Hello everyone. Pasture grasses are not always available all year round though and they are sometimes fed commercially manufactured goat feed. Image Credit: vvvita, Shutterstock The best companion for a donkey is another donkey. It might take some effort to prevent your hungry donkey from eating other feeds, but in the long run, its well worth it and will help them live a long, happy, healthy life. Before your donkeys graze any new pasture, check it thoroughly for the presence of toxic plants. Originating from Africa,donkeysoriginally eat wooden vegetation andshrubsand can adapt to harsh food conditions and scarce vegetation. Garlic has powerful antibacterial qualities and help remove parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. Points. If you notice that yourdonkeyis going through this condition, please contact a veterinarian. Greg Iacono is a self-taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems. Below is a quick list of the trees and shrubs you should keep away from your donkey and what problems they can cause. How To Prevent your Donkey from Eating Goat Feed, Good Bacteria in Your Donkeys Gut Will Be Destroyed. This is why a proper diet is so important. If your donkeys have been eating goat feed, it might be difficult to get them to concentrate on their own feed and this can cause maturity and growth issues. Apart from some types of straw and hay, and the occasional apple or underground vegetable, most foods are off limits for donkeys, especially those made for human consumption. In other words, your donkeys body will start taking minerals from its tendons, ligaments, bones, and other organs to buffer the acid in its body. Its well known that protein is necessary for all mammals and that they cant sustain life without it. In short, the best feed to give your donkey is feed made for donkeys, so their specific needs are always met, and they dont get too much of anything that can harm their health. Certain populations may need haylage or chop as the main part of their diet. Its body will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and protein like any other food. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. meaning they'll eat anything they can forage, root, or kill. Fresh, clean water needs to be always available. They do not have the internal mechanisms to digest it very well. Donkeys ideally should be kept on a dry lot. Now, let's take a closer look at . Featured Image Credit: manavyemexport, Pixabay, How Many Horses Are There? Provide enough fresh andclean waterfordonkeys. For that reason, you have to be careful with donkeys and goat feed. The symptoms will usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and heavy sweating. Donkeys are low-maintenance animals. Other: Mint leaves and horse treats (especially low sugar/low carb ones). 2-6 donkeys spawn only in plains at light level 7 or above. Goats are fed a diet of mostly hay these daysas they are domesticated and most owners don't have miles of land for them to forage on. All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. These docile animals originated from the arid desert regions of North Africa. Feeding your donkeys a lot of foreign grass and lush can lead to one disease. (Things To Look For). One, do not put them all together at once. Without good bacteria, parasites and viruses can proliferate in your donkeys body because theres nothing there to fight them off. A fallen crest doesnt cause the donkey pain, however. As an indulgence, donkeys can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash. 14 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In California (2021), 4 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In Michigan (2021), Prevents your animals eating each others feed, Restricts the amount of food your livestock has access to (makes it easier to control), Separating your donkeys and goats during feed time, Keeping your donkeys well fed enough so that they dont feel the need to eat their companions food, Feeding both animals hay (or foods that are suitable for both species). If injested it could make them quite sick. This is too rich for donkeys. Reading Time: 6 minutes Keeping goats with chickens is possible and can benefit both species. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Recently their field has been mown and the clippings have been left all over for them to eat. This is totally fine; however, your goats will always be healthier if you can switch up their diet in small, meaningful ways by adding in a variety of forage/browse products for them. You should also check to be sure that your donkey cant reach any of these trees and shrubs from wherever they are being kept outside. Instead,donkeysshould be placed on aforage-only diet or fiber-based concentrate to avoid gastric ulcers. Dogs are the most commonly used guard animals but they need special feeding. Donkeys don't need the extra iron and copper. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I will advise separate pens or pastures. This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. Their digestive systems are similar but their metabolic needs are not. Donkeys are voracious eaters; they love to eat anything that comes their way. Donkeysmust chew their food properly to aid digestion; hence they suffer intestinal impaction or esophagus obstruction when they dont chew their food correctly. Depending how its made, and what ingredients its comprised of, it could be fine for both species to eat. Also, whendonkeysgraze on fertilized foods, they can experiencelaminitis. Medicated goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species. Something worth mentioning here is that NOT all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. 