Dry vs Soaked Feed: When & Why We Use Both

Late-Season Feeding & Why We Use Both

Late in the season, feeding isn’t just about volume.
It’s about consistency, digestion, and hydration—especially as pigs get heavier and we begin to ask more of them.

Here’s how we think about it.

DRY FEED

What it is:
Feed delivered dry from the bag, whether you’re feeding one product or mixing multiple feeds together.

Why we use it:
– Simple and consistent
– Allows control of intake and body condition

When we stick with dry feed:
If a pig is already heavier conditioned (carrying extra fat) and doesn’t need more belly or fullness, control matters more than added hydration.

SOAKED FEED (USED LATE-SEASON)

What it is:
Feed soaked ahead of time so it fully hydrates before feeding.

Why we use it:
Soaking doesn’t change the feed—it changes how the pig handles it.
Feed that’s already hydrated supports digestion and helps pigs stay consistent late season.

– Increases total daily water intake
– Helps maintain intake as pigs get heavier
– Reduces digestive stress during late-season pressure
– Supports steady, controlled gain

When we use it:
→ Typically 30–45 days before a show
→ Only when a pig still needs belly and capacity

⚠️ Important:
Wet feed ≠ soaked feed.

Soaked feed is prepared ahead of time and allowed to fully hydrate.
Wet feed is mixed and fed immediately, which often creates inconsistency.

We prefer soaked feed because it supports digestion without adding variability.

How We Mix Soaked Feed

1. Pour feed into a container
2. Mix dry feed first
3. Add water until it sits ~1 inch above the feed (a little extra water saves you from digging feed out by hand later)
4. Mix again so the bottom feed hydrates
5. After feeding, remix immediately so the next feeding can soak

⏱ Soak time: about 12 hours

Consistency matters more than exact measurements.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Why soaking feed makes digestion easier

Soaking feed doesn’t change the feed itself — it changes how the pig’s digestive system has to work. Here’s what’s actually happening.

1. Pre-hydration reduces digestive workload

Dry feed must absorb water inside the pig before digestion really begins.

When feed is soaked:

• Water has already penetrated the feed particles

• Starches are softened

• Feed breaks down more easily once it reaches the stomach

Result: Less effort required by the gut, leading to smoother digestion.

2. Slower, more uniform entry into the digestive system

Dry feed enters the digestive tract quickly and unevenly.
Soaked feed enters soft and consistent.

This helps:

• Reduce gut irritation

• Prevent digestive “shock”

• Promote more even movement through the system

This becomes especially important late season as pigs get heavier and digestive pressure increases.

3. Improved nutrient availability

Soaking doesn’t add nutrients — it helps pigs access the nutrients already there.

Water allows:

• Digestive enzymes to work more efficiently

• Nutrients to release at a steadier rate

• Feed to be utilized instead of moving through too quickly

Result: More consistent intake and better feed utilization.

4. Increased total water intake

Soaked feed naturally increases daily water consumption.

More water intake supports:

• Better gut movement

• Improved temperature regulation

• Reduced digestive stress

Hydrated pigs handle feed more effectively, especially under late-season pressure.

5. Reduced sorting and inconsistency

Dry feed mixtures can separate, leading to uneven intake.
Soaked feed stays uniform.

That means:

• Every bite contains the same nutrients

• Less variation from feeding to feeding

Consistency is one of the biggest drivers of digestive success.

The Takeaway

Dry feed = management
Soaked feed = hydration, easier digestion, and consistency

Both have a place.