What Is a Guinea Hogs Diet?

Guinea hogs are a rare type of pig or boar found mostly in North America. Thought to originate from West African stock, these pigs were a popular breed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, in the latter part of the 20th century, they became very rare. Their wild ancestors are still found in Africa, and as of 2010, the popularity of heritage breeds has created renewed American interest in the Guinea hog. These hogs have slightly different dietary requirements than conventional domestic pigs.

  1. Wild Diet

    • In Africa, Guinea hogs are foragers and grazers. According to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, they travel in herds of between 20 and 100 individuals, consuming shrubs, tubers, roots and herbaceous plants, as well as animal foods like snakes, mice, grasshoppers and bird eggs. Guinea hogs have even been known to eat the manure of other animals.

    Captive Diet

    • According to the American Guinea Hog Association, most breeders keep their animals on pasture, allowing them to graze from local plants. The majority of breeders also supplement their hogs with kitchen leftovers like eggs, produce and meat scraps, as well as hog pellets and extra grain. Sugarstone Farm notes that these hogs can eat whatever whole grains are available.

    Winter

    • In North America, foraging becomes difficult during the winter months. While some farmers still allow their Guinea hogs to browse during this period, food supplementation can help keep the animals in better shape. Winter diets are usually based on commercial hog pellets, hay or grain, supplemented with produce, expired breads, eggs and dairy products.

    Efficiency

    • Guinea hogs are notable for their efficient use of food. They require very little grain to keep them at a good weight. In fact, feeding a guinea hog a similar grain ration to that of a commercial hog could cause it to become very fat. The American Guinea Hog Association notes that corn is particularly prone to making these animals obese, and that they do very well on mostly grass. This food efficiency makes Guinea hogs a relatively inexpensive pig to keep.

    Water

    • Guinea hogs require freely available water at all times. In the wild, they spend much of their time in or around the water, and often wallow in the mud near water sources. Captive Guinea hogs may be watered from conventional waterers, children's wading pools or natural water sources. Extra water may be required during the winter, when the hogs receive less moisture from their food.