Maintenance feed recipe

Question
Is there a good maintenance feed recipe a person can mix at home to save a little money?

Answer
Pot-bellied pig food, like most animal feeds and many human foods, are extruded pellets. The raw materials are finely ground and tested for nutritional content. Any extra needed nutrients are mixed in, then the food is shaped into chewable sized bits and cooked.

There really is no easy way to make this sort of thing at home in an ordinary kitchen. Aside from lack of equipment, it's impossible to test the nutritional content. Acquiring all the raw materials and additional supplements that go into any bag of food is costly, and most items are available only in huge quantities that would be difficult to store.

That said, there are a few economical choices. Mazuri is one of the pricier brands, Ross Mill Farm and Heartland are less expensive but the savings is offset by the cost of shipping. Champion and Mana Pro are two nationally available brands that cost less than Mazuri.

In a pinch, almost any quality feed, like hog maintenance chow or complete horse chow, will work. Avoid anything with antibiotics and feeds made for poultry. Look for something that is low in protein (12% or less) and low in fat. Dog and cat foods are out of the question. Some rabbit foods may meet the requirements, but often costs more per pound than pot-bellied pig chow.

Check the ingredient list. Look for wholesome foods at the top of the list, like oats or wheat. Avoid foods that list "grain products" as the main ingredient. This is just "leftovers" mixed together and tossed into the food.

Some feed mills can make up a special recipe, but not in small quantities, and the price will vary wildly depending on the cost of the raw ingredients.

Supplement the pellets with vegetables, fruits, and outdoor grazing time. Do not let piggy graze on grass that's been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers! Some grocery stores will give away old produce or leftover produce scraps, it never hurts to ask.