what to feed a mini potbelly pig

• Hay. Forages such as grass or grass hay should be available to pet pigs at all times. ...
• Pellets Feeds. Potbellied pigs and other miniature pigs should be fed a commercial pelleted diet designed specifically for their nutritional needs.
• Treats. Treats should be fed sparingly and should make up less than 5-10% of the diet. Pet pigs are not garbage disposals- do no feed them your leftovers!
• Water. All pigs should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Full Answer

How to care for a miniature potbellied pig?

Potbellied Pig: Species Profile

• Potbellied Pig Behavior and Temperament. Some people equate having a pig with having a dog. ...
• Housing the Potbellied Pig. ...
• Food and Water. ...
• Common Health Problems. ...
• Purchasing Your Potbellied Pig. ...
• Potbellied Pig Size Categories. ...
• Similar Pets to the Potbellied Pig. ...

What pigs should not eat?

• Meat (guinea pigs are herbivores, and cannot eat or digest any meat)
• Mushrooms
• Rhubarb
• Avocados (the skin is toxic, the flesh is just super fatty)
• Peanut Butter
• Unripe Tomatoes/Tomato Leaves/Stems (the rest of the tomato is fine, and nutritious)

How much does a mini pot belly pig weigh?

• The pig oral cavity does not open as widely as in the dog or cat (narrow “gape”) and complete examination of the mouth is difficult, even under general anesthesia.
• Simple stomach
• Gallbladder present
• Spiral colon and large cecum

What is the best pot belly pig food?

Safe fruits include:

• Apples (remove seeds)
• Bananas (peels ok)
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Cantaloupe
• Grapes
• Mango
• Peaches (remove pits)
• Pears (remove pits)
• Pomegranate

More items...

What should I feed my potbelly pig?

Foods such as celery, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and some greens are good choices (but try to limit the starchy vegetables like potatoes). Some fruits can be feed as well but only in moderation due to the high natural sugar content.

What should you feed a mini pig?

A mini pig's diet should consist primarily of grains and leafy greens and of up to 12% protein. Fruit can be given in moderation as treats. Pigs are omnivores, so they are likely to eat nearly everything that comes their way, but that does not mean they should.

How often should you feed a potbelly pig?

Part of good pot belly pig care is proper diet. Feed your pig at least twice a day. A general guide is piglets should be fed on a free-choice basis (as many times as they want) or about 2 cups of pig chow from 6-8 weeks old (or as soon as pigs will nibble on it) until 1 year old.

What kind of vegetables can a potbelly pig eat?

Veggies: (giving veggies from all of the color groups is a good idea) Carrots, zucchini, beets (and their tops), turnips, eggplant, yellow squash, summer squash, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, green beans, yams or sweet potatoes (limited! – they are starchy), bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts.

Do mini pigs need hay?

Mini-pigs also should be offered hay to increase their dietary fiber content. If it is available for them to graze on, fresh untreated grass also increases dietary fiber and water consumption by pigs.

What is toxic to mini pigs?

Plants. Bracken, hemlock, cocklebur, henbane, ivy, acorns, ragwort, foxglove, elder, deadly nightshade, rhododendron, and laburnum are all highly toxic to pigs. Jimsonweed—also known as Hell's Bells, Pricklyburr, Devil's Weed, Jamestown Weed, Stinkweed, Devil's Trumpet, or Devil's Cucumber—is also poisonous to them.

What are pigs favorite food?

Most pigs love: cooked broccoli, pitted apricots, cucumbers, dark green lettuce, cooked potatoes, beets, grapes, pumpkins, all squashes, zucchini, snow peas, spinach, yams, kale, tomatoes, chard, carrots, pears, apples, berries, oranges, grapefruit, melons, pitted cherries, pitted peaches.

Do pigs need hay?

For a pig, hay is a low-calorie meal, and they benefit best from leafy hay with some protein in the mix—legumes such as clover and alfalfa are great for growing pigs, so seek out hay with plenty of extras for your herd.

