Pot bellied pigs generally have voracious appetites and will eat nearly anything that you offer them. Unfortunately, they are also very prone to obesity which can lead to foot and joint problems as well as other health issues. In addition to the health implications, they can also become very persistent and pesky beggars for foods they shouldn't have and can even learn to open the refrigerator in their search for tasty treats. Thankfully, by feeding the proper food, limiting treats, and developing a feeding routine you can help prevent these problems in your own pig.

Commercial Diets for Pot Bellied Pigs

Pot bellied pigs need a good quality diet that is high in fiber and low in calories. Ideally, a food formulated specifically for pot bellied pigs or mini pigs should be fed. These special diets can now be found at some feed stores and pet stores. If your local store doesn't carry these diets they may be able to order them in for you or you could also check to see if your veterinarian can order them.

Here are some examples of pot bellied pig diets:

• Mazuri (whose parent company is Purina) - Three different foods exist from this popular food line for three different age groups of pigs - youth, adult, and elder. This brand of food is often used in zoos.
• Ross Mill Farms
• Heartland Pet Pig Products

If you feed a commercial food meant for farmed pigs make sure you choose a maintenance ration - especially avoid the grower and finisher type foods which are meant for optimum growth and are too rich for pot bellied pigs. Young piglets can be fed a commercial pig starter diet, but only up to about 2-3 months of age.

As a rule, in non-breeding adults feed about 1/2 cup of maintenance food per 25 pounds of the pig's weight (so a 75 pound pig would get 1 1/2 cups of food). The total amount should be divided into 2 meals a day. However, this amount is a guideline and should be adjusted based on the pig's body condition. If the pig is developing rolls of fat around the face and you have a hard time feeling the hip bones, the pig is becoming obese and should be fed less. Conversely, if the pig feels skinny you should feed more. Piglets up to 6 weeks of age can be fed the starter ration free choice (as much as they want) but from 6 weeks to 3 months gradually limit the starter food down to about 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day. Nearing 3 months, make the gradual change to the adult diet.

^{Reprinted from About.com}