What Do Goats Eat? A Feeding Guide
A complete guide to feeding goats. Covers hay, grain, minerals, browse, and what foods are toxic to goats.
February 28, 2026
The foundation: Quality hay (free-choice) + loose goat minerals + clean water. Grain is supplemental, not a staple.
Hay
Should make up the bulk of the diet: 2-4 lbs/day for standard breeds, 1-2 lbs for minis.
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay (timothy, orchard) | All goats | Good all-around, lower protein |
| Alfalfa | Pregnant/nursing does, growing kids | High protein + calcium. Too rich for wethers/bucks as sole hay. |
| Mixed grass-legume | All goats | Balanced compromise |
Keep hay available free-choice — goats are ruminants that need to eat frequently.
Never feed moldy hay. It causes respiratory disease and listeriosis.
Grain
Grain is supplemental, not the staple. Many adult goats on good hay don't need it at all.
| Life Stage | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| Pregnant does (last 6 weeks) | 1/2 - 1 lb |
| Nursing does | 1 - 2 lbs |
| Growing kids (after weaning) | 1/2 - 1 lb |
| Bucks in rut | Small amount |
| Adult wethers | None or very little |
Use goat-specific pelleted feed or whole oats. Black oil sunflower seeds (up to 1/4 cup/day) are great for coat health.
Never free-choice grain. Overfeeding causes bloat, acidosis, and enterotoxemia — all potentially fatal.
Minerals
Loose mineral supplement formulated for goats — not sheep, not cattle. Goats need copper, which is toxic to sheep. Offer free-choice in a covered feeder.
Key minerals:
- Copper — essential, deficiency causes rough coat and poor immunity
- Selenium — many regions are deficient, check yours
- Zinc — skin and coat health
- Salt — some keepers offer a plain salt block alongside
Browse
Goats are browsers, not grazers — they prefer leaves, twigs, bark, and brush over grass.
They love: Blackberry brambles, honeysuckle, poison ivy (doesn't affect them), multiflora rose, dandelion, clover, willow leaves
Fence these off:
- Cherry trees (wilted leaves contain cyanide)
- Rhododendron / azalea (highly toxic)
- Mountain laurel (toxic)
- Yew (extremely toxic — small amounts can kill)
Water
Clean, fresh water at all times. 1-3 gallons/day per goat (more for lactating does and in summer).
Goats are picky — they won't drink dirty or stale water. Clean and refill daily. Use heated buckets in winter.
Toxic Foods
- Avocado (all parts)
- Chocolate
- Cherry leaves (especially wilted)
- Rhododendron and azalea
- Nightshade leaves (tomato/potato stems)
- Rhubarb leaves
- Yew
- Moldy feed or hay
- Dog and cat food
Daily Routine
- Morning: Fresh hay, grain (if needed), check water
- During the day: Free-choice hay and minerals, browse time if available
- Evening: Hay top-up, grain (if splitting ration), fresh water
Keep it consistent — goats get stressed by schedule changes.