Acorn consumption

Question
We have a 1 1/2 year old male pot bellied pig, who in the fall, loves to eat the fallen acorns from our neighbor's Oak tree. Last year he ate them constantly, with no ill effects, but we worry that the acorns may be bad or toxic for him, even though we have seen no adverse reactions so far.

Researching on the internet has given me much conflicting information on this subject, some say acorns are toxic, while others say they will not hurt the pig.

Any information you can provide me on pot bellies and acorn consumption would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
The biggest danger from eating acorns is weight gain. Acorns are quite fattening. Wild pigs, like many wild animals, will stuff themselves with acorns in the fall to gain weight for the coming winter months.

Acorns contain tannins. The amount depends on the species of oak. These tannins can bother people who are sensitive to them. Oak trees grow naturally all over the US (except in parts of the great plains or desert areas where no trees grow), and played a key role in the diet of most Native Americans in the past.