Alfalfa King

Alfalfa King Double Compressed Hay for Small Animals

Premium double compressed hay for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and more. Nevada-grown alfalfa, timothy and oat wheat barley hay from a family-owned brand.




Hay is not a single thing. The type of hay you feed your rabbit, guinea pig or chinchilla, how it was grown, when it was cut and how it was packed all make a real difference to its nutritional value, palatability and freshness. Alfalfa King is a family-owned American brand that has been growing and supplying premium hay specifically for small animals since the 1980s, and the quality difference compared to cheaper bulk hay is immediately obvious when you open a bag.

 

What Makes Alfalfa King Different

Alfalfa King hay is grown in the high-altitude, arid climate of Central and Western Nevada, a region that produces some of the best hay in the world thanks to its combination of sunshine, dry air and clean growing conditions. The climate naturally limits pests and disease, reducing the need for intervention and allowing the hay to be produced in an environmentally sound way.

The defining characteristic of Alfalfa King is its double compression process. Rather than the loosely packed, bulky bags of hay you will find from many competitors, Alfalfa King hay is compressed into a dense, solid brick. This is not just a packaging choice. Double compression removes excess air and moisture, which extends freshness significantly and means you are paying for actual hay rather than trapped air. The bags are also hand-packed to maintain quality at every stage. Pick up an Alfalfa King bag and then pick up a same-sized bag from a budget brand and the weight difference tells the story clearly.

 

Which Hay Is Right for Your Pet?

Not all hay suits all animals or all life stages. Alfalfa King offers three distinct hay varieties, each with a different nutritional profile and best-use case.

  • Alfalfa King Timothy Hay 454g, 1.8kg and 4.5kg - Timothy is the everyday staple hay for most adult small animals and should make up the bulk of the diet for adult rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. It is a grass hay, meaning it is lower in protein and calcium than legume hays like alfalfa, which makes it ideal for maintenance feeding without the risk of overloading animals with nutrients they do not need in large quantities. Timothy is high in fibre which is essential for healthy gut motility in herbivores and helps maintain proper dental wear. Available in three sizes, making it practical for single pet households and multi-animal setups alike.
  • Alfalfa King Alfalfa Hay 454g - Alfalfa is a legume hay rather than a grass hay, which gives it a significantly higher protein and calcium content than timothy. This makes it well suited to young, growing animals that need extra nutrients for bone and muscle development, pregnant or nursing females with elevated nutritional demands, and underweight animals that need help regaining condition. For healthy adult animals it is best used as an occasional treat or supplement rather than the primary hay, as the higher calcium content can contribute to urinary issues if fed in excess long term.
  • Alfalfa King Oat, Wheat and Barley Hay 454g - A three-grain grass blend that adds variety to the diet. Cut while still at the immature groat stage, it retains seed heads which many small animals find particularly attractive. The mix of oat, wheat and barley grasses provides good fibre with a slightly different texture and flavour to timothy, making it a useful rotation option to keep animals interested in their hay and eating consistently.

 

Suitable Animals

Alfalfa King hay is suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, prairie dogs and herbivorous reptiles including tortoises. Hay should be available to rabbits and guinea pigs at all times as it is the foundation of a healthy diet for these species, supporting both digestive health and dental wear that keeps teeth from overgrowing.

 

Why Buy Alfalfa King at The Vet Shed

The Vet Shed stocks the Alfalfa King range across all three hay varieties and multiple sizes, with savings of up to 22% off RRP. The 4.5kg Timothy Hay is particularly good value for households with multiple animals or a single rabbit that goes through hay quickly. We ship fast across Australia from our local warehouse, ensuring your small animals never run out of the fresh hay they rely on every day.

 

FAQs About Alfalfa King Hay

What is double compressed hay and why does it matter?

Double compression is a process that applies additional pressure to baled hay, significantly reducing its volume and removing trapped air and moisture. The result is a denser, heavier product that stays fresher for longer than loosely packed hay. It also means you are getting considerably more actual hay per bag compared to budget products that bulk up with air. Alfalfa King's double compressed hay is noticeably heavier than equivalent-sized bags from other brands, which reflects the higher hay content per package.

What is the difference between timothy hay and alfalfa hay?

Timothy is a grass hay with lower protein and calcium levels, making it the right choice for everyday feeding of healthy adult rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. It is high in fibre which is essential for gut health and dental wear in these species. Alfalfa is a legume hay with significantly higher protein and calcium, which makes it suitable for young, growing or pregnant animals but too rich as a daily staple for healthy adults. Feeding adult rabbits or guinea pigs large amounts of alfalfa long term can lead to excess calcium in the urine and related health problems.

How much hay should my rabbit eat each day?

Hay should make up roughly 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit's daily diet and should be available at all times rather than rationed. A good guide is that your rabbit should eat a bundle of hay roughly the size of their own body each day. Consistent hay consumption is one of the best indicators of a healthy rabbit gut. If your rabbit stops eating hay or significantly reduces their intake, this warrants a vet visit.

Can guinea pigs eat timothy hay?

Yes. Timothy hay is one of the best everyday hays for adult guinea pigs. Like rabbits, guinea pigs need constant access to grass hay for digestive health and to keep their continuously growing teeth worn to a healthy length. Young guinea pigs under six months can benefit from alfalfa hay due to its higher protein and calcium content to support growth, but adult guinea pigs should primarily eat grass hays like timothy.

What is the oat, wheat and barley hay blend used for?

The Oat, Wheat and Barley hay is a three-grain grass blend that works well as a variety hay alongside timothy. Many small animals appreciate the different texture, aroma and flavour of a grain grass blend and it can help encourage hay consumption in animals that have become bored with a single hay type. The seed heads in this blend are particularly attractive to most small animals. It has a comparable nutritional profile to other grass hays and is suitable for adult rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas.

Which size should I buy?

For a single rabbit or guinea pig, the 454g bags are a practical starting point to assess freshness and palatability before committing to a larger quantity. For households with multiple animals or a single rabbit with a good appetite for hay, the 1.8kg or 4.5kg Timothy Hay offers significantly better value per kilogram. Store opened hay in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

Is Alfalfa King hay suitable for tortoises?

Yes. Certain tortoise species that are natural grazers benefit from access to dried grass hays as part of a varied diet. Timothy and oat grass hays can be offered to grazing tortoise species as a supplementary food source. Always research the specific dietary requirements of your tortoise species as nutritional needs vary significantly across different types.

Where can I buy Alfalfa King hay in Australia?

You can buy Alfalfa King hay right here at The Vet Shed. We stock Timothy Hay in 454g, 1.8kg and 4.5kg, Alfalfa Hay 454g and Oat, Wheat and Barley Hay 454g, all at competitive prices with fast shipping to addresses across Australia.