How to Feed a Pot Belly Pig
Pot belly pigs are smart pets that can live up to 20 years, but they are slightly more complicated to care for than some imagine. Pot belly pigs require a low-protein, low-salt diet to remain in peak condition. Even though they adore snacks, fight the urge to feed them sugary treats and give them the nutrition they require to stay healthy. Read on to learn how to feed a pot belly pig.
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Instructions
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Learn More About Pot Belly Pigs
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Know that pot belly pigs may be compact, but they won't be particularly light or thin. Most weigh in at 100 pounds or more, and can reach to your knees in height.
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Keep in mind that pot belly pigs do have healthy appetites. Feed them on a regular basis. They will not get smaller if they are fed less.
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Understand that pot belly pigs are sensitive to environment changes. They are susceptible to pneumonia in winter and are particular about their surroundings.
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Expect your pot belly pig to live for 12 to 15 years.
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Know that your pot belly pig can be one of several varieties, including the Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig, the KuneKune and the Guinea Hog.
Understand Nutritional Requirements
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Know that pot belly pig food should be low in protein.
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Aim to feed your pig a low-fat diet.
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Choose the proper feed for your pot belly pig. Besides pot belly pig feed (available from specialty pet shops), you can feed your pot belly pig horse feed or hog feed. Check the nutritional content to make sure it corresponds with your pig's needs, and avoid "sweet feed" or hog "starter" formulas.
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Stay away from pot belly pig food that contains sugars of any type. Stay away from feeds that contain molasses, sugar cane or sugar beet.
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Feed your pot belly pig lots of vegetables to supplement its diet.
Prepare and Serve Pot Belly Pig Food
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Plan to feed your pot belly pig twice a day. Allow slightly less than two cups of food per day.
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Chop up vegetables and feed them to your pot belly pig daily. Less than a handful is enough for a full-grown pot belly pig.
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Provide plenty of fresh water for your pot belly pig to drink. They will drink more water at certain times of the year.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid feeding your pot belly pig any food with medications or supplements.
Pot belly pigs should avoid sugar, so save sweet treats like carrot cake cubes to reward good behavior.
If you run out of pot belly pig food, you can feed it dog food for a day or two.
Allow your pet pot belly pig to root around in the soil and grass outdoors. Pot belly pigs can become deficient in selenium, and roots in the soil can help.
Avoid purchasing a pot belly pig called a Teacup or Micro Mini. These pigs have been undernourished and do not have a long life expectancy.
