what to feed miniature pigs

by Helga Grady Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

^{What treats can you feed mini pigs?}

Carrots
Celery
Sunflower seeds
Raisings
Cucumbers
Apples
Unsalted nuts
Unsalted popcorn

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 ...

How do you care for miniature pigs?

Play with your pig regularly.

You can use rubber dog toys for your pig. You can toss these toys for your pig and it will chase and catch them.
Pigs also like puzzle toys. Many pet stores sell toys where you place a treat inside a box a pig must then disassemble.
You should also keep a dirt box in your house. Pigs love rooting around in dirt. ...

What can mini pigs not eat?

What should I not feed my mini pig? “Pigs are very intelligent and easily learn how to open cabinet and refrigerator doors.” Cat and dog foods should not be fed to pigs, as they are too high in protein. What should I not feed my mini-pig? salty foods (such as chips and pretzels) caffeinated items (such as coffee, tea, and chocolate)

What foods are actually "toxic" to pigs?

Things That Are Toxic To Pigs

Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are natural toxins that are produced by molds. ...
Alcohol. Pigs that are given brewing waste can be at risk of alcohol poisoning, as sometimes grain keeps fermenting.
Salt. Some feeds—such as wet rations–contain a lot of salt, which is toxic in high amounts. ...
Coal Tar. ...
Medication. ...
Plants. ...
Signs of Poisoning. ...

What is the Diet of a Mini Pig?

whole grains
wheat, corn bran
nuts, seeds
potato skins
lignins
“some” vegetables (green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, celery)
“some” fruits (avocado, unripe bananas)
skins of some fruits (kiwi, tomatoes)

What foods are toxic to mini 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...•

How much should a mini pig eat per day?

What is the best thing to feed pigs?

Pigs can eat all kinds of scraps, or leftover food such as mealie-pap, bread, vegetables, fruit and pig pellets. Real pig pellets are, however, the best feed. Do not only feed one vegetable (such as cabbage), because pigs need a varied diet to stay healthy.

Can you feed mini pigs sweet feed?

Pellets Feeds 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.

What veggies can mini pigs eat?

How do you feed pigs cheaply?

Here are five ways to reduce swine feeding costsIncorporate DDGS into diets. ... Use small grains when available. ... Take a look at other co-products. ... Use fish meal substitutes. ... Eliminate inorganic phosphorus.

Do pigs need hay?

Studies on feeding pigs are done using silage, not hay. Many countries can not reliably harvest dry hay, so they harvest haylage or silage for their animals instead. This is a wet hay that is fermented so it keeps, think of it like sauerkraut.

What should pigs not eat?

It's ok to feed pigs uncontaminated fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, dairy, eggs, and vegetable oils. Do not feed pigs meat, fish, or their bones, oils, or juices, or ANY food that has touched these substances.

Is bread good for pigs?

Bread can be an economical food source for pigs, because bread that is not sold in supermarkets is returned to the bakery. The bakery will sell it to farmers for a greatly reduced price. Bread alone is not a complete diet, since pigs also need fiber, vitamins and protein.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 50-75% of their diet should be their pellet food, and the other 25-50% should be a mix of mostly vegetables and some fruits.

Examples of what you should feed your mini pig

Every pig should eat a balance between mostly their pellets, and some fruits and vegetables. It is safe to feed your pig most vegetables and fruits, but there are some that can be toxic to them as I explain in the next subheading. Here is a list of the most popular foods pig owners feed their pigs, all of which are completely safe for them to eat.

What is the best pellet food available for your mini pig?

All pet pigs should have a primarily pellet based diet. Although it is possible to feed them without pellets, it is more difficult and usually costs more. Pellets will deliver complete and balanced nutrition, meaning that you won’t have to give your pig any extra supplements or minerals.

How much does it cost to feed a mini pig?

Obviously, this will depend on what kind of food you get and how big your pig is, but on average, it will cost around $25 to $55 per month to feed a mini pig. This includes their pellet feed and other foods like fruits and vegetables.

What are the best treats for your mini pig?

Treats are great for training your pig and rewarding them for good behavior. A very inexpensive and simple treat would be whole grain cereals such as cheerios. Check out this article here, which teaches you how to create cheerio clusters (your pig will go crazy for them!). Other great treats include vegetables, fruits, raisins, granola, and eggs.

Do piglets eat the same food as adult pigs?

Piglets start out feeding on their mother’s milk for around the first 4 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, they can usually start to eat solid food such as pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Remember that it’s important to only get pellets that are labeled for piglets because pellets labeled for adults will be too big for a piglet to eat.

If you have multiple mini pigs, should you feed them together?

Mini pigs can get aggressive, especially when food is in the mix, so sometimes it might not be a good idea to feed all of your mini pigs at the same time. Your pigs might be different though and it may be perfectly fine to feed them together. This is just something you should be aware of if you are a multi pig owner.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 vegetables can pigs eat?

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

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.

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 is the main food of a pig?

Water is the central part of a pig’s diet. One-half to two-thirds of its body weight is water . Access to clean drinking water is essential to a pig’s growth rate. Newly weaned pigs are especially prone to dehydrate. However water is supplied, water devices must be sanitized and properly positioned.

How much weight do pigs gain?

With a proper diet, expect weight gains of about 1.5 to 1.7 pounds per day up to approximately 110 pounds.

What is the most important part of swine production?

The most important part of swine production is in knowing the correct way to feed pigs. Whether browsing through a piglet feeding guide or studying swine management techniques, pigs need a high energy diet that is low in fiber that contains ample protein. Pigs will consume enormous amounts of food quickly.

Why are pigs important?

Pig temperature requirements are important to growth and production . Pigs are a highly adaptable animal and can perform well within a range of temperatures. However, temperatures too low or too high can have adverse effects on stock.

What foods slow down growth?

Fish. Meat. Fruits. Potatoes. Foods high in sugars can slow growth rates while milk, meats, and fish can harbor viruses. Pits and seeds of apples, pears, apricots and peaches contain a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin which is a cyanogenic glycoside that is released when chewed causing illness, discomfort, or even death.

How much should a piglet weigh?

Piglets, younger pigs that weigh less than 40 pounds, should be introduced to a solid diet through creep feeding while they are still suckling. Dietary needs will increase daily with a pig’s weight.

What are the factors that affect feed intake?

This includes temperature and environmental control, adequate supply of water, and sanitation control programs.