Pigs can eat strawberries, yes. Pigs can eat most of the fruits, but it’s usually good only as a treat because of low nutritional values. It would be tough to feed pigs only with strawberries, and their growth would be slow, but if you want to treat your pig, you can try strawberries.
With their bright, red, and juicy fruits, strawberries offer quite a satisfying snack. Aside from that, this fruit provides quite a lot of nutrients that pigs will enjoy.
Let’s get into it more!
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Are strawberries good for pigs?
Strawberries are suitable for pigs in many ways.
First, these animals will surely love its soft and juicy red flesh. Hogs love to eat something tender and easy to chew. Thus, they’ll find a strawberry snack a delightful treat.
Moreover, this fruit does not stop its goodness in taste. It also offers many nutritional benefits.
Take a look at the following:
Strawberries nutrition facts
- Calories: 32
- Water: 91%
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Carbs: 7.7 grams
- Sugar: 4.9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which can boost the immunity of hogs.
It also works as an anti-oxidant to keep the body of hogs in optimal condition.
Lastly, since water makes up 91% of this fruit, making it a snack also helps hydrate these animals.
What about pet pigs (like mini pigs)? Can they eat strawberries?
If you have pet pigs and you’re wondering if you could spare some strawberries, of course, you may.
Be mindful of their size, though. If your pet is still small or a mini pig, keep the serving in small amounts.
Unlike adult pigs, young and mini pigs should only take a piece or two once in a while.
Most pigs seem to prefer these types of fruits, among others. So, if you’re still deciding, strawberries can be one of your first options.
Related – Can pigs eat watermelon?
How often can you give strawberries to pigs?
Strawberries are safe for pigs to eat. Still, like all other fruits, you should only offer it once a while.
Don’t feed strawberries too often, and only make it a treat. The reason is that while fruits may be safe, they are not precisely the food for hogs.
If you’d ask, I recommend limiting strawberry intake to twice a week. You can do more than that, but for me, that’s already enough.
You can offer other fruits to make a variation, and see if your pet prefers one fruit above the rest.
Are strawberries good food for pig growth?
If you’re thinking of feeding to increase your pig’s growth, strawberries may not be your best bet.
While this fruit is nutritious in its way, it does not directly influence growth.
If you wish to increase the growth speed, you should boost your pig’s consumption. It is possible by feeding protein-rich foods.
Don’t disregard the strawberries, though.
Although this fruit may not affect growth, it can support it by the nutrients it offers.
The vitamin C and other nutrients it brings helps boost immunity. Strong immunity will help prevent diseases, which in turn, hinders growth.
You can offer fruits now and then, but make protein-rich foods their regular diet.
Related – Can pigs eat eggshells?
What fruits can pigs eat?
Aside from strawberries, there are plenty of other fruit options you can offer your pigs.
Here’s a list of fruits your pigs may eat:
Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, like strawberries. Such a vitamin boosts a strong immunity and helps fight diseases.
Pears
Pears are rich in fiber, which aids digestion. Since hogs are always eating, maintaining good digestion is necessary.
Apples
Many hog raisers say these animals love apples. This fruit works as an anti-oxidant, which helps in cleansing the body from toxins.
Watermelons
Watermelons consist of a high amount of water, so offering it to pigs will keep them hydrated.
Aside from these fruits, you can also offer the following:
- Grapes
- Apricots
- Tomatoes (don’t feed the green parts)
- Melons
- Grapefruit
- Pineapples
- Bananas
Pigs aren’t picky eaters, so you won’t find it challenging to feed any fruit you can spare.
What foods should not be fed to pigs?
Despite having a wide range of food options, some things are not good for pigs.
Thus, be wary of the following. Here’s a list of food that you should not feed these animals:
Raw meat and eggs
Always make sure to offer only cooked meat and eggs.
These animals would eat anything raw. Still, uncooked meat may carry diseases that can infect your hogs.
At the same time, raw eggs may compromise biotin absorption, so avoid uncooked eggs.
Moldy, slimy, or rotten food
Don’t give your pigs anything you and other animals should not eat. That applies to moldy, slimy, and rotting food.
While they may eat such food, it may upset their stomach and lead to other health issues.
High salt and sugar content
Avoid salty foods for your hogs, as too much salt can take a toll on them.
Fruits are beneficial, but it contains sugar. Thus, try to avoid giving too much fruit as much as possible.
Lastly, also avoid giving spices such as garlic and onions, especially the raw ones. These spices may not be lethal; it’s still not good for pigs to eat.
Summary
Strawberries offer both a delightful and nutritious snack to pigs. Still, try your best to maintain a moderate consumption.
While it may be safe, strawberry snacks don’t have all the necessary nutrients they need. Treat it as snacks and give pigs the right food they need.
Resources
Image credits – Photos by Nicolas Castez and Maksim Shutov on Unsplash
