In this article, we’ll answer the question:
“What do goats eat?”
First, you’ll find a short summary of what goats eat in nature, then get a list of a goat’s favorite foods that make up a typical goat diet. And finally, answers to common questions about goat feeding habits and nutrition.
Goats are herbivorous members of the animal family Bovidae and the tribe Caprini, making them closely related to sheep. As an even-toed ungulate, goats are in the order Artiodactyla.
There are more than 300 distinct breeds of goat that are split between domesticated and wild goats.
What Do Goats Eat?
Goats eat hay, grasses, weeds, grain, plants, tree bark, and other forms of vegetation. A goat’s diet is determined by the availability of vegetation in its habitat.
Goat Diet (Favorite Food)
- Alfalfa
- Barley
- Chaffhaye
- Corn
- Grasses
- Legumes
- Oats
- Soy bean
- Tree bark
- Weeds
How Often Does a Goat Eat?
A goat often eats twice a day; once in the morning and again in the evening. However, a goat’s feeding frequency depends on the diet and available vegetation in its habitat.
How Much Do Goats Eat Per Day?
Goats eat two to four pounds of hay per day, corresponding to 3-4% of their body weight. The amount of food that a goat eats per day depends on the diet, age, and the amount they forage on pasture. Kids require less food than adult goats.
How Long Can Goats Live Without Food?
Goats can live for up to three weeks without food depending on the goat age, pasture, climate, and weather conditions.
Do Goats Eat Apples?
Goats do apples but this fruit needs to be sliced into small pieces. Apples are excellent sources of vitamin C and fiber which a goat needs for healthy growth. But ating too many apples can result in bloating of the stomach.
Do Goats Eat Carrots?
Goats do eat carrots and they are a great treat for goats. Even though carrots are rich in nutrients and fiber, goats should moderately feed on them. Excessive carrots in a goat’s diet can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, flatulence, and excess gas.
Do Goats Eat Potatoes?
Goats do eat potatoes and are fine in moderation but potatoes should always be fed to goats cooked. Potatoes that are not cooked may contain toxins called solanine and chaconine that can cause acute poisoning and including gastrointestinal disturbances.
What Animals Eat Goats?
Goats are prey to a number of different species.
You can visit our other guide on what animals eat goats to find out which predators actively feed on these mammals.
Goat Eating Habits and Diet Summary
You now know what do goats eat in the wild as well as the typical food in a goat diet.
As you discovered in this guide, goats are herbivores that only eat vegetation for nutrition with a goat’s favorite food being things like grasses, plants, and weeds.
I’m the lead editor and writer for Animal Answer Guide. I enjoy sharing expert knowledge on the various characteristics of common species within the five distinct groups of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.
