Can pigs eat quinoa? Yes! Quinoa can be considered a superfood for pigs. It provides them with a great source of fibers, protein, carbs and fats which is exactly what the pig needs. It will also help them get a great source of vitamins that he needs and is the main reason that pigs eat quinoa today.
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What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a grain crop originating in the South American Andes, that has been farmed by natives for thousands of years. It was unknown to the Western world until it was introduced in the 1990s.
The outer covering of quinoa is made up of a hard shell that protects the small grain. Inside this, you will find a seed sometimes compared to a small cumin seed, but with a slightly sweeter flavor. The seeds vary in size but they are all roughly circular in shape and brownish-yellow with black spots (from the protective shell).
Quinoa can be prepared like rice or oatmeal and served as a breakfast cereal or savory side dish. It can be used in place of rice or noodles for vegans and vegetarians, since it is not considered meat and is gluten free for those who need to avoid gluten products.
Health Benefits Of Quinoa For Pigs
Quinoa is a seed that is high in protein and has a strong nutritional value. It can be eaten with many different preparations, such as roasted and salted, but the most popular is cooked with vegetables and eaten as a vegetable dish. It is also used to make pasta. Quinoa has many benefits: it is an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and C, calcium, iron and phosphorus. It is also gluten-free, which means it will not cause an allergic reaction to those who are allergic to gluten.
Quinoa helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and helps maintain a balance of good cholesterol. It is rich in fiber and proteins so it helps control appetite and keep a healthy body weight. It also controls levels of uric acid, which prevents gout and kidney stones.
What Grains Should Pigs Eat?
Here are few grains which are good for pigs;
-Wheat: Wheat is good for pigs because it contains proteins, carbohydrates and some essential vitamins. Wheat is also cheaper to buy than quinoa.
-Cornmeal: Cornmeal is high in energy and since cornmeal comes in powder form, you can easily mix this with the feed of your pig. The brand I use is from Randalls Farm and it’s called Pregnant Sow Feed. It’s high in calories, protein and has a good amount of trace minerals for pregnant pigs. I recommend using this brand or something similar instead of regular corn meal or corn grits.
-Barley: Barley is a high quality cereal grain. It’s a good source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Barley is well liked by pigs. Like with wheat, you can buy barley in flour form so it mixes easily into the feed for your pig.
-Oats: Oats are good quality grains so they can be used as a substitute or to keep the pig’s feed varied. Oats are known to give pigs a healthy coat and is an excellent source of fiber.
-Rice: A good quality rice grain like brown rice will last longer in the food bowl and might require less frequent replacing. Rice grain is good for pigs as it’s a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Another reason why you should buy rice instead of quinoa is because it costs less than quinoa which means that if you have multiple pigs, you’ll have enough rations for them all by buying cheaper grains than quinoa!
-Rye: Rye grain is a high quality grain. It is naturally gluten-free which means that it has very little starch and filler in it making it excellent for the digestive system of your pig.
