Weight Loss Diet For Guinea Pigs

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Help! I need advice! My piggies are slightly overweight .

The threads on this forum are all very useful but I getting confused about how to feed my piggies the foods that ensure that they get enough vitamin C , don't get too much calcium , get plenty of variety - but don't get too many calories.

The information I have gleaned so far is ... (please correct me if I am wrong)

Hay - Timothy hay is the best hay to suppy in unlimited quantites as this is the lowest in calcium. Alfalfa hay should definately be avoided in piggies who are over 6 months old and are not pregnant.

Readigrass ( my piggies love this) - amount given should be limited as it is quite high in calcium.

Pellets - ideally should be Timothy Hay based. My 2 will only eat the "Pets at Home" brand - does anyone have any thoughts on this brand? Can anyone recommend a Timothy Hay based alternative?

Fresh Food - limit fruits as these are high in sugar.

Has anyone got a diet sheet that would help me feed my piggies a nutritious reducing diet?

Any advice will be gratefully revceived.
 
That all looks spot on to me! Just a few thoughts:

- Burgess is generally thought of as a good brand. Personally, I wouldn't feed Pets at Home brand food. The only nuggets made with timothy hay, that I'm aware of (aside from 'special diet' nuggets) is Oxbow Cavy Cuisine. I feed my piggies on this, but it is quite pricey compared to other brands, and can be difficult to get hold of

- Treat sticks should be avoided as they are high in sugar and not great for piggies - they would much prefer an extra handful of hay if you wish to treat them!
 
Yes - I wouldn't use the "pets at home" brand either - if it wasn't for the fact that it's the only brand they'll eat ! I'm having some difficulty finding a stockist for Oxbow Cavy Cuisine - I have seen a previous thread (2012) which recommended the pet supermarket but it doesn't seem to be in stock here. any ideas where I should look?

I stopped using treat sticks quite a while ago as they aren't too bothered about them. I think one of my piggies downfalls is there love of readigrass. I am going to ration this as soon as my Timothy Hay arrives.
 
How much do your guinea pigs weigh? Their weight can vary and I think it is unlikely they are overweight. My mooli weighs around 900g but Sophie weighs 1300g. They come in all shapes and sizes. You are feeding them a correct diet. Reddigrass is fattening. I do not feed it as I think it is too high in calcium.
 
Last time I weighed them , Max weighed 1384g and Monty weighed 1298g. This was nearly a month ago. They are due to be weighed again but I am avoiding handling them at the moment as I have got a cold.
 
Their weights are fine. As long as you are following the eating guidelines you have nothing to worry about.
 
That does not seem overweight to me if they are boars. Both my boys hover around the 1300g mark. One goes for monthly dentals and so is weighed by the vet each time & my vet has never thought he was overweight. What makes you think they are overweight?
 
Thank you. The vet told me that they were overweight when I took them for their check up and one always feels that one should respond to advice given by a medical person! I am happy to accept that they well padded (just like their owner). I will check their weights regularly and won't get concerned unless they gain any more weight (likewise - just like their owner).
I am weighing their dry food to ensure that my portion control is OK - I give them the maximum amount recommended but there is always some left when I change their food bowls.
I have also learnt a lot from other threads about ways to improve their diet. I hope my boys will cope with having their redigrass rationed!
 
My vet told me my george was over weight he was around 1.2kg and looking back I dont think he was!
 
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