Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK to claim free food to feed my guinea pigs?

MalMonroe

Nobody seems to be aware, or even care, that guinea pigs should be eating at least 80% hay. Salad greens are good for them but should not be all that they eat. 

As per the PDSA - https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/your-guinea-pig-s-diet

I've kept guinea pigs in the past - they're not really a drain on expenses. (Unless you have about 20 of course.)

Groom

The definition of a food sharing app is "Anyone can download the free app and join the sharing community to give and receive items for free. "  So I think as long as you are prepared to give when you can and not just take, it is fine. Have you considered asking neighbours to save you their outside leave from vegetables rather than putting them in the recycling bins? 

skinnyliz

I note you said a food sharing app, not a food bank. Freegle and Olio members will help if you say what items you need, this is local and designed to be neighbourly. Also maybe Nextdoor. People often have stuff they can give if you will collect, which they wouldn't take to a food bank (food banks will often only take long-life stuff) and would otherwise be thrown away.

walace58

Eat the guinea pigs as you can’t afford to feed them or preferably offer them to a new home

Whitehairandbigteeth

Speaking for myself, my pets are important for my own wellbeing and I do not think it is bad to get free food for your guinea pigs that might otherwise be wasted.

Murphybear

I view it like this.  If you get some free food and give it to your guinea pig then that will save you a little bit of money to spend on food for yourself.  It won’t be much but every little helps as a supermarket says.

if I gave away food especially things like fruit and veg I would be more than happy for someone to give it to their pet.