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Different Small Pet Select Hay Box? Matte vs. Glossy Packaging ExplainedUpdated a minute ago

Why do my Small Pet Select hay boxes look different?

If you've noticed that your Small Pet Select hay arrived in a different-looking box, you're not imagining things!

Some of our hay boxes have a matte finish while others have a glossy finish. The difference is purely cosmetic and is part of our transition to updated packaging.

During this transition, you may receive either box style while we work through our remaining inventory. The matte boxes provide slightly better tape adhesion during packing, while the glossy finish will become our standard packaging going forward.

Does the box finish affect the hay?

Not at all.

The finish of the box is not an indication of the hay's age, freshness, or quality. We pack fresh hay every day from the same premium inventory, regardless of which box style is used.

Whether your box is matte or glossy, you can expect the same fresh, high-quality hay your small pets know and love.

I ordered through Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, or PetSmart. Does that make a difference?

No.

All Small Pet Select hay orders, including those placed through Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, PetSmart, and other retail partners, ship directly from a Small Pet Select fulfillment warehouse. We do not pre-stock hay at our retail partners' warehouses.

That means the appearance of the box does not indicate where your order has been stored or how long it has been sitting. The only difference is the exterior packaging, not the hay inside.

What if I'm concerned about the hay itself?

If you have any concerns about the hay you received, we're always happy to help.

Please contact our Customer Success team with your order number and a few photos of the hay so we can take a closer look. Every concern is reviewed individually because the health and happiness of your small pets is always our top priority.

Our goal is always the same: to deliver fresh, premium hay that's ready for your furry family members to enjoy, no matter which box it arrives in. 

We've attached some side by side examples for you:

Packaging 1 2026-07-31 110919.png1.3MB



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