When the calendar page flips to October, count on a chill in the air, leaves changing from red to amber, and hot soups and football games. The tenth month of the year also signals the end of the harvest season, the beginning of the holiday festivities, and, on October 31, the magical night of Halloween. That’s when children dress up as ghosts and princesses, go to door to door asking for candy, and call out, “Trick or Treat!” The kids are happy, but your pet pig? Not so much.

When they see you give the little ones a sweet treat that they pop in their mouths or drop into their pumpkins, your pig will naturally want in on the goodies. They love food! and when they look at those big piggy-pig eyes, you will think they are hungry. If this tempts you to unwrap a piece of candy and give it to them, resist the urge! Chances are, they won’t be hungry, especially if you feed them dinner before the superheroes and cheerleaders come knocking. They will just want to eat what you and the kids are eating, but don’t give in!

Candy is Not Dandy for Pet Pigs
Candy of all forms is unhealthy for pigs. Also forget giving your pet pig candy made with xylitol. This non-caloric sweetener, used in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is off-limits. While xylitol doesn’t affect human blood sugar levels, it’s dangerous for pet pigs because it causes more insulin to circulate through their body, which lowers blood sugar and can lead to liver failure.

Is candy made with real sugar any healthier? No. Eating too much sugar may lead to obesity and dental issues.

Safe Halloween Treats
If you want to give your pet pig some healthy snacks on Halloween Eve, it helps to prepare them the day before or in the morning. Once your pig gets a whiff of their own special snacks, they’re want to gobble all of them, but limit how much you give them.
Here are some good replacements for candy that you can feel good about giving to your pet pig:
Small sliced pieces of vegetables. Good choices, are apple and blueberries, all in small portions. Pet pigs also like melons. Make sure that all stems, leaves, seeds, and pits are removed, as these can cause intestinal obstruction; many pits also contain poisonous cyandine. Washed grapes and raisins are also good.