As you can imagine, pigs have an enormous capacity when it comes to eating; I sometimes wonder if this might be related to their hunting skills which are also great. They can even smell something that is 25 feet underground.
But there are many questions regarding their diet; many people think you can just give them everything, and others like me think there should be a balance. But also, depending on the type of pig, some will optimize their diet.
In today’s article, we answer common questions regarding the kunekune pigs diet; I explain what they should be eating and what foods to avoid.
What do kunekune pigs eat? Kunekune pigs can eat vegetables, fruits, and grass. When compared to commercial pigs, they don’t need as much protein, so it is quite common to grass feed them with the combination of other vitamins and minerals they need. And they do need more fibre than commercial pigs.
But just like any other pigs, we should provide them with a balanced diet, a great option for this pig is to have them eat all the grass they like but also provide the pig feed or corn-based diet. This is to keep them strong and healthy.
But also you can add other vegetables and fruits throughout the day.
But their main food source if you don’t have the grass available, should be the pig feed in combination with other food types.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, kunekune pigs should be eating watermelon, especially during the summer. This is a great fruit for them to have as it contains a high volume of water and fiber.
Pigs really love eating this type of fruit, plus it will keep them hydrated. They really love it when it’s frozen and cut into small pieces.
This beautiful fruit contains fiber, carbs, sugar, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and many other nutrients.
It is also used because of its anticancer properties. So do feel comfortable in giving it to your kunekune pigs and as much as they want.
But it also improves heart health, reduces inflammation, and works as a stress reliever, which is great since pigs can get quite stressed.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Corn?
Yes, pigs can definitely eat corn; in fact, most pig feed is made of corn, or at least a high percentage of its content is corn.
This type of vegetable can be eaten in all its forms, and yes, pigs can eat the corn cobs they love.
They will even eat the corn peels. I did mention kunekune pigs don’t need as much protein as other commercial pigs, but corn will not harm them, and it will definitely get them strong and healthy.
Corn is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin E, minerals, potassium, magnesium, and many other nutrients.
This vegetable is quite balanced when it comes to its nutritional value, no wonder its used as part of the pig feed.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Tomatoes?
Kunekune pigs can definitely eat tomatoes; whether they are red tomatoes or green tomatoes, pig will go crazy about them, especially with the sherry tomatoes; this is a great option to use if you’re looking to treat your pig as you train them.
But you do have to be careful with the tomato plant, leaves, or stem; pigs should never eat them as they can be toxic to them and many other animals, so do avoid the plant at all costs.
In fact, if you have tomato plants in your garden or farm, make sure your pigs never get near them.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are a great option to use when you’re looking to feed the kunekune pigs. Sometimes pigs get tired of eating the same type of food, whether it is grass or pig feed, so having this type of fruit available will make your pigs happy.
Especially because of its delicious sweet content. Bananas, like the previous fruits mentioned, are also rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C riboflavin, folate, niacin, copper, and of course, potassium.
This type of nutrient will keep your pig healthy but try not to overfeed them too many bananas as they should consume high volumes of sugar. In this case, it is a natural sugar which is better than the processed one, but it is still sugar.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Grapes?
Kunekune pigs can eat grapes no matter the color or shape. This is a refreshing fruit that your pigs will love consuming.
It will improve their immune system, as it contains a high volume of vitamin C, but it also helps prevent cancer, protect against heart disease and high cholesterol, and improves bone health.
So you can give them as much as they want to.
And if, for some reason, one of you pigs is having some hard time sleeping, grapes are a good option to use.
Pigs will eat the grape vines and seeds, but I do recommend removing the stems just to make it easier for them to digest.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Meat?
Technically speaking pigs can eat meat, but it is important to consider the state and country you live in, as it could be illegal to feed them this type of food. The same applies to scrap food.
The problem with feeding meat it’s that it can quickly turn bad and cause some type of diseases among the pig population. And that is definitely a problem. We just have to study history, and you will immediately see how many thousands of pigs had to be slaughtered because of this type of sickness.
Many pig breeds have gotten extinct because of sickness between them.
So yeah, do be careful in feeding them meat and make sure it’s fresh and properly cooked.
Another reason to think about feeding them meat is because they can acquire a taste for it, and they might start hunting your chickens or whatever other animal you have around.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Raw Potatoes?
Technically speaking kunekune pigs might eat raw potatoes, but I recommend boiling the potatoes just to make it easier for their digestive system.
They can even eat the potato peels or potato chips. But do avoid giving them the potato plant, leaves, or stem, as it can be poisonous for pigs.