What should potbelly pigs not eat?

What Should You Not Feed Potbellied Pigs?Green potatoes.Cabbage roots and seeds.Chocolate.Too much biscuits.Too much fruits and fruit juices.Apple seeds.Avocado skin and seed.Potato leaves, berries, and stem.More items...•

What foods are toxic to pigs?

POISONOUS FOODS FOR PIGSCabbage roots and seeds.Broccoli roots and seeds.Mustard root and seeds.Apple seeds.Green/unripe acorns and young oak leaves.Tomato leaves and vine.Avocado skin and pit.Rhubarb leaves.More items...•

Can pigs eat raw carrots?

Other healthy vegetables snacks for pigs include bean sprouts, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, parsnips, peppers, pumpkin, summer squash, turnips, winter squashes and zucchini.

Can mini pigs eat hay?

Hay. Forages such as grass or grass hay should be available to pet pigs at all times. Eating grass and hay promotes healthy digestion in pigs, from helping to wear their teeth down properly to preventing gastric ulcers.

How often should you feed a mini pig?

Spreading the amount of food your piggy needs into 2 feedings a day is HIGHLY advised. It is EXTREMELY important that you follow basic mini pig feeding guidelines. Also, we feel it's beneficial for digestion to ADD WATER to each meal.

How much do I feed my mini pig a day?

How much should you feed your mini pig? Mini pigs should only be fed around 2% of their body weight each day and divide that amount into 2 to 3 feedings each day. They will try to eat more, but mini pigs that are fed more than this will grow obese.

Can mini pigs eat regular pig food?

Potbellied pigs and other miniature pigs should be fed a commercial pelleted diet designed specifically for their nutritional needs. Pet pigs should not be fed sweet feed or other grains, or feeds designed for “show pigs” or hogs.

How many pellets should I feed my mini pig?

Measure your pigs food. If the goal is 2 cups of pellets daily in addition to 1 cup of vegetables, measure out that amount and only use that amount. This is especially important when you are a 1st time pig parent. It is very easy to overfeed pigs, especially since they always act like they're starving.

What to feed a mini pig?

In addition to pelleted pig chow, mini-pigs may be fed small amounts of other foods, including fresh or frozen vegetables and small amounts of fruit. Pelleted food should be offered first to the pig to help ensure it is consuming a balanced diet. Celery, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, carrots, squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens may be offered; starchy vegetables , such as potatoes, should be limited, as should canned vegetables that may be high in salt. Fruits such as apples, grapes, and pears, can be fed as well, but in moderation due to their high sugar content. Mini-pigs also should be offered hay to increase their dietary fiber content. If it is available for them to graze on, fresh untreated grass also increases dietary fiber and water consumption by pigs.

What can pigs eat?

Fruits such as apples, grapes, and pears, can be fed as well, but in moderation due to their high sugar content. Mini-pigs also should be offered hay to increase their dietary fiber content. If it is available for them to graze on, fresh untreated grass also increases dietary fiber and water consumption by pigs.

How long do piglets need milk?

Newborn piglets are generally bottle fed commercially available milk replacer for piglets and given starter food until about seven weeks of age , when they are weaned completely on to solid food. All pigs, even nursing piglets, should be offered fresh water daily.

Why should pigs be fed separately?

In general, pigs should be fed separately to ensure that submissive animals eat enough.

Why do pigs not finish their meals?

If a pig does not routinely finish meals, it is likely being overfed. Extremes in environmental temperature may make a pig consume less than normal. Pigs that normally finish their meals and suddenly stop doing so may be sick and should be examined by your veterinarian.

How many meals do pigs eat a day?

Wild pigs typically eat multiple small meals throughout the day and evening for a total of about 7-11 meals per day.

Can you feed pigs cat food?

Cat and dog foods should not be fed to pigs, as they are too high in protein. Pigs are very intelligent and easily learn how to open cabinet and refrigerator doors; therefore, pig-proofing (akin to child-proofing) your kitchen is typically required if you have a pig in your home.

