When you’re keeping goats as back garden pets browse may be harder to come by. You will need to supplement their diet in winter, when there’s no browse around, with a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables (remember this must not come from your kitchen, all fresh food meant for livestock consumption must be kept in a separate fridge in either your utility, barn or shed. It is against the law to feed ANY food that comes from your kitchen)

All fruit must have pips and pits removed since they contain cyanide and can also pose a choking risk.

All hard fruit and vegetables should be cut small enough for your goats to eat easily without risk of choking.

And don’t forget that goats have personal preferences! They won't like everything you offer but they will learn to love most of it, just be consistent and persistent. Introduce only one new thing at a time and, once you're sure they are ok with it you can add it to their diet regularly and move on to introducing something else.

Don't give too much, about a handful once a day at most. Avoid giving sugary things like carrots and apples too often.

 

SAFE

 

Apple

Asparagus

Banana

Basil

Beetroot

Berries

Butternut Squash

Cabbage

Carrots

Celery

Chicory

Coriander

Courgette

Cucumber

Fennel

Lemongrass

Lettuce

Mango

Melon

Oregano

Parsnips

Peaches

Pear

Pineapple (without skin)

Plantain

Pumpkin

Rosemary

Spinach

Swede/turnip

Sweet potato

Thyme

 

Safe in small amounts and not too often 

 

Food in this section can cause bloating and gas if fed too regularly but also tend to contain a high amount of calcium, oxalates, protein or citrates so while they are very tasty and can be beneficial they should be fed in moderation and alongside other fruits and vegetables.

 

Bean sprouts

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cauliflower

Cavalo Nero

Edemame

Grapes

Kale

Lemons

Limes

nuts

Oranges

Pak choy

Parsley

Peas

Rocket

Runner beans (the beans themselves are high in lectins but the green 'pod' is ok if fed sparingly)

Strawberries

Sweetcorn

 

UNSAFE 

 

Aubergine

Avocado

Cherries

Chives

Leeks

Onions

Peppers

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Rhubarb