New pig owners often fail to give much consideration to what they'll feed their new family member. As a result, many pigs suffer from an improper diet which will compromise the pig's long term health. As shown on the Pig Weights page, consequences can be devastating, even deadly.
My FIRST recommendation is do not believe what many breeders tell new owners to feed, ESPECIALLY if you bought into the micro/teacup/pocket pig/etc. lie and purchased a "teacup/micro" piglet! A common recommendation by breeders is to feed a pig only 1/4 cup of food a DAY. No growing pig can survive on that AND the amount being fed must be increased as the pig grows. It would seem to be common sense but the concept escapes some people. Their pig dies of starvation before even coming close to adulthood (4-5 YEARS). For an example of pigs starved to keep them small see Hannah and Tooey's page and Swilbur's Story. These owners followed the breeders' instructions to feed small amounts to keep the pig small. Growing bodies require a good balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the correct amounts or bones are weakened, immune systems compromised, organs affected and overall health deteriorates, sometimes to the point of no return. Oh, and dog food is NEVER appropriate as the total diet but it can be useful to add fat and caloried to an aged or underweight pig's diet.
My SECOND recommendation is to feed the pig as an INDIVIDUAL. Go by appearance, not what a feed bag (it's a GUIDE, not a rule) or what someone suggests. The quantity required will depend on whether the pig is growing, active, sedentary, has access to grazing or recieves many treats, and his age. See the Pig Weights pig for examples of weights and what is healthy or a problem. One should never see "angles" on a healthy pig, nor should the pig carry an excess amount of weight, which will lead to arthritis, blindness, deafness, organ issues, lethargy and poor overall health.
My THIRD recommendation is to be sure to feed a BALANCED DIET which will include a quality commercial mini pig feed such as Mazuri, which is made for three different life stages, Youth, Active Adult and Elder. It contains necessary vitamins and minerals as well as the right amount of fat and protein to ensure optimum health. In addition to that, an assortment of vegetables and fruits in REASONABLE quantities may be added, as well as access to grass and/or good hay (not straight alfalfa) to add long stem fiber to the diet. Do not depend on a diet of strictly vegetables and fruits to supply the required nutrition. Living as nature intended, the pig would forage for the better part of a day, eating fruits, grasses, nuts, grains, roots, even soil. As an omnivore, they'll also take advantage of a source of meat, eating carrion and sometimes even catching prey. Some of my pigs will run down and catch mice if the opportunity presents itself. Pig owners have even lost chickens to an opportunistic pig.
In season, apples, pumpkins, zuchinni and other squash, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and the like are a welcome addition...amounts all within reason. To avoid the risk of choke, chop apples, potatoes, carrots and hard squash.
My FOURTH recommendation is to add hay to the diet. Hay will provide a great source of long stem fiber, necessary for good digestive health. It is also a low calorie feed which gives the pig something to do long after the regular meal is gone. The pig will also make a bed of what isn't eaten and the digestion process will generate heat in the cold winter months.
TYPES OF HAY
The type of hay available and price you pay will depend on where you live and varies greatly. Someone living in a high production area where it's readily available may pay from $3 to $6 for a 40-50 pound bale of first cutting mixed grasses. The price may double for quality second cutting, as it will contain fewer undesirable weeds. If it is purchased directly from the grower, picked up in the field or off the wagon, one might expect a considerable savings. Once the farmer has to handle it or transport it, the price will go up accordingly. It will go up even more if purchased from a feed store, though the quality may be more consistent. And if you live in an area where hay must be imported from another state, expect to pay upwards of $16 - $20 or more for a bale. That said, a bale of hay will last most pigs quite a while.
Alfalfa hay is a high fiber legume, high in protein, energy and calcium. The best alfalfa should be very green, smell sweet and be dust and mold free and have lots of leaves from the plant. The stems should not be overly coarse, as the pig will not want to eat them. As a rule, it is too rich for most pet pigs, but pigs will enjoy it as a treat.
The analysis is usually close to this...
*Crude Protein min. 16.00%
*Crude Fat min. 1.50%
*Crude Fiber max. 32.00%
*Moisture max 15.00%
Timothy hay is a good source of copper and zinc. It is often mixed with alfalfa. It is generally a bit less expensive than alfalfa hay and a better choice for most pet pigs.
The analysis is usually...
*Crude Protein min. 10.00%
*Crude Fat min. 1.50%
*Crude Fiber max. 32.00%
*Moisture max 15.00%
Bermuda Grass is an excellent source of fiber while it provides lass protein and is a good source of Vitamin D and has a good balance between calcium and phosphorus.
The analysis is typically...
*Crude Protein min. 8.00%
*Crude Fat min. 1.50%
*Crude Fiber max. 32.00%
*Moisture max 15.00%
Orchard Grass is a tall perennial with flat leaves. It is high in fiber but lower in protein than Bermuda grass. Color will vary depending on the maturity of the plant when harvested. Some areas will also have Oat hay or Forage Hay (which is a mix of wheat and barley)
The analysis for the above is...
*Crude Protein min. 7.00%
*Crude Fat min. 1.50%
*Crude Fiber max. 32.00%
*Moisture max 15.00%
Mixed Grass hay is often available as well for a reasonable price. The quality and analysis will vary depending on what the grasses are and the maturity of the plants when harvested. As a rule, if it is clean, dust free, sweet smelling and mold free, it is a good choice for pet pigs. They will sort out what they want to eat and make a bed of the remainder.
