The Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig has a uniformly black coat of coarse hair. Its skin is heavily wrinkled, and the body is distinctive with a pronounced sway back and a large, sagging belly that may drag on the ground in pregnant sows. The head is small with an up-turned snout, small ears and eyes, and heavy sagging jowls. The feet are plantigrade, meaning weight is borne on all four toes of each foot, an adaptation to marshy terrain.1
Pot-bellied pigs are very clever and curious animals with a mind of their own. They communicate using at least 20 different sounds, including grunts, squeals, barks and screams. They are food-motivated and respond well to positive training, but can become demanding or vocal if bored or left alone for long periods. As prey animals, they dislike being lifted or restrained, which causes them extreme alarm. With regular gentle handling they become affectionate and enjoy learning tricks.234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Pot-bellied pigs need daily outdoor time in a securely fenced yard for foraging, rooting and playing. They also benefit from leash walks twice a day, which provides bonding and exercise. Without enough activity they can become bored and destructive.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hooves need regular trimming. Their coat requires minimal grooming, but they should be checked for parasites. Veterinary care includes vaccinations and periodic faecal checks. In hot weather, provide shallow pools or shade because pigs lack sweat glands and overheat easily above 29°C.23
Home where they are happiest
Pot-bellied pigs can live indoors or outdoors, but in cold climates they must be kept primarily indoors because they cannot tolerate harsh winters. Indoors, use child-safety locks on cabinets and keep cleaning agents out of reach. Provide a litter box and soft bedding such as blankets or sleeping bags. Outdoors, a covered pen with shade and a shallow pool is essential. The optimum temperature range is 16-24°C with about 50% humidity.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Pot-bellied pigs are omnivores and need a balanced diet of commercial pig chow, supplemented with low-calorie treats such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Avoid high-sugar treats and chocolate, which may be toxic. Do not feed dog or cat food as it is too high in protein. Never restrict food to keep the pig small; proper feeding supports healthy growth.32
Company who they like around
Pot-bellied pigs are highly social and form strong bonds with their human family. They should not be left alone for long periods as they can become distressed and vocal. They thrive on daily interaction, training sessions and gentle handling. In some countries, keeping pigs as pets may be subject to local regulations; check your local laws before acquiring one.32
The story where it all began
The Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig is a traditional landrace breed from the Red River Delta of Vietnam, particularly Nam Định province. Small numbers were exported to Canada and Sweden in the 1960s for zoos and laboratory use. From Canada, they entered the United States in the mid-1980s and were marketed as a novel pet, sparking a short-lived fad. Many of these early 'pot-bellied pigs' were crossbred and grew larger than expected, leading to some being abandoned. Today, properly bred individuals remain popular as intelligent companion animals, though the original Vietnamese breed is now endangered.145
A typical home-care rhythm for a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterMeasured meals, pigs overeat easilyevery day
House spot cleanPigs keep a clean bed and a separate toilet spotevery day
EnrichmentRooting and foraging every dayevery day
Keep cool summerShade and a wallow or sprinkler on hot daysevery day
Weigh inevery month
Hoof trimevery 6 months
Flea, tick and worm protectionAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
These simple two-ingredient treats are low in sugar and high in fibre, making them a healthy reward for training or bonding. Oats provide slow-release energy, while bananas offer natural sweetness without added sugar.
You need
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats (blended into a flour)
How
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Blend the oats in a food processor until they become a fine flour.
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
Slowly mix the oat flour into the mashed bananas until a stiff dough forms.
Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and flatten gently with the back of a wet spoon.
Bake for 9–12 minutes until golden and firm.
Cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two cookies per day as a training reward. Always supervise your pig when giving treats.
These four-ingredient biscuits are perfect bite-sized rewards for training sessions. Cheese provides protein and calcium, but the recipe uses only a small amount to keep calories in check.
You need
1 cup shredded cheese (low-fat, e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup milk (unsweetened, e.g. oat or cow's milk)
1 tablespoon softened butter (unsalted)
How
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese and flour together.
Stir in the milk and softened butter until a stiff dough forms.
Roll small balls of dough (about the size of a marble) and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
Cool completely before offering to your pig.
How much: Use one or two biscuits per training session. Because these are richer, limit to occasional use.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig, and what should it eat?
Feed measured meals daily of commercial pig chow and low-calorie vegetables or fruit. Avoid high-sugar treats and chocolate, and never restrict food to keep them small. Furry Diary's starting plan includes fresh food and water every day with measured meals.23Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig?
Avoid chocolate, high-sugar treats, and foods from the ASPCA list such as grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, and xylitol. Never feed dog or cat food, as it is too high in protein.236
How much space and land does a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig need?
They need daily outdoor time in a securely fenced yard for foraging and rooting, plus leash walks twice a day. Exact space requirements vary, so ask a good breeder or vet for specific land needs.23
What kind of shelter does a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig need?
Provide a covered pen with shade and a shallow pool outdoors, or indoors with soft bedding and a litter box. In cold climates, keep them primarily indoors; the ideal temperature range is 16, 24°C with about 50% humidity.23
How do I look after a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig's hooves or feet?
Hooves need regular trimming, about every 6 months as suggested by Furry Diary's starting plan. Consult a vet or experienced farrier for proper care.23Furry Diary plan
Does a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig need grooming or shearing?
Their coat requires minimal grooming, just occasional brushing and checking for parasites. Shearing is not needed.23
Can a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig live alone?
Pot-bellied pigs are highly social and should not be left alone for long periods, as they can become distressed and vocal. They thrive on daily interaction with their human family.23
How long does a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig live?
With proper care, they typically live between 14 and 21 years.2
Is a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig good with children?
They can be affectionate and enjoy learning tricks, but as prey animals they dislike being lifted or restrained. With gentle handling and supervision, they may be good with children, but always supervise interactions.234
What regular vet care does a Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig need?
Regular vet care includes vaccinations, periodic faecal checks, and hoof trimming. Furry Diary's starting plan also recommends monthly weigh-ins. Consult an exotic-pet vet for a full schedule.23Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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