How to Feed Goats Properly: Complete Guide for Beginners

Feeding goats seems easy, but doing it wrong can make them sick very quickly. Many new owners think goats are living "trash cans" that can eat anything, from tin cans to kitchen scraps. This is a dangerous myth. In reality, goats have very sensitive digestive systems.

The most common mistake new owners make is overfeeding grain or giving goats bad scraps that cause "bloat," a condition that can be fatal. If you want happy, healthy goats that produce rich milk or strong muscle, you need a plan.

This simple guide to feeding goats covers what, when, and how much to give them. By the end, you will know the exact goat feeding schedule and diet to keep your herd thriving.

What to Feed Goats Daily – The 3 Main Food Types

To understand what to feed goats daily , you have to understand that goats are "ruminants." This means they have a four-compartment stomach designed to break down tough plant fibers. Their diet should be simple and consistent.

1. Roughage (The 80% Rule)

Roughage is the most important part of a goat's life. At least 80% of their daily food should be hay or pasture.

Grass Hay (Timothy or Orchard): Great for "maintenance" goats (pets or dry goats).
Alfalfa Hay: High in protein and calcium. This is the gold standard for milking goats or growing kids.
Browse: Goats are not grazers like sheep; they are browsers. They prefer eating leaves, weeds, and brush over grass.

2. Minerals (The Secret to Health)

Goats cannot get all their nutrition from hay alone. They need loose goat minerals available at all times.

Note: Never rely on "mineral blocks." Goats have soft tongues and cannot lick enough of a hard block to get what they need. Use loose minerals in a dry bowl.

3. Water

Clean, fresh, and unfrozen water must be available 24/7. A goat that doesn't drink won't eat, and a goat that doesn't eat will get sick.

How to Feed Goats for Beginners: A Simple Daily Routine

If you are learning how to feed goats for beginners , consistency is your best friend. Goats love a routine. Here is a simple step-by-step daily process:

Step 1: Check the Hay. Make sure their feeder is full. Goats should have "free choice" hay, meaning they can eat it whenever they want.
Step 2: Check the Minerals. Ensure the mineral bowl is clean and filled with loose goat minerals.
Step 3: Grain Only if Needed. Most pet goats do not need grain. Only give grain to milking does, growing kids, or goats that look too skinny.
Step 4: Refresh Water. Dump out any dirty water and refill buckets at least twice a day.

Pro Tip: Always raise your feeders off the ground. If goats eat hay off the floor where they poop, they are much more likely to get worms and parasites.

How Often Should You Feed Goats? (Morning vs. Night)

One of the biggest questions is how often should you feed goats? While hay should be available all day, other parts of the diet should be timed.

Hay: Always available (Free Choice).
Grain: If you are using grain, split the amount into two small feedings (morning and evening) rather than one big meal. This prevents stomach upset.
Treats: Keep these to 2–3 times per week. They are not a daily meal.

Example Goat Feeding Schedule

Time	Food Type	Amount
7 AM	Hay + Grain (if needed)	Fill feeder + 1/2 lb grain
12 PM	Fresh Water Check	Unlimited
6 PM	Hay + Grain (if needed)	Refill hay + 1/2 lb grain

Best Feed for Meat Goats & Feeding Dairy Goats Properly

Not all goats are fed the same way. Their "job" determines their menu.

A. Best Feed for Meat Goats

When looking for the best feed for meat goats , the goal is lean muscle, not fat.

Focus on high-quality grass hay and lots of "browse" (bushes and weeds).
Limit grain strictly; too much grain makes meat goats fat and can cause "urinary calculi" (kidney stones) in males, which is deadly.

B. Feeding Dairy Goats Properly

Feeding dairy goats properly requires much more energy. Producing milk takes a lot out of a goat's body.

Alfalfa Hay: Essential for the extra calcium needed for milk.
Grain: Most dairy goats need about 1 lb of grain for every 3 lbs of milk they produce.
Calcium: Ensure they have high-quality minerals to prevent "milk fever."

Cheap Ways to Feed Goats (Save Money)

Goats can become expensive if you buy everything in small bags at the pet store. Here are cheap ways to feed goats without sacrificing their health:

Buy Hay in Bulk: Don't buy by the bale at the store. Find a local farmer and buy a "stack" or a whole trailer load at once.
Let Them Browse: If you have overgrown weeds or blackberry bushes, let the goats "mow" them. It’s free food for them and a free landscaping service for you.
Pasture Rotation: If you have land, move your goats to a new patch of grass every few weeks. This allows the old grass to grow back and reduces the need for bought hay in the summer.
Skip the Fancy Treats: You don't need expensive "goat cookies." A handful of sunflower seeds or a carrot is cheaper and healthier.

What Not to Feed Goats – Toxic & Dangerous List

Knowing what not to feed goats is just as important as knowing what to feed them. Goats are curious and will try to eat things that can kill them.

Never Feed:

Avocado: The entire plant and fruit are toxic to goats.
Chocolate or Caffeine: Causes heart issues.
Moldy Bread or Hay: Mold contains toxins that cause neurological "goat polio" or death.
Meat/Dairy: Goats are herbivores; their stomachs cannot process animal proteins.
Lawn Clippings: Because they are fermented and wet, they cause instant, deadly bloat.

Limit Grain: Think of grain like "cake." Too much leads to obesity and rumen acidosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can goats eat bananas?

A: Yes! Bananas are a great treat. You can feed them in small pieces with the peel still on.

Q: How much does it cost to feed a goat per month?

A: On average, expect to spend $15–$30 per goat for high-quality hay and minerals. This varies based on local hay prices.

Q: Can goats eat only grass?

A: No. While they eat grass, they won't thrive on it alone. They need the dry fiber from hay, specific minerals, and "browse" (woody plants) to stay healthy.

Q: Do goats need grain every day?

A: No. Most "pet" goats should actually stay away from grain. Only pregnant, milking, or very thin goats truly need daily grain.