Good nutrition is the foundation of healthy, productive goats. Whether you’re raising goats for milk, meat, fiber, or companionship, meeting their dietary needs is essential for growth, reproduction, and disease prevention. A balanced diet helps prevent common health issues like bloat, mineral deficiencies, and urinary calculi, ensuring a thriving herd.

At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we understand that every goat herd has unique nutritional needs. Our veterinary team is here to provide expert guidance on proper feeding, supplementation, and preventive health care. If you have concerns about your goats’ diet, schedule an appointment with us today.

Understanding the Goat’s Digestive System

Goats are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach designed to break down fibrous plant material efficiently. Unlike cows, which primarily graze on grass, goats are browsers and prefer a mix of:

  • Leaves, shrubs, and weeds
  • Woody plants and tree bark
  • High-fiber forages

Because their digestive system is so specialized, feeding the wrong diet—or making sudden dietary changes—can lead to serious health problems like bloat or acidosis.

For a deeper dive into goat nutrition, visit Merck Veterinary Manual: Goat Nutrition.

What Should Goats Eat? Key Components of a Balanced Diet

1. Forage: The Foundation of Goat Nutrition

The majority of a goat’s diet (at least 75-80%) should come from high-quality forage, including:

  • Legume hay (alfalfa, clover) – High in protein and calcium, great for pregnant and lactating does.
  • Grass hay (timothy, orchard grass) – Ideal for maintenance diets and wethers, as it contains lower calcium levels.
  • Pasture and browse – Encourages natural feeding behavior and enhances gut health.

Avoid: Moldy or dusty hay, as it can cause respiratory issues and digestive problems.

For more insights, check out Penn State Extension: Goat Nutrition and Feeding.

2. Grains & Concentrates: When (and How) to Use Them

Grains should be fed in moderation and are only necessary for:

  • Pregnant & lactating does – Extra energy supports fetal growth and milk production.
  • Growing kids – Provides extra protein for muscle and bone development.
  • Breeding bucks – Helps maintain weight and energy levels during the breeding season.

Overfeeding grain can cause bloat, acidosis, and urinary calculi, especially in wethers and bucks. Introduce grains slowly and always provide adequate fiber.

3. Essential Minerals: Preventing Deficiencies

Goats require free-choice mineral supplements to maintain proper growth, fertility, and immune function. The most critical minerals include:

  • Calcium & Phosphorus – Maintains bone strength and reproductive health.
  • Copper – Essential for coat health and parasite resistance (avoid sheep minerals, as they lack sufficient copper).
  • Selenium & Vitamin E – Supports muscle function and reproduction, especially in selenium-deficient areas.

Provide a loose mineral mix formulated for goats rather than block minerals, which may not provide adequate intake.

For more details on minerals, visit Cornell University: Vitamins & Minerals for Goats.

4. Water: The Most Overlooked Nutrient

Goats need constant access to clean, fresh water. Lactating does have the highest water needs since milk production depends on proper hydration.

Tip: In colder months, warm water encourages drinking and prevents dehydration.

Nutritional Needs at Different Life Stages

 Kids (Young Goats)

  • Colostrum within the first 24 hours for passive immunity.
  • Start nibbling hay and grain by 2-3 weeks of age.
  • Weaning at 8-12 weeks with a gradual transition to solid foods.

For more guidance on feeding young goats, visit American Dairymen: Feeding Goat Kids.

Pregnant & Lactating Does

  •  Higher calorie and calcium intake supports fetal growth and milk production.
  •  Extra selenium prevents birth defects and weak kids.

For lactation feeding tips, check out Purina Mills: Dairy Goat Gestation Feeding Tips.

Bucks & Wethers

  •  Balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (2:1) to prevent urinary calculi.
  •  Fresh water is essential to prevent urinary blockages.
  •  Avoid excessive grain feeding.

Common Nutritional Problems and How to Prevent Them

Bloat & Acidosis

  • Occurs when goats eat too much lush pasture or grain.
  • Prevention: Introduce new feeds gradually and ensure high fiber intake.

Urinary Calculi (in Males)

  • Caused by high phosphorus diets and lack of water.
  • Prevention: Maintain a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus balance and provide ammonium chloride supplements.

Copper & Selenium Deficiencies

  • Can cause poor coat quality, reproductive issues, and weak kids.
  • Prevention: Use goat-specific minerals and provide selenium if needed.

For a list of toxic foods and plants, visit Things That Are Toxic to Goats.

Best Feeding Practices for a Healthy Herd

  •  Prioritize high-quality forage as the main diet.
  •  Provide free-choice minerals and fresh water at all times.
  •  Limit grain feeding to only when necessary.
  •  Monitor body condition scores (BCS) and adjust diets accordingly.

For more in-depth resources, explore:
Oklahoma State: Controlling Internal Parasites in Goats
Wisconsin Extension: Small Ruminant Nutrition

Partner With Rustebakke Veterinary Service for Expert Goat Care

At Rustebakke Veterinary Service, we specialize in goat nutrition, preventive care, and disease management. Whether you’re raising a large herd or a few backyard goats, our experienced team is here to help.

Need guidance on your goat’s diet? Schedule an appointment with our veterinary team today.

Learn more about our dedicated team of experts: Meet the Rustebakke Veterinary Team.

By providing proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, you can ensure your goats stay healthy, productive, and thriving for years to come!