What Do Pot Belly Pigs Eat?

Potbellied pigs are omnivores, but can also eat specialized pellet diets.

How Much Do Potbellied Pigs Eat?

The amount of food required to feed your potbellied pig generally depends on the quality of food and the weight of the pig. A diet for adult potbellied pigs should constitute the following:

How Often Do Pot Belly Pigs Eat?

Potbellied pigs really love to eat. Which is why we should always pay careful attention to the amount and quality of food that you feed them. They should be fed twice a day with a proper diet.

What Should You Not Feed Potbellied Pigs?

Many people believe that potbellied pigs can feed on a wide variety of foods (sometimes even garbage!) and still feel okay. However, this is not true because certain foods and plants are poisonous for potbellied pigs. Some of the toxic foods and plants as outlined by the Southern California Association of Miniature Potbellied Pigs include:

Things to Consider When Feeding Your Pot Belly Pigs

Avoid feeding your pot belly pigs swine or hog feed as they might have been formulated to serve different purposes, such as boosting growth within minimal time. Consider buying pot belly pigs pellets that are specially formulated for them.

Final Thoughts

Potbellied pigs are easily overfed because they’ll never say no to more and more food. It’s important that you monitor your pig’s weight to ensure that they are not overweight. Some of the signs you should look for to determine whether your pig is overweight include a fat roll covering their eyes.

How much should I feed my mini pig?

Here is the general guidelines to feed your mini pig. 1/4 cup 2x a day for a 25 lbs. pig. Along with veggies and fruits for snacks throughout the day. 2% pigs ideal weight in pellets for any pig over 25 lbs. Along with veggies and fruits for snacks.

Do treat balls keep pigs occupied?

The treat balls give them something to do and burn a few extra calories in the winter. It’s hard enough to keep them occupied in the house when its freezing out! Read: Tips to Keep Your Pig Entertained in Winter. In the warmer months they get less pellets and a lot more veggies and fruits.

How do I care for a mini pig?

Healthy nutritional choice s are a requirement when caring for a mini pig. Mini pigs seem to live in a constant state of hunger. You will rarely ever see a pig turn up its snout and walk away from food, unless they are ill. As with any animal, over feeding or under feeding is incredibly unhealthy and can ultimately shorten lifespan. The goal with mini pigs is to find a healthy balance of a nutritional pelleted diet along with a variety of vegetables that will keep their bodies a healthy shape while satisfying that seemingly never-ending hunger.

What is a mini pellet pig?

Mini pig pellets are the preferred choice for owners who are not comfortable taking the leap into exploring all that is required for a well-rounded natural diet. It’s good to research the natural diet article to discover food options for snacks or supplemental meals.

What is the goal of mini pigs?

The goal with mini pigs is to find a healthy balance of a nutritional pelleted diet along with a variety of vegetables that will keep their bodies a healthy shape while satisfying that seemingly never-ending hunger. Pigs are omnivores. Their meals can come from a variety of food sources.

How much should a pig eat a day?

So, if your pig weighs 200 pounds, but should weigh 150 pounds, you should feed him a 150 pound diet. 2. For correct nutritional balance, your pig should eat 2% of his IDEAL weight per day.

Can you get weight off a pig?

The result of the extra weight/fat can take a serious toll on their overall heath, limiting mobility, compromising eyesight and hearing, not to mention the strain it is putting on their heart. It’s very difficult to get weight off a pig, but it is not impossible.

Can you see your pig's spine?

Mini pigs, like humans, need calories and nutrients to maintain their activity levels and overall healthy. You should never be able to see your pigs hip bones or spine.

Base Diet

Pigs are omnivores, so they eat both vegetable matter and animal protein. In the wild, they can eat up to 11 small meals each day. Since this is nearly impossible to replicate in captivity, you can divide your pig’s daily food allotment into two to three meals.

