![]() ![]() You should never be able to see your pigs hip bones or spine. Mini pigs, like humans, need calories and nutrients to maintain their activity levels and overall healthy. Underfeeding a mini pig is just as dangerous as overfeeding. There is more information on weight loss planning for mini pigs here. If your pig is above a 3.5 on the body conditioning chart below, please take the steps to reduce the extra treats, and overall daily food that is offered. It’s very difficult to get weight off a pig, but it is not impossible. 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. Mini pigs are easily the most likely animal to become obese. We know that food can symbolize love and that is especially true for a pig, but we don’t want to love our pigs to death. When determining how much to feed your pig you must consider all the foods and grazing your pig indulges in. 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. 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. Add supplemental meals which can include raw, steamed, or cooked vegetables, leafy greens and salads, or any variety from the healthy foods list. Start with a base of recommended 1-2% of body weight pellets (see chart below). Watch your pig’s shape, skin, eyes, and behavior. So how do you know what to feed and how much? Each pig will metabolize their food differently which makes having a one size fits all diet a challenge. The recommended serving size is based on the pig’s body weight, but should be regulated and adjusted to allow for supplemental meals of vegetables, salads, grains, snacks, fruits, and grazing. These feeds are specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements for minis. Popular manufacturers include Mazuri, Purina Nature’s Match, Manna Pro, and Country Feeds. There are several brands of mini pig pellets, commonly referred to as pot bellied pig pellets. It’s good to research the natural diet article to discover food options for snacks or supplemental meals. 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. There is more information on feeding a natural diet here. ![]() Some owners choose to feed a raw or all-natural diet without the use of commercial pellets. Their meals can come from a variety of food sources. 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. As with any animal, over feeding or under feeding is incredibly unhealthy and can ultimately shorten lifespan. You will rarely ever see a pig turn up its snout and walk away from food, unless they are ill. ![]() Mini pigs seem to live in a constant state of hunger. Healthy nutritional choices are a requirement when caring for a mini pig. ![]()
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