Can Pigs Eat Watermelon? (Yes, It Has Nice Benefits)

Pigs can eat watermelon, yes. In fact, it’s really good food for pigs because it’s nutritious and contains much-needed protein. Watermelons also have high water content, keeping pigs hydrated. So don’t be afraid to feed watermelons to pigs.

Watermelon offers us excellent benefits, and it can also serve as a delightful snack. We’ll tackle more about it, and see if our pigs feel the same towards this fruit.

Let’s get into it more!

Is watermelon good for pigs?

Watermelons are a good treat for pigs. This fruit does not only taste good. More than that, this fruit can be a great snack, and it is also nutritious.

There are a few things that make watermelons suitable for pigs.

First, these animals can eat both the fruit and its skin. Thus, if you have eaten the fruit and all you have is the skin, don’t put it in the trash.

Instead, please give it to your hogs. These animals will still gain nutrients from it.

Second, watermelon contains nutrients. Although watermelon is low in protein, it will still be of help in its growth.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 30
  • Water: 91%
  • Protein: 0.6 grams
  • Carbs: 7.6 grams
  • Sugar: 6.2 grams
  • Fiber: 0.4 grams
  • Fat: 0.2 grams

What makes watermelon beneficial is its water content. Since 91 percent of it is water, giving it as a snack keeps pigs hydrated.

Third, the watery flesh and skin are soft and comfortable for pigs to eat. Since watermelon consists of water, it melts in the mouth, and pigs love such.

Can potbelly pigs eat watermelon?

The same principle applied to potbelly pigs. Since these animals are generally pets, watermelons can be a good snack for them.

These animals also love to eat something soft and easy to chew. With the watery watermelon pieces, it can be delightful for them.

You can also feed the skin to these pigs. It should probably be alright as long as you cut it into smaller pieces.

The same principle applies to all pigs. Since they tend to eat fast, soft food like watermelons can be a cause of choking.

If you’re feeding watermelons, make sure to cut it into smaller pieces, whether it’s the flesh, the skin, or both.

What about pet pigs (like mini pigs)? Can they eat watermelon?

Pet pigs and mini pigs can also eat watermelon. Moreso, it can be one of their favorite snacks.

However, mini pigs differ in the capacity of their consumption. Thus, don’t give too much of such fruit.

Only give them an ample amount, enough to provide them with a delightful treat.

RelatedCan pigs eat eggshells?

How often can you give watermelon to pigs?

watermelon

As much as it can be a fantastic treat, feeding watermelons should only be a treat.

You can give watermelon treats at least once a week, or a couple of times more.

Please don’t make it a part of their daily diet, since it does not offer many nutrients for their daily intake.

If you want to give regularly, offer it in smaller amounts.

Is watermelon good food for pig growth?

Watermelon does not directly influence a pig’s growth. Thus, if you want your hog’s change to increase, there are better options.

These animals need protein and fats to grow quicker. Watermelons are low in such components.

If you want to increase your pig’s growth, give it something high in protein such as meat.

But, don’t disregard the watermelons. If you mix it with protein-rich food, the watery goodness can increase your hog’s appetite.

If it eats more, it will grow faster and a lot quicker.

RelatedCan pigs eat cheese?

What fruits can pigs eat?

Aside from watermelons, you can give your pigs some other fruit alternatives. Here’s a list of fruits that these animals can eat:

Aside from watermelons, these animals should enjoy:

  • Grapes (works great as an antioxidant)
  • Pears (good source of fiber for digestion)
  • Apples (works well as an antioxidant)
  • Pineapples (a good source of vitamin C to maintain immunity)
  • Oranges (also helps boost immunity)

Other fruits you can feed are:

  • Bananas
  • Tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Plums
  • Melons
  • Grapefruit
  • Strawberries

Pigs aren’t picky eaters, so you shouldn’t find it difficult to give any fruit you have available.

To save from the expenses, look for fruit suppliers, and ask them for rejected fruits.

These fruits may not be fit for sale, but it’s safe for hogs. You may even get it for free if you’re lucky.

Aside from fruits, you can also offer vegetables.

You can also choose to feed them grains such as rice and even corn. These animals will eat even the husks and the cobs of corn.

Avoid feeding onions, though. Onions, both the cooked and uncooked ones, can be quite toxic. If you may, offer it cooked and mix it with other food.

Can pigs eat strawberries and pineapple? Check it out!

What should you not feed pigs?

Although pigs eat almost anything, it doesn’t mean everything is safe for them to eat. In feeding pigs, you should watch out and avoid the following:

Moldy, slimy, and rotten

Since these animals aren’t picky, they would eat even the slightest food rotting food. However, don’t give such food, as it can still cause an upset stomach.

Raw meat and eggs

These animals also don’t pick food, whether it’s raw or cooked. However, the raw ones aren’t suitable for them.

Raw meat may carry viruses that can lead to infecting other livestock. At the same time, raw eggs can compromise the consumption of biotin in hogs.

Avoid feeding any raw meat to your hogs.

High salt and sugar content

Unlike other animals, pigs don’t need too much sodium, so avoid giving them salty food.

When it comes to sweets, fruits should only get served in moderation. Too much consumption may increase the sugar in these animals.

Summary

Watermelons offer a great watery treat for pigs. This fruit is not only delicious but is also beneficial.

Further, our pig buddies would surely love its watery and soft flesh and skin.

Still, it’s best to keep the consumption in moderation. Since this fruit doesn’t have all the necessary nutrients, it should only remain a treat or a snack.

Resources

Watermelon Nutrition Facts

Image credits – Photos by Marissa Daeger and Floh Maier on Unsplash

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