Overfeeding

Pigs love to eat. People think that because the pigs are happy when they’re eating, they should feed them more. The problem is that pigs won’t stop eating because they feel that they should. They only stop eating when food is no longer offered to them.

Daily Diet

The pot-bellied mini-pig’s pellet diet can be supplemented with other foods, but not until the pellets are consumed first. If offered tasty treats like carrots and apples, the pig will likely ignore the pellets.

Foods That Are Toxic to Pot-Bellied Mini-Pigs

Your pig will eat nearly everything that they can find or that you offer them, so being aware of the dangers of certain foods will help you keep them safe.

Fresh Produce

Fresh fruit and vegetables should make up 25% of your pig’s diet. Try to limit starchy veggies, like potatoes. Fruit high in sugar should be fed in moderation.

What to Do If Your Pig Needs to Lose Weight

Even with the best of intentions, overfeeding can occur. If you are concerned about your pig’s weight, talk to your vet about a diet plan. In some cases, reducing the calories or number of meals will be enough to get your pig back to a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Pot-bellied mini-pigs should be fed pellets that are nutritionally complete and offer the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein that they need every day. This diet can be supplemented with fresh or cooked vegetables and fruit. Sugary fruit should be limited and used as occasional treats or motivation during training.

What are some good snacks for pigs?

Other healthy vegetables snacks for pigs include bean sprouts, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, parsnips, peppers, pumpkin, summer squash, turnips, winter squashes and zucchini. Here is a list of foods that are appropriate to feed your pig in addition to your manufacturered pelleted feed.

What are some foods that pigs don't like?

ANY food can be an energy source, but not all foods are equally as nutritious as others. Artichoke (Some pigs do not like artichokes) Arugula. Asparagus. Green, Purple, White. Avocado (No pits or skin) Bean Sprouts . Beet. Belgian Endive.

Can pigs eat raw vegetables?

Yams. Zucchini. Pigs can pretty much eat the same foods that people can eat. Some pigs prefer to eat their veggies cooked rather than raw, and most pigs have a preferred foods that they’ll eat without any fuss, but those same pigs will leave some vegetables in their bowl and refuse to eat them.

Can pigs eat humans?

Pigs can pretty much eat anything that humans eat...IN MODERATION . We also wanted to address foods you should avoid in addition to listing foods that are ok. Watermelon rinds and corn cobs, these tend to be 2 common concerns with miniature pigs.

Can you cook pigs with butter?

These foods shouldn’t be cooked with butter or salt, if your pig prefers the veggies to be cooked, then steaming or baking them is best. Some of these foods can also cause gas, so it is up to you whether or not you feed those types of foods.

What to feed pigs to keep them healthy?

Forages such as grass or grass hay should be available to pet pigs at all times. Eating grass and hay promotes healthy digestion in pigs, from helping to wear their teeth down properly to preventing gastric ulcers. Bermuda hay and Timothy hay are healthy choices for potbellied pigs. Alfalfa hay is too rich in calories for most pet pigs. If your pig has never eaten hay before, you can encourage consumption by wetting hay with a small amount of apple juice or other fruit juice. Discard any wet, uneaten hay daily to prevent molding.

Do pigs eat garbage disposals?

Treats should be fed sparingly and should make up less than 5-10% of the diet. Pet pigs are not garbage disposals- do no feed them your leftovers! However, treats are very helpful in training and socializing pet pigs, so it is important to have healthy options available.

Can pigs eat sweet food?

Pet pigs should not be fed sweet feed or other grains, or feeds designed for “show pigs” or hogs. Potbellied pig feeds should be fed according to label recommendations, based on the ideal healthy weight of the pig. The daily serving of pellets should be divided up into at least 2 meals per day.

Can pigs eat pretzels?

Fruits and fruit juices should be fed less frequently due to their high sugar contents. On special occasions, pigs can enjoy dog biscuits, pretzels, unbuttered popcorn or a dry cereal low in sugar.

