The best thing about goats…
… is that they do amazingly well on a simple diet.
Aside from hay and an occasional bit of grain, they are good to go! Well, except for a few supplements.
You see, a goat’s basic diet is their foundation. Click here if you want to learn the basics about what goats eat. I truly believe if you can get the highest quality when it comes to the basics, then you’ll have strong, healthy goats!
However, in nature goats thrive on a variety of forage. So unless your goats have access to a large, LARGE pasture with plenty of variety, it’s important to include some supplements into their feeding schedule.
Supplements for goats
I’m listing the following supplements in order of necessity. The top of the list are pretty important, but as you work your way down, they can be optional depending on your goat’s needs.
Minerals & Herbs
Providing a good source of minerals is probably the most important thing when it comes to supplementation. Minerals are the transports for protein, fats, and carbs. So trust me, they need ’em! Check out my article here on which kind of minerals we feed our goats.
Probiotics
(Where to buy.) We always keep probiotics on hand because they can help with SO many different issues and for just boosting health. We purchase a brand that is designed for horses (because horses have a similar digestive system to goats) and give our goats a lesser dose.
We’ll give our goats a teaspoon of probiotics when moving them to a different location, bringing in a new goat, during times of stress, when young kids are ready to start transitioning to hay, to does after kidding, or really for any kind of distress. You can also add this to your regular goat feeding routine and supplement once a week with probiotics.
Baking Soda
(Where to buy.) Baking soda is a good way to help the rumen of the goat function correctly and prevent bloat. There’s some debate on whether to offer it free choice — and we only give it if it’s an emergency, not every day.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
(Where to buy.) Black oil sunflower seeds have a surprising amount of protein, as well as lots of fatty acids, trace minerals, and vitamins. Plus, goats love ’em! We feed each goat about a handful a day.
Herbal Support
(Where to buy.) When my goats start to show signs of health issues, or we have extraordinary circumstances that require intervention, we use Fir Meadows Herbs. Kat the owner is a great resource for all things herbal!
What to do with picky goats?
The best and the worst thing about goats is that they come with their own (very different) personalities. Some goats will chomp on herbs and some will turn up their nose.
My advice is just to offer it to all and then just allow them to decide if they’re going to eat it. You can’t force a goat to eat something it doesn’t like. There are a few instances when you’ll need to squirt an herbal mixture into their mouth, so be prepared for that!
Above all, if you provide a good base of nutritional support, your goats should be healthy and vibrant!
Thank you so much for all your articles! They are such a help! I recently started watching your videos and was wondering where to find the black material you place over your supplemental feeders. What kind of material is it? I would like to do the same with mine. Thank you so much!
Hi Elisha-
You can see how DaNelle covered her feeders in this article: https://www.weedemandreap.com/our-custom-goat-barn/
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Have you ever heard of using DE for a dewormer? If so how often would you offer it to the goats?
Hi Britanie-
This is how DaNelle deworms: https://www.weedemandreap.com/natural-goat-dewormer/
For more info on DE check out this site: https://www.fiascofarm.com/goats/medications-natural.htm
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Can u give probiotics and still consume the milk?
Hi Melissa-
Yes you can.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Thank you for all the posts and videos you share for fellow goat lovers to become great stewards of our herds.
We have a small backyard herd (not yet milking them) of a dozen young goats (Including 2 older does and 2 young bucks). We currently offer Manna Pro minerals free choice but are switching to Pat Coleby’s mineral recipe. I am a little nervous about devising separate feeders for four separate minerals (times two since we have a doe pasture and a buck pasture. I am concerned about the expense of feeders and waste – we live in Florida so rain can come at a moments notice and ruin the minerals.
We do feed our herd together or sometimes in their stalls (3-4 goats per stall) so it feels overwhelming to find ways to manage the feeding frenzy in order to feed them all individually with feed dressed with the mineral mixture. I also worry our communal feeding will render some goats with an overdose and others an insufficient amount.
SO…would it be safe to mix the minerals (per the proper ratios) and then use the single mineral feeder we already have in each pasture (that is protected from rain) and allow the goats to have the mix free choice?
Hope that all makes sense. Thank you for sharing your wisdom to ease our trepidation.
Hi Grace-
Yes that should be fine, just watch for any signs of deficiencies.
Thanks! -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi,
I’m getting some pet goats and i’m very new to all of this. I know all goats are different. we are getting ours not weaned and they will need to be bottle fed do you have any milk replacements or recipes? Are grains more of a treat for goats i’ve read they aren’t actually aren’t needed in a goats diet. If you have any other tips and tricks for pet goats please let me know!
Hi Delaney-
This article talks about how to care for baby goats, including a link to a milk replacer: https://www.weedemandreap.com/how-to-care-for-baby-goats/
It is best not to give goats grain, as this can upset their rumen. This article will help you with what to feed goats: https://www.weedemandreap.com/optimal-nutritional-goat-diet/
Best of luck!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi there! I am looking for a whole food source of vitamin C powder for my livestock. I see lots of ascorbic acid powder for dirt cheap, but dont trust it to be worth anything nutritionally. Can you recommend a good source of Vitamin C? Thank you.
