Can Pigs Eat Eggs?

Can Pigs Eat Eggs

Pigs are omnivores, except for guinea pigs. This omnivorous nature has given pigs the benefits of feeding from both plants and animal origin.

If you have ever wondered whether or not pig(s) can eat eggs, you are in the right place because here we will be discussing all about eggs and their nutritional value. We would also be giving you the answer or answers you came here to seek. 

To directly answer the question of the day, Can Pigs eat eggs?

Yes, pigs can safely consume eggs. Eggs should be a go-to source of nutrients for pigs. Pigs would eat anything, so it's up to you, as their owner, to watch and select the right food with the right amount of nutrients for your pets. 

Benefits of Eggs

We all know that eggs are filled with a series of nutrients, they are filled with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Pigs need these vitamins and minerals for optimal health, growth, reproduction, and healthy functioning of the physiological system. Some of the nutrients in eggs include:

• protein
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Phosphorus
• Iodine
• Selenium 
• iron
• Protein
• Calcium 
• vitamin D

Vitamin D

Eggs are considered one of the richest sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that supports animal and human immune systems, therefore, it promotes better health. Also, vitamin D intake during pregnancy can help the unborn baby pig to attain good health. Eggs are, thus, good for pregnant pigs.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that acts as a tissue antioxidant. Vitamin E also plays a significant role in maintaining the integral structure of muscles. It also plays a significant role in the reproductive and digestive systems.

Vitamin A

Pigs need vitamin A, especially in their growth years. It helps them with eyesight and gives a resting shoulder to almost all functions of a pig’s body. It also additionally boosts their immunity.

Iron

Aside from pigs, every living thing on planet earth needs iron for optimal health and growth. Pigs need an adequate amount of iron to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin, which aids the red blood cells in transmitting oxygen to all body parts.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another important mineral that pigs need to live a balanced and healthy life. To avoid overfeeding on phosphorus, eggs should be eaten in moderate quantities or as treats. 

Iodine

Iodine supports a better reproductive system in pigs. But unfortunately, iodine deficiency is common in pigs, and it becomes the reason for weaker underweight offspring.

Zinc 

This essential mineral aids in bone development. The deficiency of zinc in pigs results in poor growth and poor appetite. Moreover, it is also needed by the pigs for the normal and better functioning of the body.

Protein

Like other animals, pigs need protein to grow and develop and also to help repair muscle tissue. It is no news that eggs are rich in protein. Protein is an important nutrient.  The eggs can be fed with other pig protein sources such as soybean meal, sunflower meal, fish, meat, and bone meal to improve their health.

Calcium

Calcium, a vital mineral, together with phosphorus, plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of muscle contraction and blood clotting mechanism.

Raw versus Cooked egg; which is better?

Unlike, other food items, eggs should preferably be eaten in their cooked form. Raw eggs are not so satisfying on the taste buds. Aside from this, raw eggs also can contribute to mouth disease. These raw eggs can also cause biotin deficiency and untreated biotin deficiency can cause diarrhea, dermatitis, excessive hair loss, and also laminitis. Therefore, taking eggs in their cooked form is way healthier than the raw form, both for you and your pets. 

Now that you are aware of the fact that eggs are best consumed when they are cooked; I assume your next question would be if the eggs are better boiled or fried.

Boiled or Fried; which goes better for Pigs?

Frankly, both are fine, it all depends on your comfort and your pig’s preference. However boiled eggs are a finer option. You can take it a step further by cutting or mashing them up to make it easier for the pigs to eat and digest. More importantly, boiled eggs are almost in their natural form since they retain more of their nutrients. Fried eggs on the other hand require additional seasonings and condiments which might not always sit well with pigs. Poached eggs, a type of boiled egg is also fine and safe. 

Moving on to the next subheading _ Eggs With or without shells?

Also, both are fine. Pigs can eat eggs with shells or without. But, they should only consume the egg shells only when they have been thoroughly washed. Ensure the shells have been well washed if you do not want the dirt to cause any problems for you and your pigs. On the bright side, eggshells do come with several benefits. Egg shells have got the reputation of having a remarkable amount of calcium. Calcium plays an important role in maintaining blood clotting, muscle contraction, and the skeletal system. It also aids in better development of teeth and bones. 

How Many Eggs Can Pig Eat Per Day?

As mentioned earlier, eggs should be fed to pigs in moderation. Therefore, a 200lb pig can eat about 4-5 eggs a day. They can consume more than 5 per day, but to avoid any form of health complications, 5 eggs should be enough for a day. Also, eggs should be fed to pigs only once a week. This healthier protein treatment once a week would truly help your pets grow and develop muscle tissue.

In Summary, 

Yes, pigs can eat both eggs and eggs shells but only in moderation. Eggs are an important source of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, and D, and a lot more. All these vitamins and minerals are necessary for the pig’s health and growth.

 Also, raw eggs are a little harmful as they have got the reputation of causing biotin deficiency that can cause diarrhea, dermatitis, excessive hair loss, and worse laminitis as mentioned earlier. Watch what you feed to pigs, seek the veterinarian's advice when you should, and be safe.