Can pigs eat cherries? Glad you asked. Pigs enjoy eating various fruits like peaches, but can pigs eat cherries? Are they good for them? What about cherries seeds or pits? Continue reading to find out.
Can Pigs Eat Cherries?
Yes, pigs can eat cherries, but before you start serving cherries to your pigs, there are some risks you should consider first. Keep reading to find out what’s good and bad about serving cherries to your pigs.
Are Cherries Good for Pigs?
Yes, cherries are good and safe for your pigs to eat in moderate amounts. However, you have to learn how to prepare them to prevent some risks.
Cherries are a rich source of several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins and carbs that can serve pigs. in addition to a high water levels (around 86%) which makes it a great fruit for summer months because it can help pigs to stay hydrated.
Down below, we’ve put together some of the health benefits of serving cherries to pigs.
Vitamins
Pigs need vitamins to maintain their body functions. Below are several vitamins that pigs can get from cherries.
- Vitamin A is important for your pigs to maintain healthy organs and eyes.
- Vitamin C helps create antibodies which are important for pigs’ immune system, and it’s also an anti-inflammatory
- Vitamin K in cherries aids pigs’ blood’s ability to coagulate normally.
Minerals
Pigs need several minerals in their meal. Below are few minerals that pigs can get from cherries.
- Potassium content of cherries helps lower blood pressure and protect your pigs from strokes and other problems like osteoporosis and kidney stones.
- Calcium in cherries help pigs build and maintain healthy and strong bones. Your pig’s heart, muscles and nerves also require calcium to function properly.
- Magnesium in cherries aids the pigs’ body to have healthy blood sugar levels in addition to a healthy heart.
Fiber
Cherries are around 1.6% fiber which keep pigs’ digestion system in good condition.
Protein
Cherries also consist of 1% protein which is important for your pigs’ growth.
Are Cherries Bad for Pigs?
No, cherries are neither bad nor poisonous to your pigs. However, eating significant amounts can lead to some serious side effects like diarrhea, digestion issues and clogged arteries because of the high water and sugar content.
However, cherries seeds (or pits) are toxic for pigs and should be avoided
Do Pigs Like Cherries?
Yes, pigs do like cherries; they find them delicious and would happily eat them whenever they can.
However, there’s a chance that your pig won’t be interested at all, and that’s fine. Just like you and me, pigs are different with their own dietary preferences.
If your pig isn’t interested in a specific food, there are many others that you can replace it with.
How Much Cherries Can Pigs Eat?
There is no exact rule about how much cherries your pig can eat. However, cherries or any treat shouldn’t make more than 10% of pigs’ total daily calories. cherries should be considered as treats, not as replacement for their main food. If you feed your pigs cherries, it should be as a part of a well-balanced meal.
How to Feed Cherries to Pigs?
Here is how you can offer cherries to your pigs.
- Seek organic cherries whenever possible.
- Wash the cherries to remove any contaminants from the skin.
- Remove the pit or seed as they can be dangerous for pigs.
- Mix the cherries with other foods that your pigs usually eat.
- begin with a smaller amount of cherries the first time you give them to your pigs to see if they show any negative signs. It’s wise to do this with any new fruit.
Conclusion: Can Pigs Eat Cherries?
Yes, pigs can eat cherries in moderate amounts just make sure to remove the pits (or seeds). They are healthy, delicious and completely safe for pigs. However, it can lead to issues if over-consumed.
And with so many healthier options out there. Cherries are best served up with other food your pig enjoy.
Keep cherries as a special treat, and don’t replace them with your pig’s main diet.
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