Food 24/7?

[DocDolittle]

I have a question. I've heard people saying that they feed their piggies in the morning, at night, at set times, etc. Is it okay if I just fill up the bowl and allow them to eat whenever they like? They're maintaining a healthy weight, so is it okay for me to just keep their food in the bowls all day?

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Do you mean pellets, hay? Yes, that is fine, but veggies is not because they will get too fat, lol, and the veggies/fruits can spoil quickly if not eaten fast enough.

 

[DocDolittle]

Yes, pellets and hay. Veggies I give to them in the morning and evening, a mixture of romaine, cilantro, spinach, parsley, and asparagus. And I give him fruits either every other day or every two days, and then I give him oranges and apples. I always remove the fruits and veggies about two hours after they've eaten, or when they seem like they aren't interested anymore.

 

[critterlover]

Sounds like you're feeding them right. Yes, they need access to food (especially hay) 24/7, for the health of their digestive systems. They're not like carnivores who can eat two big meals a day.

veggies is not because they will get too fat

I don't know if they can get fat from too many veggies. I have heard that some guinea pigs can get fat from too many pellets and that certain types of pellets are fattening. So this is why some people limit the access to pellets or buy only certain types of pellets. Personally, I think adequate exercise (big enough cage) is more of an issue. I give mine pellets 24/7 and I think it's fine as long as it's not a problem.

 

[Piglet]

I think you are feeding them well. I too give vegetables in the morning and in the evening. I fill up their cage twice daily, so they always have some available. I usually put in a bowl of pellets in the morning, or before I go to bed.

 

[RubyPiggie2]

I don't know if they can get fat from too many veggies. I have heard that some guinea pigs can get fat from too many pellets and that certain types of pellets are fattening. So this is why some people limit the access to pellets or buy only certain types of pellets. Personally, I think adequate exercise (big enough cage) is more of an issue. I give mine pellets 24/7 and I think it's fine as long as it's not a problem.

Hah, I meant that if you feed them veggies literally 24/7 and don't have a big enough cage, they can definately get fat.

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Also, is breakfast an absolute need? I have little time to give them food in the morning since my bus gets here at 6:40, so I feed them when I get home and before I go to bed. Is this OK?

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

As long as they have hay and pellets, they should be fine.