A Complete Guide to Pig Dietary Requirements for New Owners

Pigs are intelligent, social animals that require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and thrive. Whether you’re keeping pigs as pets, for breeding, or for meat production, understanding their dietary needs is essential to ensure their well-being. This guide covers everything new pig owners need to know about feeding pigs, from basic nutritional requirements to special dietary considerations.

Understanding Pig Nutrition

Pigs are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal-based foods. Their diet must provide the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support growth, reproduction, and overall health.

A pig's diet should include the following key components:

Commercial Pig Feed

The easiest and most reliable way to meet a pig’s nutritional needs is by providing commercially prepared pig feed. This feed is specifically formulated to contain the right balance of nutrients for different stages of a pig’s life.

Common types of commercial pig feed include:

• Starter feed: For piglets from birth to around 8 weeks old. It is high in protein to support rapid growth.
• Grower feed: For pigs from 8 weeks to about 16 weeks. It has a slightly lower protein content but provides enough energy for growth.
• Finisher feed: For pigs from 16 weeks to slaughter. It has a lower protein content but provides more energy to promote weight gain.

Choose a feed that is appropriate for your pigs’ age and purpose (e.g., pet pigs vs. meat production).

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Pigs enjoy eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can be used to supplement their diet. Some good options include:

• Carrots
• Apples (without seeds)
• Pumpkin
• Squash
• Peas
• Spinach
• Cucumbers

Avoid feeding pigs mouldy or spoiled produce, and never give them raw potatoes, onions, or avocados, as these can be toxic.

Grains and Legumes

Pigs can eat grains and legumes as a source of energy and protein. Common grains fed to pigs include:

• Barley
• Wheat
• Corn (maize)
• Oats
• Soybeans

Grains should be introduced gradually and should not make up more than 50% of a pig's diet, as pigs also need fibre and other nutrients.

Water

Pigs need constant access to fresh, clean water. An adult pig can drink 5-10 litres of water per day, and this amount increases in hot weather or during lactation.

Ensure water troughs or drinkers are kept clean and are large enough to meet the needs of all your pigs.

Supplements

Pigs may require vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly if they are not being fed a complete commercial feed. Supplements can help prevent deficiencies that may cause health problems.

Some key minerals and vitamins pigs need include:

• Calcium and Phosphorus: For healthy bones and teeth.
• Iron: Particularly important for piglets to prevent anaemia.
• Zinc: Supports immune function and skin health.
• Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and bone health.

Most commercial feeds contain these essential nutrients, but if you are feeding a home-mixed diet, you may need to provide additional supplements.

Feeding Requirements for Different Life Stages

Pigs have different dietary needs depending on their age, size, and purpose. Here’s what you need to know about feeding pigs at different life stages:

Piglets (Birth to 8 Weeks)

Piglets should drink their mother’s colostrum within the first few hours after birth. Colostrum provides essential antibodies to protect against disease.

After a few days, piglets will begin to eat creep feed, which is a high-protein, easily digestible feed designed for young pigs.

At around 8 weeks, piglets can be weaned and transitioned to starter feed.

Growing Pigs (8 Weeks to Slaughter)

Growing pigs need a diet that supports rapid growth without causing excessive fat gain. A combination of grower feed and fresh fruit and vegetables is ideal.

Ensure they are getting enough protein to build muscle, but avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

Breeding Pigs (Sows and Boars)

• Pregnant sows require a high-energy diet to support the growth of their piglets. Increase their feed intake during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
• Lactating sows need even more energy to produce milk for their piglets. Provide a high-protein feed and ensure they have constant access to water.
• Boars generally require less feed than sows, but their diet should still be balanced to maintain a healthy weight and fertility.

Pet Pigs

If you’re keeping pigs as pets, be mindful of overfeeding. Pet pigs are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious health problems.

Provide a balanced diet of commercial pig feed, fresh fruit and vegetables, and ensure they get plenty of exercise.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Pigs

Some foods can be harmful or toxic to pigs and should be avoided:

• Raw potatoes
• Green or sprouted potatoes
• Avocado
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Processed foods (such as crisps, sweets, and bread with added sugar)

Additionally, in the UK, it is illegal to feed pigs kitchen scraps or any food that has come into contact with animal products. This is to prevent the spread of diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfeeding: Pigs love to eat and will happily overeat if given the chance. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which causes health issues.
2. Feeding the Wrong Foods: Avoid giving pigs toxic foods or processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.
3. Inadequate Water Supply: Ensure pigs always have access to clean water. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.
4. Sudden Dietary Changes: Introduce new feeds gradually to avoid digestive upsets.

Monitoring Pig Health Through Diet

A well-fed pig will:

• Have a shiny coat and healthy skin
• Be active and alert
• Maintain a healthy weight (not too thin or overweight)
• Have normal digestion (firm, formed stools)

If you notice any changes in behaviour, appetite, or body condition, it may indicate a problem with their diet. Adjust their feed accordingly and consult a vet if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Feeding pigs properly is essential to their health and well-being. A balanced diet of commercial pig feed, fresh fruit and vegetables, and clean water will keep your pigs healthy and happy.

Remember to tailor their diet to their life stage and purpose, and always avoid feeding them harmful foods. With the right care and feeding, your pigs will thrive and reward you with years of companionship and productivity.

Happy pig keeping!