Beyond Corn and Soy: Raising Mangalitsa Pigs with a Sustainable, Forage-Rich Diet

The Diet of Our Mangalitsa Pigs: A Healthy, Natural Approach Without Corn and Soy

At our farm, we take great pride in the way we raise our Mangalitsa pigs. We’ve had several health issues in our family, because of that we are strong advocates in the belief “you are what you eat”. This extends to our animals. We believe in providing them with a diet that promotes their health and well-being, while avoiding conventional ingredients like corn and soy, will benefit not only the animal but also our family and our customers.

Our pigs enjoy a carefully balanced mix of field peas, wheat, barley, oats, and seasonal treats like pumpkins and acorns in the fall—all of which contribute to their overall vitality and the exceptional quality of their meat. Additionally, these pigs have some freedom to roam the beautiful Minnesota woods (in electric wire and/or hard panel), foraging for wild plants and roots, which further enhances their diet.

Why We Avoid Corn and Soy

Corn and soy are staples in many commercial animal feeds, but we’ve chosen to go a different route. While these ingredients are often used because they provide quick energy, they don’t always offer the most balanced or nutritious options for our animals. We also aim to avoid GMO. Our Mangalitsa pigs are a heritage breed, and their diet should reflect the natural foods they would forage in the wild. By eliminating corn and soy, we ensure that the pigs are receiving a diet that is more aligned with their natural instincts and nutritional needs, resulting in healthier pigs and better-tasting pork.

The Diet Breakdown

Our pigs’ diet consists of a precise mixture of ingredients, each chosen for their nutritional benefits:

Field Peas (40%): Field peas are an excellent source of protein, making them the cornerstone of our pigs’ diet. Rich in essential amino acids, they support muscle growth and development while also boosting the pigs’ immune systems. Their high protein content helps maintain the health and vitality of our Mangalitsa pigs as they grow.

Wheat (20%): Wheat is a great source of energy, thanks to its complex carbohydrates. It also contains a range of vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin, fur, and overall health. Wheat helps provide the necessary balance of energy to keep the pigs active and content, which is key for their physical and mental well-being.

Barley (20%): Barley is high in fiber and essential fatty acids, which aids in digestion and promotes healthy skin and coat. The fiber content is especially important for maintaining digestive health, as it helps regulate the pigs’ system and keeps them active and happy.

Oats (20%): Oats are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. This grain not only supports healthy growth but also plays a crucial role in developing the marbling and tenderness of Mangalitsa pork. Oats are gentle on the digestive system, helping to maintain gut health while ensuring a consistent, nutrient-dense diet.

Pumpkins (Seasonal, Fall): In the fall, we supplement our pigs’ diet with pumpkins, which are a natural, seasonal treat. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, and offer a variety of nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. Not only do they contribute to the pigs’ overall health, but the pumpkins also provide a fun and enriching foraging experience. The pigs enjoy rooting through the pumpkins, and the addition of this seasonal food further enhances the flavor and texture of their meat.

Acorns (Seasonal, Fall): Acorns, another fall favorite, are a natural and nutrient-rich food for our pigs. Packed with healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, acorns offer essential nutrients that promote healthy weight gain, as well as aid in the development of the pigs’ marbled meat. Foraging for acorns also encourages the pigs’ natural behaviors, such as rooting, which further contributes to their happiness and well-being.

Foraging in the Minnesota Woods

In addition to this balanced grain mix and seasonal treats like pumpkins and acorns, our pigs safely enjoy roaming the wooded areas of our Minnesota homestead protected by electric wire to prevent them from roaming too far, where they can forage for a variety of natural foods. From wild grasses and berries to insects, the pigs benefit from a diverse and enriching environment that allows them to engage in their natural instincts. Foraging provides mental stimulation and encourages natural behaviors like rooting, which not only contributes to their overall happiness but also enhances the flavor profile of their meat.

The wild forage in the woods contributes essential nutrients to their diet, giving them a well-rounded source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. This natural diet, combined with the grains and seasonal treats like pumpkins and acorns, is a key factor in producing pork that’s flavorful, tender, and rich in marbling.

Why This Diet Benefits Our Pigs and Their Meat

Feeding our Mangalitsa pigs a diet based on field peas, wheat, barley, oats, seasonal pumpkins, and acorns—along with their natural foraging—results in several key benefits:

Superior Meat Quality: The combination of grains, wild forage, pumpkins, and acorns ensures our Mangalitsa pigs grow slowly and naturally, resulting in meat with outstanding marbling. The pork is more tender, juicy, and flavorful, with a rich taste that’s prized by chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

Healthier Pigs: By avoiding corn and soy, we reduce the risk of digestive issues and ensure the pigs receive a more balanced diet that supports their overall health. The grains and seasonal treats we use are rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, helping the pigs grow strong and healthy.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing: The grains we feed our pigs—field peas, wheat, barley, and oats—are locally sourced, which means we’re supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing our environmental footprint. Additionally, the pigs’ ability to forage in the wild minimizes the need for supplemental feed, further reducing our reliance on industrial farming practices.


The Mangalitsa Difference

The Mangalitsa pig is a heritage breed that thrives on a diet designed to meet its natural needs. Their slower growth rate and focus on natural, nutritious foods are part of what makes Mangalitsa pork so special. By feeding our pigs a diet free from corn and soy and incorporating locally grown grains, seasonal pumpkins, acorns, and wild forage, we ensure that our pigs live healthy, happy lives while producing pork that’s second to none in flavor and texture.

The result? Pork that’s rich, tender, and full of flavor, with a marbling that enhances every cut. If you’re looking for meat that’s sustainably raised, packed with flavor, and truly special, our Mangalitsa pigs, raised on a carefully balanced diet of field peas, wheat, barley, oats, pumpkins, and acorns, are the perfect choice.

Our commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every bite, and we’re proud to share this exceptional pork with you.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17