So, Can Pigs Eat Blueberries?

Much of the time, fruit isn’t something that our pigs should have on a regular basis. Though pigs are omnivores and can eat almost anything, fruit, despite being natural and healthy, is a bit too sugary for them to eat all the time.

Nonetheless, it can still make a great treat for them or a supplement to their usual diet so don’t count it out. But what kinds of fruit can our pigs have safely? How about blueberries? Is it safe for pigs to eat them?

Yes, blueberries are totally safe for pigs in limited amounts. Packed with vitamins and minerals, and also being a great source of energy, they’re a great treat or supplement for them.

Not much of a surprise here. Blueberries are nutritious and totally wholesome, and as long as you don’t let your pigs, well, pig out on them they won’t cause any problems.

If you want to make blueberries a delicious (yet occasional) treat for your herd or add them to their diet as a supplement, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll tell you everything you need to know in the rest of this article…

Do Pigs Like Blueberries?

Yes, they sure do! Pigs love blueberries: they are fragrant, sweet, and very easy for them to eat; they are favorites.

I’ve never met a single pig that doesn’t like them, and I’ve met plenty. The trick, of course, is not giving them too many!

Are Blueberries Healthy for Them?

Yes, definitely. Blueberries have a well-rounded profile of macro and micronutrients that will benefit pigs. They’re a good source of dietary fiber and also carbohydrates in the form of fructose.

This can give pigs a big boost of energy when they are stressed, when it’s hot, or if they just seem a little down. They’re easily digestible, too.

But even better than this is the vitamin and mineral profile, the micronutrients, found in blueberries. You’ll find a great assortment of B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 with plenty of folate.

Blueberries also have huge amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K, and are one of the best sources for those two among all fruits. Lastly, they have a tad of vitamin E, which pigs still need, mind you!

The mineral content of blueberries isn’t quite as impressive as the vitamins, but still totally worthwhile, with phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc being present. Blueberries also contain tons of manganese, especially important as an antioxidant.

It’s no exaggeration to say that all these nutrients, together, can greatly benefit a pig’s health in so many ways.

From circulatory health and the formation of new red blood cells to metabolic regulation, organ function, immune system performance, skin and fur health, healing, skeletal growth and so much more.

Not bad for a little bitty berry!

Are Raw Blueberries Okay for Pigs?

Yes, they are. Pigs love raw blueberries, and this is the best way you can give them: that’s because raw blueberries have the best possible amount of nutrients.

Are Cooked Blueberries Okay for Pigs?

Yes, cooked blueberries are fine for pigs, but you don’t need to bother with it: You don’t need to cook blueberries to make them edible, and the cooking process will only deplete the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Are Frozen Blueberries Okay for Pigs?

Yes, they are, as long as they weren’t frozen with too much added sugar or syrup. Pigs can eat them frozen, but I recommend letting them thaw a little bit. This makes them a perfect treat during hot weather!

Can Pigs Have Canned Blueberries?

No, they shouldn’t. Canned blueberries are often packed in syrup or concentrated blueberry juice which is just going to add a ton of extra sugar to the diet of your pigs. Sometimes they also have preservatives in there which can be harmful or questionable at best.

Avoid them, and stick with fresh or frozen blueberries only!

Are Blueberries Harmful to Pigs in Any Way?

No, not really. Blueberries are not directly harmful to your pigs in any way, but if they’re getting too many blueberries and other fruits in their diet overall, the sugar content can give them indigestion which can lead to diarrhea. Nobody wants that!

And, as good as they are, blueberries are not in any way nutritionally complete for pigs. They can’t live on blueberries alone or as a majority component of their diet.

Ultimately, it’s not much to worry about, and so long as you are cautious about the quantities and the feeding schedule, you can feel good about giving blueberries to your herd.

How Often Can Pigs Eat Blueberries?

Blueberries, like most fruits, should be a treat or periodic supplement for your pigs, not a mainstay of their diet.

The general guideline for blueberries and other fruit in a pig’s diet is to give them no more than 10% of their daily allotted calories.

Also, keep in mind that this is just a rule of thumb! If your pigs have never had blueberries before, give them a smaller quantity and then observe to see how they do.

To a degree, pigs are still individuals and it’s possible that blueberries or any other very sugary food could upset their stomachs.

How Can I Feed My Pigs Blueberries?

Blueberries are a snap to feed to pigs. You can give them as-is for a treat, mix them into other kinds of fruits and vegetables to make a sort of salad, or mash them up and then stir them into dry ingredients to make a sort of porridge or slop.

Really any way that you care to serve them blueberries your herd will appreciate them!

Can Piglets Have Blueberries, Too?

Yes, baby piglets can also have blueberries but only if they are already old enough to be eating solid food all the time. Piglets are even more prone to indigestion than adults, and correspondingly diarrhea which causes dehydration will hit them even harder.

You definitely don’t want that to happen, so don’t start them on blueberries too early, and keep those servings very small until you know they can handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are blueberries okay for mini pigs?

Yes, blueberries are just fine for mini pigs. But, because mini pigs are so much smaller you should keep the portions smaller likewise.

Are blueberries okay for potbelly pigs?

Yes, blueberries are totally fine for potbelly pigs too.

Are blueberries okay for Juliana pigs?

Yes, they sure are. Juliana pigs can have blueberries the same as any other according to the guidelines above.

Can pigs have stale blueberries?

Yes, but to clarify, a stale blueberry that’s a little dry and shriveled is one thing, but a rotting, slimy blueberry is another. Never give your pigs rotten produce!