What-toFeed.com

what to feed your mini pig

by Dr. Gregorio Cronin DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Examples of what you should feed your mini pig

  • Pellet feed
  • Cheerios (not too many though)
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Lettuce
  • Cucumbers
  • Peas
  • Zucchini
  • Bananas
  • Apples (take out the seeds)

More items...

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 ...

Full Answer

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. ...

How much does it cost to feed one pig?

The cost of feed for your pigs will be between $96-216 each, depending upon where you get your feed, with smaller bags and brand name feeds being more expensive. There are two main types of feed you can buy for your pigs, brand name or bulk. The brand name feed is at the local feed store in 50 pound bags.

What is it like having a mini pet pig?

The Cons are NOT what you would expect and not similar to any other animal:

  • Pigs have a hierarchy and are always trying to move up within it. A cute snuggly pig will start biting and swiping around 1 year old. ...
  • Pigs and young kids do not go together. Please see above. The pig will challenge little kids to move up in the herd.
  • Pigs and dogs NEVER go together. Dogs are predators, pigs are prey…see the problem? The pig wi

How much should you feed a growing pig?

Important points to remember regarding feed costs

  • Buying feed in the smaller bags, 50 pound size, will always cost more than buying in bulk
  • Bulk feed, 100 pound bags, are only available at mills that grind their own feed (a store that only has 50 pound bags is not grinding their own feed)
  • Only get the amount of feed that your pig will eat within 2-2.5 weeks. ...

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How many times a day should I feed my 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.

Can I feed my mini pig meat?

Milk, fish, meat in general aren't advisable to feed to pigs.

How much should a baby mini pig eat?

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 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...•

What shouldn't pigs 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. All food scraps can be composted.

What fruits can mini pigs eat?

You may have to buy little of each until you determine what your pig likes and doesn't like.Apple (Limit seeds, no leaves)Apricot (Limit seeds, no leaves)Avacodo (No skin or pit)Banana- can eat peel as well as the fruit.Berries.Breadfruit.Cherry (No pits or seeds, no leaves)Citron.More items...

What are pigs favorite treats?

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.

What do mini pigs drink?

Plain water is always best though. Dehydration leads to multiple other problems with pigs including kidney issues, UTI's (urinary tract infections) as well as constipation that can be further complicated by bowel obstructions. So please make sure your pig is drinking enough water.

Can mini pigs eat eggs?

Keep in mind the pig's overall body condition, if they are overweight they don't need any extras. Eggs are especially nutritious and can be given once or twice a week, raw or cooked, with or without shell.

What do pigs hate?

Plants. Bracken, hemlock, cocklebur, henbane, ivy, acorns, ragwort, foxglove, elder, deadly nightshade, rhododendron, and laburnum are all highly toxic to pigs.

How long do mini pigs live?

How long do mini-pigs live? Pot-bellied pigs typically live for 14-21 years, with an average of 15-18 years. To reach maximum lifespan, they must be fed a nutritionally complete diet and receive proper medical care (see handout “Veterinary Care for Mini-Pigs").

Can pigs eat egg shells?

They absolutely love them, but eggshells are not for pigs alone. People are known to grind their own eggshells into a powder and add to juices or foods to increase their calcium intake.

Can pigs eat meat?

Pigs can eat many different things, including meat. However, meat should never be the biggest focus of their diet. Fresh, whole fruits and vegetables should always come first. Food scraps are great supplemental ingredients to round out the pig's diet.

What is the cheapest way to feed pigs?

The cheapest way to feed pigs for butchering is to use ground feed from your local feed mill at $0.14/pound. If this is not an option for you, the next cheapest is to make your own feed at $0.22/pound.

What should I not feed my potbelly pig?

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...•

Can I feed my mini pig eggs?

Keep in mind the pig's overall body condition, if they are overweight they don't need any extras. Eggs are especially nutritious and can be given once or twice a week, raw or cooked, with or without shell.

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.

How to feed a pig pellets?

Start with a base of recommended 1-2% of body weight pellets (see chart below). Add supplemental meals which can include raw, steamed, or cooked vegetables, leafy greens and salads, or any variety from the healthy foods list . If you pig’s shape is changing and moving to above a 3 on the body conditioning chart, adjust the amount of pellets and supplemental meals down. If you pig’s shape is below a 2.5 on the body condition chart below then increase the pellets given daily or offer more outdoor grazing and supplemental meals, snacks, and treats.

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.

What is a small salad for pigs?

A small salad of mixed greens and/or a small serving of raw or cooked vegetables. Portion sizes would be related to your pig’s size and shape.

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. Make sure to always have water available for your mini pig.

What are the best treats for your mini pig?

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. Remember that all treats should only be fed to your pig with moderation, pigs can become obese very easily if fed to many.

