What Fruits Can Pigs Eat?

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Perhaps you’re a novice pig owner and are curious as to what fruits your pig might enjoy eating.

For this article we list down some of the most common fruits that a pig can eat!

As a general rule, make sure that the fruits you offer to your pig are fresh, thoroughly washed, and the skin is free from insecticides, pesticides, and other hazardous chemicals.

It is also important to cut the fruits into smaller pieces as these very innocent pigs will most likely eat them whole which may cause choking – a life-threatening occurrence for any human or animal.

Without further ado, let’s dive in to the list of fruits that pigs can eat.

Table of Contents

1. Banana

fresh yellow bananas on stone background

Bananas are a favorite among pigs! While it can be safely fed with the peel on, it is important to slice it before feeding them.

While they may enjoy fresh, ripe bananas, some pigs will also enjoy eating cooked ones.

Bananas are healthy and can provide a balanced diet for pigs, but keep in mind that everything should be fed in moderation.

2. Orange

sliced oranges in white plate and whole oranges on black background

Just like how beneficial it is for humans, orange is also a great snack for pigs since it has high vitamin content, not to mention its wonderful taste.

As an excellent source of Vitamin C, orange will boost your pig’s immune system, thus reducing the risk of being infected with flu, viruses, and bacteria.

While they can eat orange peels, make sure to supervise them when eating since fruit peels and skin may cause choking.

And of course, cut them into small pieces.

The recommended intake of oranges for pigs is twice a week. Feeding them too much of this fruit may cause an upset stomach and digestive problems.

3. Watermelon

fresh watermelon slices in white plate black background

Watermelons are safe for pigs to eat. In fact, it contains protein and dietary energy which is good for your pig’s health.

Also, since we know that watermelons have high water content – 91% to be exact – it will be good for keeping your pig hydrated.

In addition, the rind of watermelon can also be fed to them.

Just make sure that both the flesh and rind are cut into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

However, know that you should not include watermelon in your pig’s daily diet. Treat it only as a snack, and feed it to them only once a week.

4. Apple

fresh red and green apples on a basket and wooden table

Considered one of the most loved snacks among animals, apple is both a healthy and delectable treat for pigs.

Apple is loaded with Vitamin A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.

However, there are certain things that we should be mindful of when treating them with apples, or any fruits.

First, apples are only healthy when given in a moderate amount, so be aware of how much you feed them.

Second, remove the seeds and cut them into small pieces before giving to your pigs.

Apple seeds contain cyanide which can be dangerous for pigs if consumed in large amounts. Also, the fresher the apple, the healthier and better.

5. Grapes

red violet and green fresh grapes in a basket

Grapes are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for a pig’s health.

They contain Vitamins A, C, K, as well as copper, calcium, carbohydrates, fibers, and proteins.

While it is a good source of varied nutrients, grapes should only be fed in a limited amount due to their high sugar content.

Pigs, as we may know, are not good sweet eaters, rather are salt feed lovers.

Also, make sure to give them the freshest grapes you can give, since moldy and rotten ones can have negative effects to their health.

Most importantly, grapes can boost the pork’s quality, as well as the oxidative stability of omega 3-enriched fat.

6. Strawberry

fresh whole and sliced strawberries on wooden background

This luscious red fruit is a satisfying treat for your pig.

It is soft, easy to chew, and is packed with nutrients, such as Vitamin C and antioxidants which helps boost your pig’s immune system.

Also, the high-water content present in strawberries makes it a good hydrating snack for your pig.

As always, any fruit should be fed in moderation. For strawberries, it is recommended to be eaten only twice a week.

7. Pineapple

With a soft and juicy flesh, not to mention its refreshing taste and high availability in the market, pineapples are popular among pigs.

Pineapple is packed with antioxidants which helps in the suppression of bacteria.

It also contains digestive enzymes which aid in sustaining proper digestion, and also immunity boosters which protect their body from diseases, flus, and bacteria.

Adult pigs and hogs can eat the pineapple’s core along with its skin, therefore it’s safe to just give it to them as a whole and they will be more than happy to chew on it.

However, younger and smaller pigs should not be given the core, as well as the skin, as they may have a hard time chewing it.

The tender part should be sliced into small pieces and given to them instead.

8. Persimmon

Not only the Asian species that we most commonly know, but the native American persimmon that we mostly find in forests are safe to be given to pigs as a treat.

When a persimmon falls from its tree, pigs are more than happy to chew on them. In fact, they will visit the tree more often to find more of the fallen fruit.

Persimmon contains Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, potassium, copper, manganese, and fiber.

9. Mulberry

mulberries in wooden bowl white background

Another forest fruit that is mostly available in mid-summer and a delightful treat for pigs is the mulberry.

Mulberry is a good source of carbohydrate, protein, and fiber, thus helping your pig boost its immune system.

It also has high-water content which is excellent in hydrating your pig.

However, mulberries have high-sugar content so make sure to feed them on limited amounts only.

10. Pear

Not only is it crunchy and juicy, but pear is also a good source of nutrients for your pig.

It is loaded with Vitamins C and K, potassium, copper, and protein. It is also packed with fiber, which is important in maintaining your pig’s good digestive system.

Final Thoughts

Some other fruits that pigs can eat but not on this list are beets, mango, pomelo, melon, grapefruit, kiwi, coconut, and pitted apricot and peach.

A helpful tip: if you are looking for a cheaper option for your pig’s snacks, look for your local’s fruit market and ask for rejected, yet still fresh and palatable fruit.

Also, know that just like humans, every pig has its own preferences so they may, or may not like all the fruits on this list.

So, before buying and storing fruits in bulk, make sure that they’ve tried it in small amounts first.

And that’s it for our list. If you find this article helpful, make sure to share it with your family and friends.