What Pigs Eat: Understanding Feed and Forage

Feed is one of the most important parts of pig production. Understanding the pig’s digestive system helps explain why pork feeding programs look different from cattle feeding programs.

Pigs are monogastric

A pig has a single-chambered stomach. Cattle, by comparison, are ruminants with a digestive system adapted to extensive fermentation of forage.

Pigs can eat many different ingredients, but producers generally aim to provide a ration that meets requirements for energy, protein, amino acids, minerals and vitamins.

Common feed ingredients

Depending on the farm and ration, pig feed can include cereal grains and other approved feed ingredients, along with protein, mineral and vitamin sources. Formulations can change as pigs grow because nutritional requirements change with age and production stage.

What about pasture?

Pigs on pasture may consume grasses, roots, plants and other material they encounter while foraging. Pasture can be part of the production environment without being the animal’s complete nutritional program.

Feed claims should be specific

Claims about how an animal was fed contribute to the overall impression created for consumers. Canadian labelling guidance requires production claims to be truthful and not misleading.

A direct conversation with the producer can provide more context than a short label. Ask what the ration contains, whether it changes through the year and whether pigs have access to pasture or other forage.