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. Below I explain the possible options for pellets and the pros and cons for each brand.

How to know if your mini pig is getting obese?

That is why it’s important to only feed your pig 2% of their body weight daily, but if you believe your pig is obese there are a couple of signs that will tell you if they are for sure.

How to get your mini pig to lose weight if they’re obese?

To start off, you need to make sure they are eating right. All mini pigs should eat food that weighs equivalent to 2% of their body weight, but for obese pigs this is different. An obese pig should eat equivalent to 2% of their target weight. their target weight should be 10Lb less than what they currently weigh. And after every 3 weeks, you should lower the target weight by 10 pounds until they reach a target weight that would consider them a normal weight.

Do piglets eat the same food as adult pigs?

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. You also want to make sure you cut their fruits and vegetables into tiny pieces to help them eat properly.

What to feed pigs?

Dark, leafy greens, like kale or spinach, are perfect for pigs, providing ample amounts of vitamins and fiber which makes them feel fuller longer. 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. Any additions to your pigs pelleted feed should be measured and calculated into the total amount being fed. ANY food can be an energy source, but not all foods are equally as nutritious as others.

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 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 vegetables can pigs eat?

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

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 turn pig food into treats?

You can take pig appropriate food and turn them into treats by freezing them into ice treats that can be used for enrichment activities .

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 to feed a pelleted dog?

You can add any of these to a pelleted diet as well. Protein rich foods include: almonds, peanuts, beechnuts, Brazil nuts, butternuts, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, sunflower seeds and walnuts to name a few . Cereal grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice, oat bran, wheat bran, barley, corn and hominy . Beans (cooked, not raw) including kidney beans, Lima beans, navy or pinto beans. Vegetables can include carrots, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, corn, eggplant, kale, spinach, squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. You can click here to learn more about an all natural diet .

What are some good treats for a dog?

Good training treats are apple slices, grapes, raisins, frozen peas, and raw peanuts (in or out of the shell) .

How much should a pig weigh in pellets?

2% pigs ideal weight in pellets for any pig over 25 lbs. Along with veggies and fruits for snacks.

How to stop a pig from whining at night?

If your pig is indoors and constantly whines out for food, you can try increasing the number of pellets. I found giving Bently oatmeal at night helped him stop waking us up with a squeal at 4:30 a.m every morning.

How Much Food Do You Give?

Feeding too much or too little is a concern for many new pig parents. I know it was for me. I had a fear of feeding too much. And yet, when Bently was living in the house, he was constantly crying for food at night.

How long does a pig bag last?

If you only have one pig, this bag should last you a few months.

Do pigs like fruit trees?

In the warmer months, they get fewer pellets and a lot more veggies and fruits. In the summer, the pigs will come out of the pen and roam around. We also have a lot of fruit trees, and they love to indulge.

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.

Can you switch brands on a pig?

This is a personal story, and everyone’s pig is different but if you have any type of skin issues on your piggy, try switching brands.

What do I feed my mini pig?

Pigs are omnivores, which means they will eat both meat and vegetation. However, it is up to you if you want to provide your mini pig with a meat diet.

How much should a mini pig eat per day?

How much you feed your mini pig will be entirely dependent on its size. Once your pig reaches maturity, be sure to weigh it and be on the lookout for any changes to its size as this can be a sign of illness or an unhealthy diet.

What to feed a mini pig?

These can include celery, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, pears, grapes, apples, and leafy greens. Always ensure your mini pig has access to clean, fresh water.

What do mini pigs eat?

Your mini pig needs a diverse diet of high-quality pig pellets, veggies, and fruits. Different food formulas are made for different stages of your pig’s life, including starter pellets, young and growing feeds, adult pellets, and senior pig food. Newborns are generally bottle-fed. Always consult with your vet about what pellet formula to feed your mini pig.

Where Can I Get a Mini Pig?

You can adopt a mini pig from a local animal shelter, pig placement network, or an animal rescue sanctuary.

What Kind of Home Does My Mini Pig Need?

If you plan to keep your mini pig outside, he will need a large shelter and a fenced-in roaming area. If kept inside, you still need to get a crate for your pig where he can rest and relax. Keep straw in the outdoor shelter and a soft blanket in the indoor crate.

How Do I Take Care of My Mini Pig?

Mini pigs are highly intelligent animals and need plenty of socialization and affection. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours every day interacting with your pig.

How to keep a pig from hurting himself?

Keep him in a safe, secure pen when you’re not watching him. You should bathe your mini pig weekly. Use shampoo and soap specially made for pigs.

How do you know if a mini pig is sick?

Some common symptoms of a sick pig include not eating, lethargy, lameness, fever, difficulty defecating or urinating behavioral changes, and skin changes, such as lesions or sores.

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