Goat Food Guide: Best Feed Options & Nutrition Tips

Feeding goats correctly is vital for their health and happiness. The best goat food includes high-quality forage like hay and pasture, supplemented with minerals, clean water, and sometimes specific grains or commercial feeds based on their life stage and needs. Always prioritize forage and ensure access to fresh water and a balanced mineral supplement.

Are you wondering what to feed your goats to keep them healthy and productive? It’s a common question for new and even experienced goat owners. Getting goat nutrition right can seem complicated, with so many options and conflicting advice out there. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! This guide will break down the essentials of a goat’s diet, making it easy to understand and apply. We’ll cover everything from their natural eating habits to specific feed types, ensuring your goats get all the nutrients they need to thrive.

Understanding Goat Digestive Systems: Ruminants at Heart

Before diving into specific feeds, it’s crucial to understand how a goat’s digestive system works. Goats are ruminants, just like cows and sheep. This means they have a four-compartment stomach: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen is the largest compartment and acts like a fermentation vat, where beneficial microbes break down tough plant fibers. This unique system allows goats to digest cellulose from plants, which other animals cannot.

Because of their specialized digestion, goats thrive on a diet high in fiber. They are natural browsers, preferring to nibble on leaves, twigs, shrubs, and weeds rather than grazing on short grasses like sheep or cattle. This browsing behavior means they consume a wide variety of plant material, which naturally provides a diverse range of nutrients.

The Cornerstone of Goat Diet: Forage

Forage is the foundation of a goat’s diet. It provides the necessary fiber for healthy rumen function and is a primary source of energy and nutrients. Without adequate forage, goats can develop digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies.

Hay: The Winter Staple

When pasture is not available, or during periods of drought, high-quality hay becomes the most important part of a goat’s diet. Not all hay is created equal, and choosing the right type and quality is essential.

• Types of Hay:
  • Legume Hays (e.g., Alfalfa, Clover): These are higher in protein and calcium. Alfalfa is often recommended for growing kids, pregnant and lactating does, or goats needing extra protein. However, too much alfalfa can lead to issues like urinary calculi in bucks due to high calcium content.
  • Grass Hays (e.g., Timothy, Orchardgrass, Fescue): These are generally lower in protein and calcium than legumes but provide excellent fiber. They are suitable for maintenance diets for adult goats. A mix of grass and legume hay is often ideal.
  • Mixed Hays: A blend of grass and legume hay offers a balanced nutrient profile.
• Quality Matters:
  • Freshness: Hay should smell sweet and fresh, not moldy or dusty. Moldy hay can cause serious respiratory and digestive problems.
  • Color: Good hay is typically green. Yellow or brown hay might indicate it was harvested too late or stored improperly, leading to lower nutrient content.
  • Texture: Hay should be leafy and fine-stemmed, not coarse or stemmy. Coarse hay is less palatable and less digestible.
  • Absence of Weeds/Debris: Avoid hay with a high percentage of weeds, dirt, or foreign objects.
• Feeding Hay:
  • Offer hay free-choice or in feeders that minimize waste. Goats can be wasteful eaters, pulling hay out and trampling it.
  • Ensure hay is kept dry and off the ground to prevent mold and contamination.

Pasture and Browse: The Natural Diet

If you have access to pasture, allowing your goats to browse is the most natural and often healthiest way for them to eat. Goats prefer a diverse diet of leaves, twigs, shrubs, and weeds over short grass. This browsing habit helps them consume a wider range of nutrients and naturally keeps brush under control on your property.

• Benefits of Pasture/Browse:
  • Natural Foraging: Mimics their natural diet, promoting healthier digestion.
  • Variety of Nutrients: Different plants offer different vitamins and minerals.
  • Exercise: Encourages movement, which is good for overall health.
  • Cost-Effective: Reduces reliance on purchased feeds.
• Managing Pasture:
  • Rotational Grazing: Moving goats to different paddocks regularly helps prevent overgrazing, reduces parasite load, and allows pastures to recover.
  • Toxic Plants: Be vigilant about identifying and removing plants toxic to goats in your pasture. Common toxic plants include rhododendron, azalea, cherry, laurel, and some varieties of oak. A comprehensive list can be found through university extension services. Cornell University Cooperative Extension offers a good resource on poisonous plants.
  • Supplementation: Even with good pasture, goats may still need mineral supplements and potentially hay during lean times or if the pasture quality is low.

