Pigs as pets have surged in popularity over the past few years. They’re intelligent, curious, and affectionate animals, but they’re not the easiest to care for. While they may be similar to dogs in temperament and trainability, they have needs that can be challenging to meet in a home setting.
If you’re planning on getting a pet pig, here’s everything you need to keep your pig happy and healthy.
The Pig Supplies
Food and Feeding Supplies
1. Pig Food
Pigs have unique diet requirements, especially if you’re keeping them as pets and not raising them for stock. There are plenty of commercial food options for a complete and balanced diet for your pig, but our pick is Mazuri Mini Pig Food Active Adult Food. This formula is appropriate for pigs aged four months or older and contains the ideal balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, plus probiotics, biotin, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also has yucca schidigera extract, which can help with manure odor.
If you’re bringing home a piglet, Mazuri Mini Pig Youth is appropriate for up to four months of age and includes high-quality milk protein with nutrition pellets to help weanling pigs transition to a solid diet.
2. Food Bowls
You will also need food and water bowls. The Ruff Dawg Non-Skid Rubber Dog Bowl works well for both food and water for an adult pig, though you may need to use a shallower bowl with a piglet. It’s made in the US, nontoxic, and BPA-free with a rugged design that can stand up to the abuse of a hungry pig.
Treats and Toy Supplies
3. Training Treats
Pigs are extremely intelligent and easy to train, but you may need enticing treats to get the results you want. The Manna Pro’s Berries & Cream Flavor Mini Pig Treats are the perfect choice. They’re formulated by animal nutritionists with a mix of ingredients that are good for your pig, such as wheat middlings and dehydrated alfalfa meal.
4. Toys
Pigs can get bored very easily, so they need enrichment as an outlet for all their physical and mental energy. Pigs enjoy rooting, so a snuffle mat like the Piggy Poo and Crew Rooting Snuffle Pig Mat can offer endless fun and entertainment. While this mat is sturdy, it’s important to always supervise your pig playing to avoid destructive behaviors and a choking hazard.
Another great choice is the Piggy Poo and Crew Play Tunnel Pop Up Tent Round Ball Pit Pet Toy. With a play tent, a tunnel tent, and a round ball pit, there’s plenty to keep your pig occupied and rooting for treats.
Walking Supplies
5. Harness and Leash
It may be tempting to get a dog leash and harness for your pig, but it’s better to go with a harness designed specifically for pigs. An option like Piggy Poo and Crew 12’ Adjustable Mini Pig Harness & Leash is adjustable, so it grows along with your pig. It’s also designed to fit the anatomy of a pig, so you’ll have more control and easier training.
6. Clothing
If you live in an area with extreme winters, your pig will need some clothing for warmth in the cold season. Morty’s Pig Clothes Easy-On Elastic Fleece Cloak simply slips over your pig’s head and connects with Velcro straps, just like a horse blanket. There’s also a hole for leash attachment and multiple fabrics and sizes. Best of all, this cloak is machine washable to keep it clean for your piggy.
Comfort Supplies
7. Crate
You have to plan for where your pig will be when you’re busy or not home. While leaving your pig outside in a pen is an option, many people choose to designate a room for their pig or use a dog crate. This not only keeps your pig out of trouble when you’re not around, but they will come to rely on the crate as their own space. Ideally, get a large enough crate for your pig’s adult size. The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel offers a range of sizes and is durable enough for a large pig.
8. Bed
Getting a bed for your pig’s crate provides more comfort. Plus, you can use it as a regular bed for your home if you eventually give your pig free rein. Our pig for a bed is the FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Dog Bed with Removable Cover. It’s not only plush and well cushioned, but you can take the cover off to wash it in the washing machine and eliminate odors and dander.
Litter Supplies
9. Litterbox
While you can train a pig to go outside like a dog, many pig owners rely on a litterbox for their pigs. A shallow litter box like the KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box is easy for your pig to get in and out of with just a three-inch entry point. Made of high-quality plastic, it’s an easy litterbox to clean and disinfect for reduced odors.
For litter, the best option is Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter. It’s free of dyes and fragrances, won’t leave dust, and it’s highly absorbent for your pig’s messes.
10. Odor Control
If you have a pig roaming around, messes are bound to happen. OdoBan No Rinse Neutral pH Floor Cleaner is effective at removing soils and odors from urine, vomit, feces, blood, and dirt. It’s completely safe for pets and your surfaces but ensures that your home doesn’t have a telltale smell.
Grooming Supplies
11. Bathing
Pigs are a relatively clean animal, but they do need baths on a regular basis. UltraCruz Livestock Shampoo is our top pig to clean your pig’s hair without stripping away the natural oils. It’s lightly scented with sage, chamomile, and peppermint extracts to keep your pig smelling good long after the bath as well.
12. Brushing
Your pig will need brushing in between baths to remove dirt and excess hair. The UltraCruz Dual Fiber Horse Brush has a combination of coarse and soft fibers to thoroughly clean your pig and sweep away dust, dirt, and loose hair. You should also have the QiK Soft Rubber Curry Comb, which can be used to remove dirt and loose hair while giving your pig a massage in the process.
13. Pet Wipes
As we mentioned earlier, pigs are pretty clean. But if you want to give them a quick spa treatment without having to grab a bottle of shampoo, we recommend Hepper Wash Wipes. These wipes are gentle to use and will not irritate the pig’s skin; however, they will remove dirt, grime, and stink quickly. Of course, if your pig is extremely dirty, then a proper bath with gentle pig-friendly shampoo is needed.
Conclusion
Once you stock up on all these essential supplies for your pig, you’re ready to bring them home! You have everything you need to get started and introduce your pig to their new family, whether they’ll be living strictly indoors or enjoying some indoor and outdoor time with the dogs.
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Featured Image Credit: kohanwass, Shutterstock
