About feeding a pig / mini pig
Pet pigs — usually so-called mini or 'teacup' pigs, which still grow to dozens of kilograms — are intelligent, food-obsessed omnivores, and overfeeding is almost universal. A measured, formulated mini-pig diet plus vegetables, not table scraps, keeps a pet pig healthy.
How much should a pig / mini pig eat?
Calorie needs use the veterinary formula 70 × weight(kg)0.75 (the Resting Energy Requirement), multiplied by a lifestyle factor of ×1.4 for a typical pig / mini pig at the life stage shown. Enter your own animal's details in the calculator for an exact figure.
| Body weight | Daily calories |
|---|---|
| 20 kg | 927 kcal |
| 38.571 kg | 1517 kcal |
| 57.143 kg | 2037 kcal |
| 75.714 kg | 2515 kcal |
| 94.286 kg | 2965 kcal |
| 112.857 kg | 3393 kcal |
| 131.429 kg | 3804 kcal |
| 150 kg | 4200 kcal |
What to feed
Pet pigs should eat a formulated mini-pig pellet as the base, supplemented with a generous portion of low-starch vegetables and leafy greens, and limited fruit. Dog and cat food, bread and rich human food are too calorie-dense and unbalanced. Pigs need constant fresh water.
How often to feed
Pigs are typically fed measured meals once or twice a day; their relentless appetite means free-feeding leads quickly to obesity. Foraging enrichment (scattering food, root boxes) satisfies their drive without extra calories.
Common feeding mistakes
- Overfeeding and giving in to constant begging.
- Feeding rich human food, bread and pet food not formulated for pigs.
- Too little vegetable bulk and fibre.
- No foraging enrichment for a highly food-motivated animal.
Weight & health
Obesity is the defining health problem of pet pigs — it causes joint strain, fat blindness (fat folds obscuring the eyes) and organ disease. Measured formulated feed, plenty of vegetables and daily activity keep a pet pig lean.
Frequently asked questions
What should I feed a pet pig?
A formulated mini-pig pellet as the base, plus a generous portion of low-starch vegetables and leafy greens and limited fruit. Avoid rich human food, bread and dog/cat food.
How much should I feed a mini pig?
Follow the formulated feed's guidance by body weight — commonly a measured cup or two of mini-pig pellets a day split into meals, plus vegetables. Adjust to keep the pig lean, as obesity is very common.
Why are pet pigs so prone to obesity?
Pigs are intensely food-motivated and beg convincingly, so owners overfeed. Their efficient metabolism then stores the excess. Measured meals, vegetable bulk and exercise prevent it.
Can pigs eat table scraps?
Rich human food, bread and sugary or salty scraps are poor choices and drive obesity. Pig-safe vegetables are fine; the staple should be a formulated mini-pig feed.