Supplemental Feeds: When and Why

While forage is primary, some goats require supplemental feeds to meet their nutritional demands, especially during specific life stages or for high production.

Grain: A Concentrated Energy Source

Grain provides concentrated energy and protein, but it should be fed cautiously and only when necessary. Overfeeding grain can lead to serious health issues like acidosis (grain overload), urinary calculi, and obesity.

• When to Feed Grain:
  • Lactating Does: Dairy goats producing milk need extra energy and protein to support milk production.
  • Growing Kids: Young goats benefit from grain for rapid growth and development.
  • Pregnant Does (late gestation): During the last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, does need extra nutrients for fetal development.
  • Working Bucks: Breeding bucks may need a small amount of grain during the breeding season.
  • Goats in Poor Condition: To help them gain weight and improve health, but gradually and under veterinary guidance.
• Types of Grain:
  • Oats: A popular choice, generally considered safer than corn due to its higher fiber content.
  • Barley: Another good option, similar to oats.
  • Corn: High in energy but low in protein and fiber. Should be fed sparingly and often mixed with other grains.
  • Commercial Goat Mixes: These are formulated specifically for goats and often contain a blend of grains, protein sources, and added vitamins and minerals. Choose mixes designed for the specific needs of your goats (e.g., dairy goat feed, meat goat feed).
• Important Grain Feeding Tips:
  • Introduce Gradually: Any change in diet, especially grain, should be introduced slowly over 7-10 days to allow the rumen microbes to adjust.
  • Feed Small Amounts: Divide daily grain rations into two or more feedings to prevent digestive upset.
  • Provide Baking Soda: Some owners offer free-choice baking soda, which can help buffer rumen pH and prevent acidosis, especially when feeding grain.
  • Monitor Intake: Ensure all goats get their fair share and no one is overeating.

Commercial Goat Pellets/Feeds

Many feed companies produce complete pelleted feeds specifically formulated for goats. These can be a convenient option as they aim to provide a balanced diet, often including necessary vitamins and minerals.

• Advantages:
  • Balanced Nutrition: Designed to meet specific nutritional requirements for different life stages.
  • Convenience: Easy to store and feed.
  • Reduced Waste: Less waste compared to loose grain.
• Considerations:
  • Cost: Can be more expensive than raw grains or hay.
  • Ingredients: Always check the ingredient list and nutritional analysis to ensure it aligns with your goats’ needs.
  • Not a Substitute for Forage: Even “complete” feeds should always be fed in conjunction with plenty of hay or pasture.

Essential Nutrients: Vitamins and Minerals

Even with good quality hay and pasture, goats often need supplemental vitamins and minerals to thrive. Soil deficiencies, regional variations, and individual goat needs mean that forage alone may not provide everything. Deficiencies can lead to serious health problems, including poor growth, reproductive issues, and compromised immune systems.

Mineral Supplements: Loose vs. Blocks

Loose mineral supplements are generally preferred over mineral blocks for goats. Goats’ tongues are not designed to get enough minerals from hard blocks, especially when they need specific trace minerals.

• Key Minerals for Goats:
  • Copper: Crucial for coat health, immune function, and parasite resistance. Goats are particularly susceptible to copper deficiency. Symptoms include faded coat color, “fish tail” (sparse hair on the tail tip), and poor growth.
  • Selenium: Important for muscle health and immune function. Deficiency can lead to “white muscle disease” in kids and reproductive issues.
  • Zinc: Essential for skin and hoof health, and immune system.
  • Calcium and Phosphorus: Needed in the correct ratio (typically 2:1 calcium to phosphorus) for bone health and milk production. Imbalance can lead to urinary calculi in males.
  • Salt (Sodium Chloride): Always needed. Often included in mineral mixes, but plain salt can also be offered free-choice.
• Choosing a Mineral Mix:
  • Look for a mineral mix specifically formulated for goats, not sheep or cattle, as sheep are sensitive to copper, and cattle mixes may not have enough copper for goats.
  • Ensure it’s a “loose” mineral mix designed for free-choice feeding.
  • Check the Guaranteed Analysis for adequate levels of key minerals, especially copper (often 1200-2000 ppm), selenium (often 20-90 ppm), and zinc.
  • Consider your geographical location, as some areas are known for specific mineral deficiencies (e.g., selenium deficient regions).
• Feeding Minerals:
  • Offer free-choice in a protected feeder that keeps them dry and clean.
  • Refresh minerals regularly, as they can lose potency or become unpalatable if wet or dirty.

