What do we feed our pigs?

The second most asked question we receive
Downloading Bacon @ 75%

If you want to know the most asked question check out Like real pigs? Why?

The  friend we received these pigs from fed them almost exclusively barley with the occasional vegetable scraps from our local restaurant.  While this led to the pigs being exceptionally healthy, it also resulted in no bacon when their other pigs were butchered with all the other meat very low in fat.  I did my research on what we could feed our newly acquired pigs. We want to make sure they are only feed natural ingredients with no meat or overly processed foods.

We started with whole corn that we soak for 1-2 days in 5 gallon buckets (about ¾ full) to soften the kernels and help with digestion. We also feed pig finisher pellets with a scoop of calf manna for some needed protein.

The pigs get the corn in the morning with some of the apples leftover from our trees along with fresh water. In the evenings they get the pellets and the protein along with any scraps from the day which include fresh produce like carrot tops, watermelon/pumpkin rinds, lettuce and fruit. This seems to be about the right amount as there is usually a little corn left in the afternoon and they are always ready for more the next morning.

As we found out pigs will try to eat anything, they even somehow pulled the battery from my solar panel into the pen through the fence, still trying to figure that one out. The battery remained intact and still works just in case you were wondering. Less than a month into owning the pigs I discovered steamed corn flakes as another option for the pigs. I found on add on craigslist offering them in 55 gallon drums for a price cheaper then what I was paying for the whole corn. A great benefit includes easier digestion which will help add on the pounds.

I put about the same amount into the 5 gallon bucket (about ¾ full and then add the water until it was an inch or so above the flakes. Set overnight it would turn into a kind of mush. (Think soggy Corn Flakes) The pigs love it, and it has really helped with the weight. Unlike whole corn which can remain intact for the pigs to eat a second time, if you know what I mean. The steamed corn breaks down for better digestion. I bought two 55 gallon drums and intend to use this to replace the whole corn until it butchering time, also you get to keep the drums which can be used for whatever I want in the future.

This is the route we chose and it seems to be working well. The pigs are getting fatter and stronger. I will as needed increase the amount of the steamed corn by paying attention to the amount of leftovers in the feed trough each afternoon. This is not the only option in deciding on what to feed your pigs. As stated before friends have only fed barley and table scraps, while others I’ve found and met while doing research will give whatever they want including all table scraps, expired/freezer burned meat and leftovers including high sugar treats like baked goods pasta, and whatever else taking up fridge space. Good luck if you decide on raising pigs yourself, you’re going to need it.