Chinese Influencer Sparks Health Concerns by Eating Pig Feed to Save Money

Chinese influencer Kong Yufeng, also known as “King Kong Liuke” on Douyin, has caused a stir online after revealing her unconventional money-saving diet: eating pig feed. Kong, a graduate of the prestigious Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and known for her handicraft content, has 2.8 million followers on the platform. On October 30, she posted a video showcasing her decision to live on the cheapest food she could find, without disclosing the reasons for this extreme challenge.

Kong opted for pig feed based on a suggestion she found on Zhihu, a popular Chinese forum known for sharing budget-friendly tips. She spent 100 yuan (US$14) on a large bag of pig feed, which she described as having a “milky oatmeal smell.” The feed, according to Kong, contained natural ingredients like soybeans, peanuts, sesame, corn, and added vitamins. She argued that it was high in protein, low in fat, and “healthier than takeaway food,” costing her only 3 yuan (40 cents) per day.

In her video, Kong mixed the pig feed with warm water before consuming it, visibly struggling with its unpleasant taste. She grimaced and complained: “It’s so salty! A bit sour too! I cannot stand it; I need to drink more water.” Despite the discomfort, she declared her intention to stick to the pig feed diet for a week to see if it was a sustainable and healthy alternative.

However, Kong cautioned her viewers against imitating her experiment, saying: “Do not do this unless you’re extremely poor.” Her video quickly went viral, amassing 6.3 million views on Weibo and sparking widespread debate on social media.

While some users found her challenge amusing, others expressed serious concerns. One commenter noted: “How can food designed for pigs meet safety standards for humans?” Another remarked: “During times of famine, pig feed was a valuable resource. But today, with better living standards, why take such a risk?”

A pig feed company employee informed Shangyou News that while pig feed is not inherently toxic, it is not formulated for human digestion. Nutrition expert Chen warned that relying on pig feed could lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and iodine, potentially resulting in malnutrition, osteoporosis, and fatigue.

Many criticized Kong’s actions, especially considering her large following. “As a popular influencer, her behavior could easily influence others, including children. The consequences could be dangerous,” one user cautioned.

Since the backlash, Kong’s video has been removed from social media, and her account is no longer searchable. The influencer has not responded to requests for comment, leaving her fans and critics wondering about the true motivation behind her controversial stunt.

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