Vitamins

While many vitamins are synthesized by the rumen microbes or found in fresh forage, some may need supplementation, especially for goats on dry hay diets or those under stress.

• Vitamin A: Important for vision, reproduction, and immune function. Found in green forage.
• Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Synthesized in the skin with sunlight exposure.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant, often works with selenium for muscle health and immune function.
• B Vitamins: Generally produced in sufficient quantities by healthy rumen microbes, but may be supplemented during illness or stress.

Here’s a table summarizing some essential minerals and their functions:

Mineral	Primary Functions	Deficiency Symptoms (Common)	Important Notes
Copper (Cu)	Immune function, coat quality, fertility, growth	Faded coat, “fish tail,” poor growth, anemia, increased parasite burden	Goats have high copper requirements; choose goat-specific mineral mixes.
Selenium (Se)	Muscle development, immune response, antioxidant	White muscle disease (kids), retained placenta, poor growth, weakened immune system	Regionally deficient in many areas; often combined with Vitamin E.
Zinc (Zn)	Skin and hoof health, immune system, reproduction	Hair loss, dry/flaky skin, cracked hooves, impaired immune function	Crucial for overall health and appearance.
Calcium (Ca)	Bone health, milk production, muscle contraction	Weak bones, milk fever (lactating does), poor growth	Maintain proper Ca:P ratio (2:1) to prevent urinary calculi.
Phosphorus (P)	Bone health, energy metabolism	Poor growth, reduced appetite, reproductive issues	Often deficient in forage; balance with calcium.
Salt (NaCl)	Electrolyte balance, nerve function, water regulation	Reduced appetite, dehydration, muscle weakness	Always provide free-choice.

Water: The Often-Overlooked Nutrient

Water is arguably the most critical nutrient for goats. Goats need constant access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration can quickly lead to serious health problems, including reduced feed intake, digestive issues, and even death.

• Importance of Water:
  • Digestion: Essential for rumen function and nutrient absorption.
  • Temperature Regulation: Helps regulate body temperature.
  • Milk Production: Lactating does require significant amounts of water for milk synthesis.
  • Waste Removal: Flushes toxins from the body.
• Ensuring Adequate Water:
  • Freshness: Change water daily, or more often if it becomes dirty.
  • Cleanliness: Use clean troughs or buckets. Algae, debris, or manure can deter goats from drinking.
  • Accessibility: Place water sources in multiple locations, easily accessible to all goats, including kids.
  • Winter Care: In freezing temperatures, ensure water does not freeze. Use heated water buckets or break ice frequently. Goats will drink more warm water than icy cold water.

Special Dietary Needs: Tailoring the Feed

A goat’s nutritional requirements change significantly throughout its life. Understanding these differences allows you to tailor their diet for optimal health and productivity.

Young Goats (Kids)

Kids have very high nutritional demands for rapid growth and development.

• Milk: For the first few weeks, milk (dam’s milk or milk replacer) is their primary food source. Colostrum, the first milk, is vital for immunity.
• Creep Feed: Around 2-3 weeks of age, offer a high-protein (16-18%) kid starter feed or “creep feed” in an area accessible only to kids. This encourages rumen development.
• Hay: Introduce small amounts of good quality hay early to encourage chewing and rumen function.
• Water: Always provide fresh water from an early age.
• Weaning: Wean gradually, typically between 8-12 weeks, depending on their growth and feed intake. Ensure they are consistently eating solid food before weaning.

Pregnant and Lactating Does

These are the most demanding stages for a female goat.

• Early Gestation (first 3 months): Usually, good quality forage and free-choice minerals are sufficient. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and kidding difficulties.
• Late Gestation (last 6-8 weeks): Fetal growth accelerates rapidly. Does need increased protein and energy. Supplement with a moderate amount of grain (e.g., 0.5-1 lb per day, depending on breed and number of fetuses) and ensure access to high-quality hay or browse. Calcium is crucial for bone development in kids and preventing milk fever in the dam.
• Lactation: Milk production demands significant energy, protein, and calcium. Dairy does may need substantial grain (2-4 lbs or more per day, depending on milk yield) in addition to free-choice hay/pasture and minerals. Monitor body condition and adjust feed accordingly. Peak lactation usually occurs 4-6 weeks after kidding.