Overall try to cook the potatoes. This is the best option for them and to avoid processing potatoes.
But potatoes are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, protein, water, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, and many other nutrients.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Eggs?
Technically speaking kunekune pigs will eat the eggs whether it’s raw or cooked. But you do need to be careful because if you have chickens and they acquire a taste for this particular food, they might start targeting the chicken coop.
If you’re going to feed them eggs, I recommend cooking them and mixing them up with some vegetables just so they don’t get familiar with what they are eating.
And just like meat, you need to be careful with your local laws, make sure this is something you’re able to do, and make sure the eggs are properly cooked.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Broccoli?
Broccoli it’s a great option for your kunekune pigs because it contains many nutrients and vitamins that will improve the overall health of your pigs.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, potassium, iron, and it also contains more protein than the majority of the vegetables. You could say it is within the best right up there where corn is.
To give you an idea, raw broccoli contains 3% protein, 90% water, and 7% carbs, and basically no fat.
So you can give them as much as your kunekune pigs would like to eat.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Hay?
Yes, pigs can eat hay, but you have to understand this is a low-calorie meal; it doesn’t contain the sufficient nutrients and minerals a kunekune pig needs in order to thrive.
You can use the hay during an emergency, but other than that I will stick to the pig feed, corn-based diet, fruits, and vegetables.
Remember it’s essential to provide the proper foods they need in order to grow strong and healthy, and hay it’s not enough.
Yes, hay is basically made of grass, but this type of food won’t do the work. Even if you give it to them on a daily basis, which many farmers do (to save money), you will still need to combine it with a corn-based diet.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Avocado?
Avocado can be a controversial topic; some recommend it, others don’t. I personally like to follow the studies recommendation. Pigs should not eat the avocado fruit, stem, leaf, or seeds as they can be toxic to pigs and other farm animals.
So it’s quite simple, avoid feeding avocado to your kunekune pigs and give them something else; there is no need to go into a path of controversy; I say this because I know some will say,” I feed them avocado, and nothing is wrong with my pigs”.
I say good for you; I don’t feed avocado to my pigs; there is no need. Plus pigs can eat so many types of fruits that not feeding the avocado is insignificant; if there is even a small chance an avocado can damage their overall health, it is best to avoid it.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Dog Food?
I only recommend using this type of food only if you find yourself with no other type of food and you only have dog food or cat food, then sure you can use it. Other than that, please avoid feeding them dog food.
This type of feed contains too much protein, and it’s not optimized for pigs, so try to provide the necessary foods your pigs need and avoid the rest.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Strawberries?
Yes, strawberries are a great option if you’re looking for some type of food that you can mix with your pigs feed.
They are quite small, so you will need to feed them in large quantities.
But overall, this is a healthy and nutritious fruit; it contains a high volume of vitamin C, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and many other vitamins. That will definitely improve the immune system of your pigs.
Can Kunekune Pigs Eat Kiwi?
Kiwi is another great option that your kunekune pigs can consume. They can eat all parts of the kiwi, including the peels.
And just like the previously mentioned fruit and vegetables, this fruit contains many nutrients and minerals that will help your pigs.
Do remember that some pigs can develop their own taste, so if at first they reject the fruit consider giving them a few more tries. Maybe they need some time to acquire a taste for this particular fruit.
What Not to Feed to Kunekune Pig?
There are many other types of fruits your kunekune pig can eat; I only mention the most command question we get. But overall your pigs will be fine trying different types of foods as long as they are also good for humans.
But where you should be careful is with these types of foods, I’m about to mention, so please don’t feed them to your pigs.
Avoid raw meat, junk food, rotted foods, salt, sugars, and avoid feeding these types of plants: rhododendron, lantana, ragwort, laburnum, ivy, jimson weed, henbane, foxglove, hemlock, flac, deadly nightshade, elder, cocklebur, angel trumpet, bracken, camelia.
Conclusion: What Do Kunekune Pigs Eat?
Kunekune pigs need to have a balanced diet that consists in eating pig feed, grass, vegetables, and fruits; they need less protein than commercial pigs but, at the same time, more fibre. So giving lots of grass in combination with pig feed or a corn-based diet will be ideal for these pigs.
If you’re looking to achieve a high meat quality, I do recommend sticking to this diet, and yes, you can be quite picky about it; your customer will thank you for it.
But also, if you’re looking for your pigs to have a long healthy life, it all starts with their diet. This is why I put a lot of emphasis on the type of food pigs should be eating.
And to finish up, make sure you avoid rooted food and avoid feeding them anything you won’t eat yourself, plus the previous food types I mention do take them into consideration.