Squash: Can Pigs Eat Zucchini, Squash, Pumpkins

Pigs will eat almost anything, including zucchini and pumpkins. Plus nearly all forms of squash are easy to grow and take little effort or cost in the garden. Lets dive in to see if zucchini, winter squash, or pumpkins good for pigs to eat.

If you are looking for a complete list of what pigs (hogs, sows and piglets) can eat, check out our guide on good vegetables for pigs.

Can Pigs Eat Squash?

All kinds of squash are suitable for pigs, including butternut, pumpkin, and zucchini. Although pigs can eat every part of the squash, including the tough skin, they generally prefer the seeds and firm flesh. Although pigs eat raw or cooked squash, most will turn their noses up at the hairy vines and leaves.

There are over 100 different types of squash, all of which contain healthy vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. They also contain essential minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and potassium. With a high water content, squash hydrates and boosts the pig’s digestive health. 

Can Pigs Eat Pumpkins?

Pigs can indeed eat pumpkins, and it is a healthy treat for them. Pigs’ skin and digestive systems can benefit from the vitamins and nutrients that are abundant in pumpkins. Pigs can safely eat pumpkins in all of its parts, including the seeds, which can also add to their nutritional intake. Overfeeding pigs pumpkins, however, should be avoided as it can result in diarrhea. Pumpkins should be offered to pigs in moderation as part of a healthy diet. A veterinarian or animal nutritionist should be consulted to determine the proper serving size of pumpkin or other foods for pigs.

Pumpkins are also natural dewormers capable of removing all kinds of intestinal parasites. Cut up pumpkins make a great treat for mini pigs also!

Can Pigs Eat Zucchini?

Zucchinis are healthy for pigs to eat, and all parts of the plant is edible, including the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Raw, cooked, and frozen zucchini is ok to feed pigs. Zucchini is a very prolific vegetable, and the over-ripe, large zucchinis will make a great addition to your pig’s feed during harvest time.

Zucchini doesn’t have many calories but offers antioxidants, folate, potassium, and Vitamin A. They have zero fat and little sugar so don’t feed zucchinis as a primary part of your pig’s diet. When your plants are spent, feel free to let your pigs have a go at the plants and roots.

Can Pigs Eat Butternut Squash?

Pigs can eat butternut squash as it is healthy for them. They can eat butternut squash raw or cooked, but raw, the skins may be difficult for pigs to eat. Butternut squash has a pretty tough skin (like acorn squash) and pigs will usually eat out the middle of the squash and the seeds.

You can break open a butternut squash for younger piglets; hogs and sows can usually break it open. You will probably find that the skins are left over, but those go well in the compost. Additionally, you can grind or blend the skin up with the rest of the squash and pigs will eat it well. Pigs also love cooked squash and will eat the skin after its softened from baking.

Pigs can eat Butternut squash is low in oxalic acid like zucchini, yellow squash, and acorn squash.

Pigs Eat Squash FAQs

Can Pigs Eat Raw Yellow Squash? Pigs can eat raw yellow squash. Yellow squash has many nuntrients and vitamins that are benifitial for pigs. It’s high in Vitamins A, B6, C, Folate, Magnesium, Fiber, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, and Potassium. It’s rich in antioxidants. Wellow squash has fewer calories than corn and so won’t be as effective as corn in helping pigs to gain weight. But, it does make a great addition to a pig’s diet in addition to corn and other grains.

What Types of Squash Can Pigs Eat? Pigs can eat all varieties of squash including butternut squash, yellow squash, zucchini, pumpkin, winter squash, acorn squash, spagetti squash, crooked neck, honey nut squash, field pupkin, red kuri squash and other varieties. Squash is healthy for hogs and does not contain nutrients that can damage or harm pigs.

Can Pigs Eat Squash Plants, Leaves, or Stems? Pigs can eat all parts of the squash plant including the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit of the plant. Unlike nightshade vegetables, squash plants are entirely edible and healthy for pigs. Hogs can eat squash plants, which will help with hydration. But they will not obtain high calories from squash plants and should still be fed other higher-calorie foods if your pig needs to gain weight.

What Squashes are Low in Oxalic Acid? No squash is considered high in oxalic acid, but some squashes have lower oxalic acid levels than others. The squashes that are the lowest in oxalic acid are acorn squash, butternut squash, carnival, delicata squash, kabocha, spagetti squash, summer or yellow squash, and zucchini. Squashes with medium levels of oxalic acid include chayote squash and hubbard squash.

Conclusion

Pigs relish different kinds of squashes! Pumpkins aside, varieties like zucchini, butternut, and yellow squash are safe for them to ingest as well! Squash is packed with nutrients necessary for the swine’s well-being, such as vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fiber – not forgetting the high water content that promotes healthy digestion too!

Plus, pumpkins have additional benefits as natural dewormers for our supposedly dirty hogs! Nonetheless, it’s essential to exercise due diligence by consulting an animal nutritionist or veterinarian regarding serving sizes so that their diet remains balanced.