Bucks (Males)

Bucks have different needs, and improper feeding can lead to urinary calculi (stones in the urinary tract), a life-threatening condition.

• Maintenance: During the off-breeding season, bucks typically thrive on good quality hay or pasture and free-choice goat minerals. Avoid excessive grain.
• Breeding Season: May need a small amount of grain (e.g., 0.5 lb per day) to maintain condition during the breeding season when they are expending more energy.
• Urinary Calculi Prevention:
  • Maintain a proper calcium to phosphorus ratio (at least 2:1 Ca:P).
  • Ensure adequate water intake.
  • Limit grain, especially corn, which is high in phosphorus.
  • Consider ammonium chloride in their mineral mix or feed to acidify urine if calculi are a concern. Consult a veterinarian.

Older Goats

As goats age, their digestive efficiency can decrease, and dental issues may arise.

• Easily Digestible Feeds: Provide softer hay, soaked feeds, or senior goat pellets if they have trouble chewing.
• Monitor Condition: Watch for weight loss and adjust feed to maintain a healthy body condition.
• Regular Health Checks: Pay attention to teeth, parasite load, and overall health.

Goats with Health Issues

Goats recovering from illness, parasites, or surgery may need special dietary support. Consult with a veterinarian to develop a tailored feeding plan.

Foods to Avoid: The Dangerous List

Just as important as knowing what to feed is knowing what NOT to feed your goats. Many common plants and human foods are toxic or harmful to goats.

• Toxic Plants:
  • Rhododendron, Azalea, Laurel: Highly toxic, even small amounts can be fatal.
  • Cherry (leaves and twigs, especially wilted): Contains cyanide.
  • Oak (leaves and acorns): Contains tannins that can cause kidney damage.
  • Bracken Fern: Can cause thiamine deficiency.
  • Oleander: Extremely toxic.
  • Foxglove: Affects the heart.
  • Nightshade family (e.g., deadly nightshade, black nightshade): Can cause neurological and digestive issues.
  • Yew: Highly toxic, even small amounts.
  • Poison Hemlock: Highly toxic.
  • Castor Bean: Extremely toxic.

  It is crucial to research plants common in your area and remove any toxic ones from your goat’s access. When in doubt, assume a plant is toxic and remove it. For a comprehensive list, refer to resources from agricultural universities or veterinary associations. Penn State Extension provides valuable information on poisonous plants.

• Human Foods to Avoid:
  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine, toxic to many animals.
  • Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic.
  • Onions and Garlic: Can cause red blood cell damage.
  • Rhubarb: Contains oxalic acid.
  • Potatoes (especially green parts and sprouts): Contain solanine.
  • Tomato plants (leaves and stems): Contain solanine.
  • Any moldy or spoiled food: Can cause severe digestive upset or toxicosis.
  • Meat products: Goats are herbivores; feeding them meat can cause serious digestive problems.
  • Dairy products (other than milk for kids): Adult goats are often lactose intolerant.
  • Sugary treats and excessive bread: Can disrupt rumen function.
• Moldy Feed: Never feed moldy hay, grain, or any other feed. Molds produce mycotoxins that can cause severe illness, organ damage, and even death in goats.

Feeding Strategies and Best Practices

Beyond what to feed, how you feed your goats also plays a significant role in their health.

• Gradual Changes: Always introduce new feeds slowly over 7-10 days. Sudden changes can disrupt rumen microbes and lead to digestive upset, bloat, or acidosis.
• Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS): Regularly assess your goats’ body condition. A BCS of 3-3.5 on a 1-5 scale (1 being emaciated, 5 being obese) is generally ideal for most goats. Adjust feed rations based on BCS. Too thin indicates underfeeding; too fat indicates overfeeding, both of which can lead to health problems.
• Parasite Control and Nutrition: A well-nourished goat is more resilient to internal parasites. However, even well-fed goats need a strategic deworming program based on fecal egg counts.
• Feed Storage: Store all feeds in rodent-proof, dry, and secure containers. This prevents spoilage, contamination, and access by unwanted pests.
• Consistency: Try to feed at the same times each day. Goats thrive on routine.
• Individual Needs: While general guidelines apply, remember that each goat is an individual. Observe your goats closely and adjust their diet based on their age, breed, production stage, activity level, and overall health.
• Consult an Expert: When in doubt, consult with a veterinarian experienced in small ruminants or a qualified animal nutritionist. They can help you formulate specific diets based on your goats’ needs and your local resources.