Hi Brieanne-
I don’t have a source of Vitamin C that I use, because I don’t supplement with it, because goats synthesize their own Vitamin C.
However, I have read that some folks will supplement an extremely sick or stressed goat. Hoegger’s Farm sells Vitamin C for goats and I’ve always been happy with their products. Here is a link to what they offer: http://hoeggerfarmyard.com/xcart/Vitamin-C-Powder-Ascorbic-Acid.html
I hope that helps. Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hey there! We just got two goats the other day, a female pygmy and a male Nigerian dwarf (Bonnie & Buster) They are both 10 weeks old. I’ve been researching for what feels like forever and I still haven’t figured out the right diet for them. Bonnie was weaned from milk and was put on sweet grain and corn, same for Buster. I’ve read this post about minerals and hays and feeds, but with all the info and numbers, I’m overwhelmed. Could you help out and give me a regimen to try for them? I’m not sure of amounts or what I can let them free feed. Thanks in advance!
Hi there-
Congrats on your new goats!
Yes, it can be confusing what to feed them. Sweet corn and grains are not great for their rumens and you want to really limit how much they eat. Providing fresh water, high quality forage, and hay is your best option, along with adding in supplements and minerals. This article gives a pretty detailed method of feeding your goats with some helpful links: https://www.weedemandreap.com/optimal-nutritional-goat-diet/
Best of luck with your goats!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello! We just got two weatherd Pygmy goats and I was wondering how much mineral feed we should be giving them every day or week. I got Purina goat mineral feed. Thanks!
Nicole
Hi Nicole-
DaNelle gives free choice minerals, so however much they want to eat that day. She does sometimes top dresses their feed with about 1/4 of teaspoon.
This article will give you more details: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Random question, can goats climb trees without branches or if the tree has really small thin branches?
Hi Diane-
Typically goats do not climb trees if there are no branches, but if there are some sort of branches, especially low ones that can hold the weight of the goat, some very nimble goats will try climbing them.
Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello. I’m new to goats getting a few of them next week. How do you check for parasites? How do you know they need to be wormed? Which worker is recommended? Thank you!
Hi Diane-
Congrats on getting goats!
This article will give you the information you need about deworming your goats. https://www.weedemandreap.com/natural-goat-dewormer/
And here is the recipe for the natural deworming smoothie referenced in the article:
? DEWORMING SMOOTHIE RECIPE:
– 2 tsp. Molly’s Herbal Dewormer Formula #1: https://www.fiascofarm.com/herbs/mollysherbals.php
– 2 TBS. Molly’s Herbal Dewormer Formula #2 : https://www.fiascofarm.com/herbs/mollysherbals.php
– 1 TBS. diatomaceous earth
– 2 TBS. molasses
– 1 TBS. probiotic paste
– 10 drops doTERRA’s DigestZen blend : https://shopoils.com/product/digestzen-blend/
Thanks and I hope that helps!
-Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I have just purchased my first two goats.. A 4 year old nigerian goat that is providing only a cup per milking. And then I have a wether to keep her company. I was going to give her black oil sunflower seeds hoping to increase milk production. Can I give the wether black oil sunflower seeds too along with milk goat and if so how much a day or can I do free choice? I’d appreciate any help. Thanks. Shannon
Hi Shannon-
Yep, you can give both the wether and the doe the BOSS. Don’t give it to them free choice though, because some goats do not choose wisely and will eat way too much. Start them out with about an 1/8 of cup per day for a couple weeks just to get their rumens used to it and then move their ration up to about 1/4 per day. If you see your goats are tolerating the BOSS well, and you feel they need a little boost in their nutrition for better milk production or better coat quality, then 2-3 times a week give them an extra 1/4 cup. I hope that helps! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
my goat has lice how do i treat it?
Hi Haelee-
To treat lice you can dust your goats with Diatomaceous Earth (just don’t let them breathe it in), wash them with apple cider vinegar (ACV), shave them if it’s warm out (but don’t let them get sunburned), and/or spray them with water mixed with a few drops of cedar leaf, tea tree, lavender, and lemon essential oils (EOs) or just use Terrashield. Here is a recipe for homemade fly (lice) spray: https://www.weedemandreap.com/homemade-fly-spray-recipe/
To prevent lice in the future, make sure the goats are in good health, not overcrowded, have good pasture to roam in, and spray them with the homemade fly spray now and again.
I hope this helps!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi, I am bottle feeding my toggenburg goats milk,buttermilk and evaporated milk blend. They are about 8 or 9 weeks old. I want to make sure they are getting the minerals and supplements they need. I have bought some, but they want eat anything yet other than nibbling on the grass. I have even put some hay out, but it’s like they don’t know what to do with it. Is there a good liquid mineral supplement that I could add to their milk or give through a bottle? I know the powder milk has that stuff in it, but we have not had good luck with feeding the goats that. So I would like to stick with the recipe above for the milk if anyway possible. However they need weight put on them so I want to do whatever is going to be the best for them. I appreciate any advice. Thank you in advance!
