Can Pigs Eat Corn? (What About Corns Silk and Husks?)

Pigs can eat corn, yes. Corn is one of the crops that serve as an excellent feed for pigs. It offers a lot of nutrients that pigs need to eat. And it’s the reason why most pig pellets include corn as its main ingredient.

Let’s get into it more.

Is corn good for pigs?

Yes, corn is suitable for pigs. The same with other crops and grains, corn offers a lot of nutritional benefits if fed.

The good thing about feeding corn is that these animals can eat it as a whole, and even our leftovers.

Adult and large hogs can eat the ears of corn together with the husk. They have sturdy teeth that make them able to crack and swallow this crop whole.

Moreover, you can even feed them corn leftovers. Thus, if you have just prepared corn and you plan to throw away the cob, you can toss it to these animals.

Of course, while corn is safe and beneficial for these animals, it doesn’t mean you can feed them on corn alone.

Corn may be a part of their diet, but you shouldn’t let them thrive on it alone.

Now, let’s learn what corn offers to these animals.

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What does corn do for pigs?

You may consider corn as a vegetable, a grain, or a fruit. But whatever you may think of it, corn remains as a nutritional snack you can give your pigs.

Hogs may eat corn as a whole, with husks still intact. They can also eat corn kernels or cracked corn like grains mixed into feeds. At the same time, they can eat empty cob as well.

Here’s a nutritional data where you can learn a bit of what it offers. Accordingly, one cup (164 grams) of sweet yellow corn contains:

  • Calories: 177 calories
  • Carbs: 41 grams
  • Protein: 5.4 grams
  • Fat: 2.1 grams
  • Fiber: 4.6 grams
  • Sugar: 2.9 grams
  • Vitamin C
  • Thiamine (vitamin B1)
  • Folate (vitamin B9)
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium

As you can see, a cup of corn offers a lot of nutrients that these animals need, such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Further, it offers other nutrients such as Vitamin C, Fiber, and Potassium. All of which contribute to improving the overall health of these animals.

Still, corn such as sweet corn contains sugar, so it’s best to keep the corn feeding in moderation.

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Can pigs eat husks and silk?

corn with husks and silk

Unlike other animals, pigs can eat the husks and silk in corn. Further, it’s entirely safe for them to digest regularly.

Thus, you don’t need to worry too much if you’re wondering if they can digest husk and silk.

Still, you may want to take out a few of the husks and leave the inner leaves. You may also want to have it cooked rather than feed it raw.

Although hogs may tolerate raw ones, cooking the corn may make it softer, juicier, and easier to eat.

These animals favor watery and soft treats. Thus, feeding them cooked corn may increase their appetite and make it easier for them to eat.

Can mini pigs eat corn husks?

Unlike the large ones, mini pigs may find it hard to chew on husks and digest it.

You may cut it into smaller pieces and cook it if you wish to feed mini pigs.

However, my recommendation is to leave the husks to the adult and large ones. And, give cracked corn or corn kernels to mini pigs.

Can pigs eat cracked corn?

Cracked corn is dried corn kernels that serve more like grains for birds to feed.

Still, if you want to give these animals some cracked corn, you can do so, as it is safe for them.

You may mix it with their regular meal, or you can feed it as it is.

The advantage of feeding pigs cracked corn is that it’s easier to eat and digest.

Cracked corn is also rich in protein and fiber. The former improves growth while the latter enhances digestion.

There are a few downsides, though. While cracked corn may be nutritious, it doesn’t offer the adequate nutrients a pig needs.

At the same time, cracked corn maybe a little bit harder than cooked one.

For this reason, you may want to feed cracked corn together with other food. To solve its hard texture, you may mix it with water to make it easy for these animals to eat.

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Can pigs eat sweetcorn?

Sweetcorn is the type with higher sugar content. Such corns are the ones we purchase fresh or canned.

Since this corn has a higher sugar content, it’s not beneficial for these animals in large servings.

Pigs do not need a lot of sugar, and too much can even be bad for them.

Indeed, these animals can eat sweetcorn, but it’s better to give them other types of corn.

Is corn good for pig’s growth?

Corn may provide nutrients that can support a pig’s growth. However, it does not offer enough benefits on its own.

Corn provides a high amount of energy for these animals. It’s also the reason why pig pellets include corn as one of its ingredients.

Still, you should provide a variety of other foods rather than feeding them corn alone.

Summary

Corn offers a lot of benefits for pigs. Thus, including it in the regular diet of your hogs may improve their growth and health.

Still, on its own, corn lacks the nutrients to provide pigs. For this reason, it would be best to feed corn along with other healthy food. Doing so would ensure that you give the best for your pigs.

Resources

Image credits – Photos by Pelle Asplund and Andre Ouellet on Unsplash

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