Sample Daily Feeding Plan for a Healthy Adult Dairy Doe (Mid-Lactation)

This is a general example and should be adjusted based on the specific goat’s weight, milk production, and the quality of available forage.

Feed Type	Quantity (per day)	Notes
High-Quality Hay (Grass/Legume Mix)	Free-choice (approx. 3-5 lbs)	Available all day; provides essential fiber.
Commercial Dairy Goat Pellet/Grain Mix	2-4 lbs (split into 2-3 feedings)	Adjust based on milk production and body condition. Higher production = more grain.
Loose Goat Mineral Supplement	Free-choice	Always available in a dry feeder.
Fresh, Clean Water	Free-choice	Always available; ensure it’s clean and unfrozen.
Baking Soda (optional)	Free-choice	Can help buffer rumen pH, especially with grain feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can goats eat kitchen scraps?

A1: While goats might enjoy some fruits and vegetables as occasional treats, it’s best to avoid feeding them kitchen scraps regularly. Many human foods are not suitable for goats (like those listed in the “Foods to Avoid” section), and spoiled or moldy scraps can cause serious illness. Stick to their natural diet of forage, hay, and appropriate supplements.

Q2: How much hay should I feed my goat daily?

A2: A good rule of thumb is to offer hay free-choice, allowing them to eat as much as they want. On average, an adult goat will consume about 3-5% of its body weight in dry matter (hay/forage) per day. For a 100-pound goat, this means roughly 3-5 pounds of hay. Always ensure they have access to good quality hay.

Q3: Do goats need grain?

A3: Not all goats need grain. Goats primarily thrive on forage (hay and pasture). Grain is a supplemental feed given to goats with higher energy and protein demands, such as lactating does, growing kids, or pregnant does in late gestation. Overfeeding grain can lead to serious health problems like urinary calculi in males and digestive upset.

Q4: What is the most important supplement for goats?

A4: A high-quality, free-choice loose mineral supplement specifically formulated for goats is arguably the most important supplement. Goats often have specific mineral needs, particularly for copper and selenium, which may not be adequately met by forage alone. Consistent access to fresh, clean water is also paramount.

Q5: Can goats eat weeds? Are all weeds safe?

A5: Goats are natural browsers and love to eat many types of weeds and brush, which can be beneficial for pasture management. However, not all weeds are safe. Many common weeds and plants are highly toxic to goats (e.g., rhododendron, azalea, cherry, oak). It’s crucial to identify and remove any known toxic plants from areas your goats can access.

Q6: How do I know if my goat is getting enough food?

A6: The best way to assess if your goat is getting enough food is by monitoring its Body Condition Score (BCS). You can feel along their spine, ribs, and hip bones. A healthy goat should have a BCS of 3-3.5 on a 1-5 scale, meaning you can feel their bones but they aren’t sharply protruding. Their coat should also be shiny, and they should be active and alert. Weight loss or lethargy can be signs of underfeeding or underlying health issues.

Q7: What is urinary calculi, and how can I prevent it in my male goats?

A7: Urinary calculi are mineral stones that form in the urinary tract, primarily affecting male goats (wethers and bucks) because their urethra is narrower. It’s often caused by an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet (too much phosphorus relative to calcium) and insufficient water intake. To prevent it: ensure a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of at least 2:1, limit grain (especially high-phosphorus grains like corn), provide ample fresh water, and consider adding ammonium chloride to their mineral mix or feed under veterinary guidance.

Conclusion

Providing a balanced and appropriate diet is fundamental to raising healthy, happy, and productive goats. Remember that forage—whether high-quality hay or diverse pasture—should always be the cornerstone of their diet. Supplementation with goat-specific loose minerals and clean, fresh water is non-negotiable. Grain and other concentrated feeds should be used strategically, based on a goat’s specific life stage and production needs, and always introduced gradually. By understanding their unique digestive system and tailoring their nutrition, you can ensure your goats thrive for years to come. Always observe your goats closely, adjust their feed as needed, and don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian or experienced goat owner if you have concerns about their health or diet.