Hi Jenifer-
That’s great you are taking such good care of your goats. Your milk recipe is a pretty standard one, and goats typically do fine on it. It does take baby goats a while to start eating other things, but even tiny bits are useful and are the best way to get their systems used to different things without upsetting their digestion.
If the goats are behind on weight they most likely need more calories and aren’t suffering from a mineral deficiency. Try giving them additional feedings or more during each feedings. Also check for parasites as this can cause goats to drop weight or have a hard time gaining weight.
If you think you goats have a mineral deficiency, they will show signs such as low energy, poor coat condition, stiffness, or eating nonfood items like dirt.
I don’t use a liquid mineral supplement so I can’t recommend one. If anyone does know of a good one let us know!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Can you give goats Fluid Flex liquid joint supplement? I have an old goat with arthritis. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Jackie-
I haven’t used Fluid Flex before on horses or goats so I am not familiar with it. You can contact the manufacturer and see if it is safe for goats, because often they are. However, I do give MSM to both with positive results. Also, making sure your goat is getting adequate zinc will help with sore/stiff joints. Check out the needed goat minerals in DaNelle’s article:
https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
I hope this helps. Best of luck! -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Thank you Bobbi. This was helpful. Have a great day 🙂
I wasn’t able to find the loose minerals suggested for purchase, in the links attached with hoeggerfarmyard? I’d the another place online that I can get it?
Hi Kacie-
Try this product instead. https://www.amazon.com/RED-EDGE-GOAT-MINERAL-MIX/dp/B014T5G7IK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1481568252&sr=8-2&keywords=goat+minerals&linkCode=sl1&tag=weemre-20&linkId=a521af33a5895ffc845315dc5d434542
Also, this article DaNelle wrote puts together a shopping comparison for goat minerals in case you want to shop around. https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
I hope this helps! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Yes! Thank you so much!
What do you recommended for a goat that has a copper deficiency?
Hi Kristy-
You are very astute in thinking about copper for your goats! Here is a link where DaNelle’s talks about needed minerals: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
Here is a second link to where Hoegger (the company suggested by DaNelle) specifically address copper and the products to purchase.
https://hoeggerfarmyard.com/copper-deficiency-in-goats/
I hope this helps! Happy Goating! -Bobbi
Hi DaNelle…
We are in the process of getting two Nigerian Dwarf doelings and we are totally new to goats…(even tho’ I feel like I should have a PHD from “Internet Univ.”) (LOL)
I have been in contact with a local breeder/dairy since January and am on “the list” for two doelings. We have one picked out already…waiting on #2 to arrive so we can take them both home at the same time. : ) In addition to your list of supplements, the farm we are getting them from also free-choice feeds Kelp and Selenium. I would love to know what your thoughts are about these supplements.
Thanks DaNelle!
Hi Hope-
Congratulations on getting your ND does! How exciting!
As for feeding kelp and selenium I think these are great ideas. Kelp is a wonderful food source for several minerals, especially iodine. It’s great for livestock and people! I find goats do just fine on it. The only thing I have heard in the slightly more negative category is in reference to mercury toxicity, as is a risk with any seafood. I know many choose to buy kelp harvested from waters known to be less polluted, such as the Icelandic brands.
As for selenium this is a must for your goats, especially if you have depleted soils, leaving your pasture forage depleted. If you are using a mineral blend check the ingredient list and make sure some selenium is in there. Also make sure goats are getting Vitamin E (usually in mineral blends) because selenium and vitamin E work together in absorptions and metabolic utilization. Here is an article and recommended brands DaNelle put together: https://www.weedemandreap.com/goats-minerals-what-you-need-to-know/
One other thing about selenium, is that you can have your pasture or hay forage tested for selenium amounts. If they are not depleted you don’t have to worry about supplementation, but if they are you know to supplement. Or if you want you can top-dress your pasture with selenium to boost your soils and give your pasture forage more selenium for your goats to eat.
I hope all this helps. Enjoy your new does and Happy Goating! -Bobbi
Do you know of any other probiotics that can be used besides the probios? I looked up the ingredients…..”Soybean Oil, Corn Starch, Sucrose, Silicon Dioxide, SorbitanMonostearate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Sodium Silico Aluminate and Mixed Tocopherols (preservative).
Contains a source of live (viable), naturally occurring microorganisms.”
GMO’s and fillers at the top of the list but I haven’t found an alternative. Have you heard of any other suggestions on probiotics? Would human probiotics work?
Yes, human probiotics can work for goats, too:)
What would the dosage be on a general human probiotic? I am bringing home 3 goats in a few weeks and would like to boost their immune system with the stress from the move. 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Meghan-
If it’s in pill form just break one open per goat and give it to them. If it’s a powder, about a teaspoon will do. I hope that helps. Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)