In this article, I explain whether or not your pigs should be eating meat and how this could affect their overall health.
When caring for pigs, it’s essential to follow a dietary plan, pigs can eat almost anything, but this doesn’t mean they should be eating everything.
A general rule to follow no matter what the pig is eating is that you should keep the pig feed as their primary source of food, and the rest of what they are giving should only be used as a treat or a complementary to the pig feed.
But also making sure that the pigs feed or corn-based diet has all the nutrients and vitamins they need in order to grow strong and healthy. With this in mind, let’s get into the topic.
Can pigs eat meat? Yes, pigs can definitely eat meat, and if given the opportunity, they will eat it, but it’s not recommended that you feed meat to pigs. The main reasons for this are, first, there is a potential for the pig to get sick from eating raw or rotting meat; second, in some countries, it’s against the law.
If you think about it, it makes sense; when pigs are usually fed meat, they are raw, rotted, or have been cooked several hours ago, and all this makes a recipe for bacteria and diseases.
And if one pig gets sick, he can start spreading this sickness throughout the pig farm.
But not only that, in this scenario, if the pigs are sick, we humans cannot consume the pig as we risk getting sick ourselves.
In extreme cases, thousands of pigs will have to be put down.
I know it sounds extreme, but this has been a repeated history with pigs worldwide.
Is Meat Good for Pigs?
When properly cooked, meat can be a delicious meal for pigs, as it contains a large amount of protein and fats that pigs need in order to thrive.
But the issue is that most of the time, pigs are being fed old scraps of meat which is not good for their overall health.
In reality, it’s best if you just give them something else.
Can Pigs Eat Humans?
Yes, pigs do have the capacity to eat a human. But certain conditions must be met for them to start doing such awful activities.
If your pigs have acquired a taste for raw meat they haven’t eaten in days and see weak prey, they might attack a human. Especially wild pigs.
But you don’t have to worry; this is an uncommon practice.
Is It Illegal to Feed Pigs Meat?
Depending on the country and state you live in, there might be laws prohibiting feeding meat to pigs.
I recommend you check with your local authority and verify if your state or country implements this type of law.
Can Pigs Eat Cooked Meat?
If you’re giving meat to your pigs, this is the best form of doing it, but you have to make sure the meat is not rotted, is fresh meat, and you’re following local laws.
I also recommend that if you’re giving them a chicken, try cutting the animal into small pieces; you won’t want the pig to figure out he is eating a chicken as it might target your chickens in the future.
Do Pigs Eat Meat in the Wild?
In the wild, an animal’s only purpose is to survive, and eating whatever is in their way, it’s a part of it.
So yes, they will definitely eat meat.
Can Pigs Eat Meat Scraps?
Pigs can eat the meat scraps as long as they are eating fresh and cooked meat. And again, make sure you are following the local laws because some states and countries prohibit giving meat scraps to pigs.
But also, there are so many other healthier options you can try, but it’s up to you.
Can Pigs Eat Raw Meat?
Technically, pigs can and will eat raw meat, but if you’re looking after their overall health, it’s best to avoid it. This way, you can prevent diseases and stomach pain.
Plus, it’s best if your pigs don’t acquire a taste for raw meat as it could put in danger the life of other animals on the farm.
Can Pigs Eat Spoiled Meat?
No, pigs should never eat spoiled, rotted, or old food. This is a bad practice that could potentially get you and your pigs sick.
And in many states and countries, you could face difficult consequences if you do it.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Meat?
All that I just mentioned applies to all pig breeds, including the Kunekune pigs, so yes, pigs can and will eat meat.
But this is not the best thing to offer them, and it’s best if you avoid it.
Conclusion: Can Pigs Eat Meat?
Yes, pigs can eat meat, but it’s not recommended for them to do so; also, in some countries, it is illegal for you to feed meat to your pigs. The reasoning behind this is that meat contains bacteria and potential diseases that could infect the pig population and consequently us humans.
If you think about it, this is true as most of the time, pigs are fed meat scraps or old meat and even raw meat, which is worse.
Technically speaking, if you just cooked some chicken and it’s properly cooked, you can give it to your pigs, and there won’t be any problem, but this is not the reality.
Plus, when feeding meat to pigs, they can acquire a taste for it, and if they figure out the animal they are eating, this could be the start of some real drama on your farm.
Because pigs will then start hunting for the chickens.
This is why raw meat is a no-no; this could open a door for the pigs to hunt any animal they feel they have the possibility to eat.
And if one day they are hungry enough, then everything it’s possible.