down teeth and keep the gut moving. However, a small cube can be a great occasional treat or a way to encourage chewing. Because they are smaller than many market cubes, they fit small mouths easily, but you should still limit them to one or two cubes per day to avoid crowding out other food.

How do I adjust treat portions for senior or overweight pets?

For senior pets or those carrying extra weight, treats should be a rare luxury—think once or twice a week, not daily. Choose the smallest piece possible: break a Healthy Snacker in half, offer just two or three Pea Flakes, or skip the cube entirely. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, especially if they have dental issues or a history of GI stasis. Remember that any treat adds calories, so reduce pellet portions slightly on treat days if your vet approves.

Treat portion cheat sheet

Daily limit for rabbits

Aim for no more than 1–2 small pieces of a healthy treat per day, such as one Healthy Snacker or a half-tablespoon of Pea Flakes. If your rabbit is overweight, cut back to 2–3 times per week.

Daily limit for guinea pigs

Offer a single small piece or a few flakes—about the size of a pea—once per day. Guinea pigs have sensitive digestion; too many treats can cause soft stool.

Using hay cubes as treats

One or two Timothy Hay Cubes per day can satisfy chewing urges, but they do not replace unlimited loose hay. Always provide fresh loose hay alongside any cube treats.

Treat options at a glance

  • Healthy Snackers (2oz): Healthy Snackers (2oz) are made from scratch, by hand, with real fruit and are 100% all-natural. They are suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and rats. Because they are fruit-based, they contain natural sugars, so they work best as an occasional reward rather than a daily staple.
  • Pea Flakes: Pea Flakes are made from 100% green field peas with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals, and are packed with plant-based protein. They are suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chickens, and other small pets. Their light, crispy texture makes them easy to break into tiny pieces, helping you control portions for smaller pets.
  • Hay Cubes - Timothy: Hay Cubes - Timothy are smaller than many on the market, making them perfectly sized for the little mouths of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla, gerbils, hamsters, and mice. Their small size means you can offer a single cube as a chewy treat without overfacing your pet, but they should not replace loose hay.