Kunekune Pig Facts

Kunekune pigs are a small to medium-sized breed originally from New Zealand, known for their friendly and docile nature, making them excellent companions. These pigs are quite distinctive with their round bodies, short legs, and long hair, which can come in a variety of colors. Typically, Kunekunes weigh between 140 to 240 pounds.  
Their diet is quite versatile as they are primarily grazers; they do well on grass and should be supplemented with high-quality pig feed to ensure they get all their nutritional needs. Although most pigs are naturally omnivores, most kunekune pigs raised on captivity are herbivores. Kunekunes are capable of eating a wide variety of vegetation, including eat grass, hay, grains, romaine lettuce and vegetables like tomatoes. Unlike other pigs, kunekunes do not specifically eat by foraging and can live exclusively on well-maintained pasture grass. Their short snouts make them great at grazing.
Kunekune pigs are not only charming and sociable, but they are also quite intelligent. They have a remarkable capacity to learn quickly and can be trained to respond to commands, much like dogs. Their smart and curious nature means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can be provided through environmental enrichment such as toys, foraging opportunities, and social interaction. This cognitive ability, combined with their gentle disposition, makes Kunekune pigs delightful and rewarding companions, just like dogs. 
Pigs, like all sentient beings, deserve to be respected and treated with compassion, rather than being viewed solely as sources of food. They are intelligent animals capable of experiencing emotions, forming social bonds, and showing affection. This cognitive and emotional complexity suggests that pigs can feel stress, pain, and fear, similar to humans and other animals that are more traditionally seen as pets.
Moreover, the environmental impact of pig farming is significant, contributing to deforestation, water pollution, and climate change due to methane emissions and resource-intensive feed requirements. From a health perspective, the consumption of pork can increase the risk of diseases related to red and processed meat consumption, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. Therefore moving away from pork to plant-based alternatives can contribute to better health outcomes. This transition supports a more ethical, environmentally sustainable, and health-conscious approach to our diets.