Can pigs eat hay?

Alfalfa hay is too rich in calories for most pet pigs. If your pig has never eaten hay before, you can encourage consumption by wetting hay with a small amount of apple juice or other fruit juice. Discard any wet, uneaten hay daily to prevent molding.

What vegetables can pigs eat?

Feed the starchy vegetables with discretion. Pigs love banana peels, but do not feed citrus peels.

What do pigs eat?

In the wild, pigs eat a range of vegetation, acorns, grains and small animals. Potbelly pigs require a high-fiber diet; excess fat and protein consumption can cause unnecessary weight gain. Although pigs tend to prefer sweets, some have sugar intolerance. You must avoid high-sugar treats.

What is the difference between Purina pig and Mazuri?

Purina pig and sow is produced for production pigs it is designed to be complete nutrition for these pigs. Mazuri feed, however, is designed for many pigs or pet pigs. The Mazuri diet is formulated to be added to foods that a pig Parent may be given their pet pig such as vegetables treats or fruits.

How to make pigs eat popcorn?

In a large bowl, melt a quarter-cup of peanut butter in the microwave; this will likely take about two minutes but varies. Add the popcorn to the peanut butter and stir them together for a sticky, yummy homemade treat your pig should love. Ingredients to Avoid. Some foods aren't good for pigs' diets.

What should I not feed my pig?

I nappropriate things to feed your pig include cat or dog food, meat, alcoholic beverages, chocolatey or salty foods, candy or sugary treats, acorns, dairy products or poisonous plants in your yard or home.

What are some good treats for pigs?

Good training treats are apple slices, grapes, raisins, frozen peas, and raw peanuts (in or out of the shell) . There are many foods that are a nutritious and healthy alternative for your pig. Not all pigs like everything that's good for them.

Can you eat pumpkin raw?

Pumpkin is a versatile food and can be eaten raw, steamed, baked, or roasted and is commonly used in muffins, pies, soups, and stews. Frozen or canned pumpkin is an alternative option to include this healthy vegetable into your diet when you are short on time.

What to feed a pig to keep it healthy?

Stick to low calorie vegetables like leafy greens, celery, carrots, and cucumbers. Avoid higher calorie veggies, like canned vegetables, corn, nuts, and seeds. Fruit can be given to your pig on occasion as a treat, but it should not be a staple of your pig's diet. Stay away from dried fruit, as this is high in calories.

How to keep a potbelly pig outside?

Set up a good outdoor shelter. If you prefer, and if you have a backyard, you can keep a potbelly pig outside. You should also have an outdoor shelter in place just to let your indoor pig out on occasion. Potbelly pigs are not very big and cannot jump high.

What is a potbelly pig?

Miniature potbellied pigs are clean, intelligent and social pets. A miniature potbelly pig can be a great pet for you, but make sure you can care for one adequately. A potbelly pig will need proper food and shelter. You will need to play with your pig to assure it stays in shape.

How old do potbelly pigs get?

Potbelly pigs reach sexual maturity around 8 weeks of age. Shortly after your pig is 8 weeks old, make an appointment to have it spayed or neutered. Keep your house safe for your pig. You want to make sure your pig can navigate your home safely.

What to do if a pig defecates outside the box?

If your pig defecates outside the box, place the feces in the litter box so the pig knows where to go. Praise the pig for using the box. Pigs are highly intelligent and can understand praise. If you say something like, "Good pig!". after your pig uses its litter box, it will begin to understand.

How to keep pigs clean?

Whether your keep your pig inside or outside, make sure to keep a bowl of fresh water near your pig. Check the water bowl regularly and replace it as needed. If the water gets dirty, replace it with clean water.

Can you keep a potbelly pig indoors?

Potbelly pigs are fairly clean pets, so many owners have no problem keeping them indoors. If you want to raise your potbelly pig indoors, however, it's important to set up the right environment so your pig can thrive. Pigs don't need to be confined frequently, but they should have their own space in the house.