Pellets How much pellets for overweight piggies?

[JimBob]

Hi,

One of our piggies is quite a bit overweight, probably from us giving them an unlimited supply of pellets.
How much pellets should we be feeding them, daily?
They have unlimited hay, and each day we give them a small amount of veggies/fruits.
Thanks, in advance.

 

[cfoster1966]

They should have 1/8 - 1/4 cup pellets a day. I would start with the 1/4 if he has been getting unlimited amounts and then work down to 1/8. He should also have at least 1 cup of veggies per day.

 

[JimBob]

Thank You very much for your help. I really appreciate it. My only concern would be the other piggie eating more than her share (they share a food dish).

 

[SFailed186]

Your guinea pig might not actually be overweight. How much does he weigh? You can find the appropriate weight for your guinea pig here. Also, take cfoster's advice and make sure that you are feeding the right type of pellet based on age because that will help tremendously.

Under 6 months - alfalfa based
6 months and up - Timothy based

Our third sow, Villie, was originally from a home that did not feed her well and where she was kept in a pet store cage with her mother (accidental litter, purchased pig from pet store). Villie was very overweight, but once she started eating Oxbow Cavy Cuisine and exercising in her new cage, she began to drop some of her extra weight and is now within the normal weight range.

 

[JD In Van]

With Cavy Cuisine they really really don't need more than 1/8th a cup each a day.
If you have multiple pigs you can also divide this in half and feed AFTER veggies so they don't gorge themselves on pellets.

For example. I have 2 pigs.

First thing in the morning they get fresh veggies and I top up their hay. After they've finished their veggies (just before I go to work) I give them 1/8 cup (for both), divided between their two bowls.

When I get home from work they get their beggies again, top up their hay and then they get 1/8 cup between two bowls again before I go to bed.

 

[lissie]

Fruit should also be limited to small amount once a week because they are sweet. If the pig is overweight, I'd stop giving fruit for now.