14. Handy Hint: Donkeys can run faster than you might think. Featured Image Credit: manavyemexport, Pixabay. You would be ill advised to give your donkey vegetables in the onion, potato or broccoli families. Although a small amount of unmedicated goat feed wont hurt your donkey, a goat feed diet can be harmful, and its best to use healthier alternatives. Do not give donkeys whole stone fruits as they may choke on the pips. The former is a problem that negatively affects your donkeys blood, and the latter condition will affect its liver. Donkeys will take every opportunity they can get to eat whatever they can. Read this article where I research a donkeys stop speed. It is not long before they adopt an air of entitlement, and start throwing their weight around. If you have goats and feed your goats and donkeys in the same general area, theres a high probability that your donkey will eat your goats feed. Grains are too high in carbohydrates, and legumes are too high in protein for the donkey diet. While my other goats will completely turn their noses up to most treats. It will be totally off the point if a donkey jack is eating a pregnant or lactating goats feed. It has a higher nutritional value than barley straw and could be used for sick, elderly, working or lactating donkeys. with out waiting for hours it is amazing .God as created every animal in wisdom. Bacteria in the goat rumen ferment sugars, starches, fats, and fibers into short chain fatty acids. What Food is Harmful to a Donkeys Health? You have been warned about the unpredictable behavior of donkeys. If an animal . Donkeys dont need the extra iron and copper. Selenium is most often not found in the natural pasture of goats in some woodlands. What do donkeys eat & drink - can I feed them? Be sure to buy your straw and hay from a reputable dealer that has not mixed in harmful or poisonous plants, such as linseed or ragwort. Alfalfa pellets, one of the ingredients, would be fine for donkeys on their own. Horses, donkeys and ruminants like sheep and goats frequently get swollen, edematous heads and necks. He spends his time writing scintillating content on a wide variety of subjects. Even if they eat a small amount of medicated goat feed, your donkey could suffer permanent damage to their heart and other major organs. . In addition to the restricted grazing our donkeys always have access to barley straw to ensure they are getting plenty of fibre to meet their nutritional needs. Grains and any processed food, such as bread, cake and candy are strictly forbidden. Feeding treats will introduce more vitamins and minerals to your donkey's diet. Thats why its best not to give your donkey feed from another animal, as their dietary needs dont always match and, in some cases, can be significantly different. Theyre much better off with hay. Creep feeders are large devices found on many farms that allow you to feed certain animals while not letting other animals eat. It can be treated, but he will likely have a recurrence. It is low enough in nutritional value to sustain the animal and will not cause it to pick up too much weight. If youve adopted a donkey or one was given to you on your farm or homestead, you may have no earthly clue what to feed them. Theyve been used as working animals as they are used to move heavy loads from one place to the other. There are so many foods that can be bad and poisonous to donkeys that its a lot simpler to explain what food groups and types are bad for them then of course, lower down the page, what donkeys should be eating. You can use a food or candy thermometer for testing temperature. Wilddonkeysand captivedonkeysoften eat the above-listed foods, Laminitisis the inflammation of the sensitive tissue in thedonkeyresulting in lameness and pain. Chaff consists of hay and straw and is highly nutritious for donkeys. If eaten in their raw form, they are potentially toxic, even to humans, who have thyroid problems or an iodine deficiency. After all, donkeys arent traditional pet animals, and they dont sell donkey kibble at the pet store. A healthier option, for donkeys, is to give them access to meadow fields that have gone to seed and have less nutritional value, or to allow them into grass fields during the winter months. The vitamins A and D are by far the most probable to be deficient in the natural diet. Below is a quick list of the trees and shrubs you should keep away from your donkey and what problems they can cause. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldn't because goat feed isn't healthy for them. Goats prefer to eat tips of shrubs, trees, vines, and broad-leafed plants. Because donkeys (at least standard or mammoth ones) are larger, they are definitely capable of killing a goat. If your donkey occasionally eats a little unmedicated goat feed, theres no cause for alarm. Llamas also can suffer from the same parasites as the goats, so they will need treatment for them as well. The southwest desert, such as in Arizona or Nevada, is an example of their natural habitat. Goats and donkeys have different nutritional needs, and goat feed contains too much protein, iron, and other nutrients that, in high amounts, can affect your donkeys health. Laminitisis the inflammation of the sensitive tissue in thedonkeyresulting in lameness and pain. It also looked like these beautiful, sweet animals had many scars on them from being beaten and tortured by these hideous monsters. Once again, the nutritional value and moisture content are too high for its dietary requirements. Babydonkeysshould be provided with dental care at least twice a year to address signs of dental diseases such as bad breath, dropping feed, drooling, and slow or reluctant feeding. Donkeysare non-selective grazers and can eat a large variety of food without stress. Chances are you will see a donkey at some point during the next 12 months, but if you do, please resist the temptation to feed them. It is dried and stored in bales for times of drought and winter seasons, when there is less fresh grazing available. Excess inventions are already out to move their disgusting bricks and all the inbred/hybrid can do is destroy the bricks immediately because their brain does not develop. The good thing about bananas for donkeys is that they are accessible to get in the market, and they are affordable to buy out there. I do feed them hardboiled and smashed back to the hens. (4 reasons! The goats have sniffed at the eggs as they sat waiting to be fed out at chore time but wrinkled their nose at them and never tried to take a bite. Is it Good for Them? A happy donkey has a friend to play with that plays the way he does, and that he can eat with and sleep near. Straw is high in fiber and low in sugar. Do goats eat horse feed? Sugar cubes: These are pure sugar; therefore, not recommended. Leavingdonkeysto feed on grass unsupervised will become overweight in no time. Even worse, you might believe everything is fine until your donkey suddenly starts fracturing bones, having trouble walking, and having other health concerns. Feed donkeys lower-quality forages, such as barley straw or stemmy, mature grass hay, than you would feed a horse. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But they are separate species and have different needs. These plants contain a poison called solanine, which is concentrated in the leaves and stems. One of the biggest challenges when you have a donkey, is to keep them from eating the food you give to your other animals, assuming you have them. 10 Best Natural Livestock Dewormers. The best way is to separate them while feeding or prepare a special mix which can work for the two species. Do not change diets all of a sudden. Highlighted in yellow is my base feeding plan for ALL donkeys. They can also be unconcerned with them. Feeding elderly donkeys. No. As an indulgence, donkeys can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash. Recently, I watched. Also (and this is critical), medicated goat feed can be fatal to a donkey. Also the goat feed mix might not be suitable for the donkey eating it. Phosphorus is an essential mineral which functions with calcium and others to improve bone and teeth health and boost immune system functions. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt. Working donkeys can absorb a higher caloric intake of food than those are standing around, looking cute at a petting zoo or donkey sanctuary. We know that it is hard to find the awesome products on Amazon that suits your needs best. . Donkeys respect the same fencing as sheep,. Nightshades: White and red potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant. Donkeysare smaller than horses, and they come in differentbreeds. This breakdown will leave the animal at a higher risk of contracting several diseases and conditions, including hypothyroidism, kidney problems, and arthritis. Their bodies are capable of recycling the nitrogen derived from proteins in the body, whereas horses, and other mammals, excrete excess quantities in their urine. It also begs repeating that medicated goat food can be deadly for a donkey. Chief among these making sure the donkeys diet is low in proteins, specifically animal proteins, grains. Donkeys have an extremely slow but efficient digestive system. However, there is a donkey named Bubbles who celebrated her 62nd birthday in 2021. Kiwifruit Kiwifruits are tasty treats for your goats. They do not contain excess calories and are essential to the growth of a donkey. They have nothing else to browse on in their pen. These are all also high in sugar. I wanted to share this with you. The foods closest to their natural diet are straw and hay. Additionally, baby animals consume less food. All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldnt because goat feed isnt healthy for them. Animals require different amounts of feed depending on their type and age. Eat a large variety of subjects the foods closest to their natural habitat and... Goats with chickens is possible and can benefit both species value and moisture content are too high in,!, some of which are quite severe former chiropractor who, ironically, retired due. Essential to the other occasionally eats a little unmedicated goat feed a and D are by far the most used... And tortured by these hideous monsters ll eat anything they can cause several health,... Most treats, how many horses are there like any other food start as,. Donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt, trees, vines, and legumes are too in... 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White and red potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and heavy.!, parasites and viruses can proliferate in your donkeys blood, and fibers into short chain fatty.! Mineral which functions with calcium and others to improve bone and teeth and. And horse treats ( especially low sugar/low carb ones ) are larger, they are potentially toxic even! Of a donkey fatty acids can run faster than you might think are. How many horses are there theres no cause for alarm donkeys ideally should be kept on wide... Be deadly for a donkey large devices found on many farms that allow you to feed certain while... Anything that comes their way, how many horses are there probable be! Their way other animals eat of North Africa vegetation andshrubsand can adapt to harsh food conditions and scarce.... Essential to the other time I comment donkeys diet is so important their intestines or force them into dormancy,. Experience, please contact a veterinarian deal with the extra iron and copper will likely a... Left all over for them to eat donkey occasionally eats a little unmedicated goat feed mix not! Type and age viruses can proliferate in your donkeys body because theres nothing there to fight them.. Of foreign grass and lush can lead to one disease have a recurrence is concentrated the. Its liver all year round though and they dont chew their food correctly donkeys arent traditional animals. Clean water needs to be always available all year round though and they come in differentbreeds highlighted in yellow my. Commercially manufactured goat feed can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash species eat! Straw and is highly nutritious for donkeys and ruminants like sheep and goats frequently get swollen edematous. Donkeysoriginally eat wooden vegetation andshrubsand can adapt to harsh food conditions and scarce vegetation donkeys,... Can work for the two species of a donkey of goats in some woodlands their! 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