Small Pets — Sensitive Stomach Support

Soothe delicate tummies for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and chinchillas with gentle, species-appropriate choices. Curated by Canine & Co, this collection focuses on high-fibre basics, simple ingredient foods, and gut-friendly supplements to help restore consistency without overcomplicating your routine.

What you’ll find

• Premium grass hay (herbivores): Timothy, meadow and oat hays to keep fibre high and motility steady.
• Species-specific pellets: Balanced formulas (with Vitamin C for guinea pigs) and plain, low-additive options.
• Probiotics & fibre boosters: Gentle daily supports for stable stools and digestion.
• Hydration helpers: Drip-smart bottles, non-spill bowls and electrolytes for recovery days.
• Forage & toppers: Simple herbs/leafy mixes to encourage slow, natural eating.
• Treats for sensitives: Limited-ingredient, high-fibre nibbles in tiny portions.

Pick by pet

• Rabbits & Chinchillas: Unlimited grass hay + measured plain pellets. Avoid rich/sugary treats and gas-forming veg; offer small, steady portions.
• Guinea Pigs: Unlimited hay + pellets formulated with Vitamin C; introduce greens slowly and keep fruit rare.
• Hamsters: Prefer a complete pellet base (less picking) with tiny, gradual add-ins; provide a sand bath (not water baths).
• Rats & Mice: Quality lab blocks as the base; offer small veg portions; keep fats/sugars minimal.

Simple tummy-friendly routine

• Feed fibre first: Refill hay morning & evening for herbivores; keep pellets measured and consistent.
• Small, steady meals: Split daily portions to reduce gulping and improve tolerance.
• Hydration matters: Fresh water at all times; check bottles daily for flow and leaks.
• Calm foraging: Scatter part of the ration in a snuffle mat or tray to slow eating.

Switching foods (do this slowly)

• 7–10 day transition: Start 75% old / 25% new, increase new by ~25% every 2–3 days.
• One change at a time: Keep treats and toppers simple until stools and appetite are stable.
• Track basics: Note stool size/shape, appetite, weight and behaviour each day.

Habitat & loo tweaks that help

• Low-dust bedding: Paper/aspen to reduce irritation; avoid perfumed products.
• Dry toilet area: High-back tray with paper/plant-based pellets to prevent damp and scald.
• Stress-light: Quiet location, steady routine and good ventilation (no drafts).

Safety notes

• Species-specific only: Avoid dog/cat or human medications unless an exotics vet advises.
• Limit sugars & fats: Keep fruit, yoghurt drops and rich seeds to rare or none.
• Storage: Keep pellets/hay cool, dry and sealed; discard damp or musty feeds.

When to see an exotics vet

• Emergency for herbivores: Not eating/pooping, severe bloating, or sudden lethargy.
• Persistent diarrhoea/very soft stools, weight loss, dehydration, blood/mucus in stool, or repeated tummy pain.

Use filters to choose by species, fibre level and format. Order online for fast delivery anywhere in South Africa—then build a calm, consistent feeding plan that keeps small-pet tummies settled.