Do you have goats on your homestead? If so, you understand the importance of providing goats with a balanced diet and occasional treats to keep them happy and healthy. Read on to learn about the best treats for goats, and grab this easy goat oatmeal cookie recipe — they'll love them.
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Why Give Your Goats the Best Treats
Goats can play an important role on the homestead. They provide goat milk and meat and can even act as live lawnmowers on an off grid homestead. And even better, they charm us with their quirky personalities.
Today, I'm sharing a wide range of treats that goats love for their taste and nutritional benefits. From homemade oatmeal cookies for goats to kitchen scraps and fresh greens, I'm covering the top 10 best treats for goats.
Treats Goats Love
Goats are often among the first animals people get when they start homesteading. Goats can be an excellent next step after getting backyard chickens (the gateway animal) and raising quail or turkeys.
Known for their love of nibbling on almost anything around the yard (watch out for your compost heap), supplying goats with healthy treats can be a great way to bond with them. They aren't picky eaters! Here are the ten best goat treats to try.
1. Fresh Greens
Goats adore fresh greens, and these make an ideal treat for them. Offer them small pieces of leafy vegetables like kale, lettuce, and spinach, which are delicious and packed with essential nutrients.
2. Kitchen Scraps
While some kitchen scraps are suitable for goats, feeding them in moderation is essential. Things like carrot tops, apple cores, and even the occasional banana peel can be a tasty addition to their diet.
3. Fruit Favorites
Fruits are often a hit with goats. You can offer them fruits like apples, pears, and sweet potatoes. The sweetness of an apple or the earthy flavor of a sweet potato can be a real treat for your goats.
4. Certified Organic Feed
A high-quality goat feed is an excellent addition to mature goats' diets. Remember to look for certified organic feed to ensure your goats' best nutrition.
5. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
These black oil sunflower seeds are delicious and rich in healthy fats. They can be a great addition to your goat's diet, promoting healthy skin and coat.
6. Hay Feeder
Providing hay in a hay feeder allows goats to nibble on it throughout the day. Choose a good-quality grass hay, which is essential for their digestive system and dental health.
7. Mineral Block
A mineral block is a must-have in your goat's living space. It provides essential minerals that may be lacking in their diet, helping to maintain their overall health.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack for goats and also have health benefits. They can help with urinary calculi and provide valuable nutrients.
9. Raspberry Leaves
Raspberry leaves are known to have beneficial properties for goats. They are believed to help with labor during kidding and may support a healthy reproductive system.
10. Cole Crops
Goats often enjoy cole crops like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. These veggies are not only tasty but also contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Best Oatmeal Goat Cookie Recipe
⬇️Want the printable recipe card? It's at the bottom of this post.⬇️
If you really want your goats to enjoy a tasty treat, try this irresistible oatmeal goat cookies recipe.
These cookies are a hit with goats but are also a good treat for other farm animals and even for human consumption. I used this recipe to feed our chickens when we ran out of chicken feed.
Plus, they're easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Homemade Goat Treats Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup flaxseed
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 2 cups flour, sifted
- ½ cup vegetable shortening, coconut, or olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 egg
- ½ cup molasses
Directions
These goat treats are so easy to make. In fact, if your kids love cooking, get them in on the fun!
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Use a rubber spatula to mix and cream the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet and press them down gently with two fingers.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week or frozen for up to a year.
What Not To Feed Goats
While it's always fun to treat your goats to delicious snacks, there are some foods that you should avoid.
- Foods with high sugar content, as they can lead to health issues.
- Toxic plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and oleanders.
- Moldy or spoiled food, which can be harmful to a goat's health.
- Human foods unsuitable for goats, including chocolate, caffeine, and avocados.
- Always prioritize your goats' health and safety when offering treats or supplementary foods. If in doubt, give them small amounts of treats for good behavior occasionally.
Best Practices for Treating Your Goats
When offering treats to your goats, there are some best practices to keep in mind.
1. Moderation is Key
Do I even have to say this? Goats are like little piglets. They're absolutely gluttons and will eat everything in sight.
Give your goats treats in moderation, not on a daily basis. While goats enjoy tasty snacks, they need a healthy diet, and the central part of their diet should consist of hay and balanced goat feed.
2. Goats Need Small Pieces
Chop treats into smaller pieces to prevent choking and promote easy digestion.
3. Fresh Water
Always provide access to a clean and fresh water source, especially when giving treats. Goats need plenty of water to stay healthy.
4. Variety is Important
Offer a variety of treats to keep your goats happy. Rotation can also help ensure they receive a well-rounded diet.
5. Monitor Goat Behavior Around Food
Pay attention to your goats' behavior after introducing new treats. This will help you identify any adverse reactions or sensitivities.
Healthy Treats for Dairy Goats and Milk Production
For those with dairy goats, maintaining optimal milk production is crucial. Here are some treats that can benefit your dairy goats and support their milk production:
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber and can help keep your dairy goats regular. It's also an ideal treat to include in their diet during the winter months.
Goat-Safe Fruits
In addition to the fruits mentioned earlier, goats can enjoy fruits like bananas and citrus in moderation. These fruits can provide vitamin C, which is beneficial for their health.
Peanut Butter
While this may sound unconventional, some goats enjoy a small amount of peanut butter as a special treat. It's a source of healthy fats and protein.
Special Treats for Baby Goats and Pygmy Goats
Baby goats and pygmy goats are adorable and require special attention regarding treats. Here are some treats suitable for these smaller goats:
Animal Crackers
Animal crackers in nugget form offer a fun treat for baby goats. Ensure they are given in moderation, as they can be high in sugar.
Grass Hay
High-quality grass hay is the central part of a goat's diet, and baby goats are no exception. Ensure they have access to fresh grass hay from an early age.
Baby Goat Formula
Formula is the primary source of nutrition for bottle-fed baby goats. To provide them with the best care, follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Spoiling your goats with treats can be a fun and rewarding part of being a responsible pet owner. Whether you have dairy goats, miniature goats, or pygmy goats, ensuring they have access to healthy and delicious treats can contribute to their general health and happiness.
Remember to follow best practices, offer a variety of treats, and prioritize their dietary needs. You'll have happy and healthy goats that thrive on your homestead with the right treats and care.
Best Goat Treats FAQs
You have questions about goat treats. Here are some answers!
Can I feed these oatmeal cookies to other farm animals besides goats?
Answer: Absolutely. Horses, chickens, and even humans can enjoy these oatmeal cookies. Just be mindful of portion sizes and adjust accordingly for different animals.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the oatmeal cookie recipe?
Answer: Yes, substitutions based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, use different types of oil or sweeteners, but always consider the dietary needs of your animals.
How often should I give these treats to my goats?
Answer: I can't stress this enough. Give goats treats in moderation, and remember that most of their diet should consist of hay and balanced goat feed to ensure their overall health.
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Recipe
Goat Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup flaxseed
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 2 cups flour sifted
- ½ cup vegetable shortening coconut, or olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 egg
- ½ cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Place all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Use a rubber spatula to cream it all well, mixing thoroughly.
- Scoop a small ball of dough out and roll it into a ball.
- Place on a baking sheet and press down with two fingers.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.