How much should I feed my Guinea pig

Question
Hi,

Over the last year I have been a proud owner of a lovely guinea pig called Peanut, I rescued Peanut from someone who did not feed him and left him outside on hes own for days/weeks.
He is very happy living with myself and girlfriend, he lives in the house (caged) and gets plenty of floor time on a night time.

My question is how much should we feed him, he is overweight slightly, we fill a porcelain bowl with guinea pig food,we also give him carrots,broccoli and spinach/lettuce on a daily basis, think we feel guilty because of he's past and he is on hes own through the day.

I'm reading all conflicting reports about food qty etc, some reports even say remove food away from he's cage on a night time, other reports say guinea pigs should always have food in their cages.

Please help.

Kind regards
Frankie

Answer
Hi Frankie

A guinea pig would have to be seriously overweight for the diet to be changed. Piggies are supposed to be chunky afterall. Perhaps you would like to weigh peanut and let me know and I will tell you if there is a problem.

Its best to ensure peanut has a small amount of dry food and hay available at all times. I would limit fresh food intake to 1/2 cup twice per day. Remove fresh food only after an hour or so to make sure there isnt any that goes off.

Andy