We generally consider goats the lawn mower of the animal world. They have a very tough digestive system that can handle most things and they do a great job at eating things right down to the nub. While other ruminants like to graze on pasture, goats like to nibble here and there. They actually prefer shrubs, weeds, and plants more than the grasses but still effectively eat them.
This is actually the trait that makes them excellent options for land clearing, but you may find they don’t keep straight pasture land down as well as some other animals.
If you have a pasture area for your goats you should consider including some additional grains that are very healthy for them as it will mimic their natural eating habits of additional nutrients being foraged.
Goats should be getting at least 3-4% of their body weight in feed daily. This is often split up being 40% roughage (grass or hay) and 60 other foraged feed including grains.
The Co-op has developed a product we call Hoffman’s Goat Feed. This feed was developed with the natural eating habits and dietary needs of these animals in mind as well as making it a cost effective option.
Manufactured by Conway Mills, this feed touts an impressive 18.5% protein consisting of grain products and plant proteins which are ideal for the goats diet. They also provide a first rate vitamin and mineral packet. For increased palatability molasses is included, which also happens to be a rich source of iron for the goats.
Like many goat products this does contain copper. Make sure you are not feeding this to sheep. This could be extremely harmful if not fatal to sheep if they ingest high levels of copper. (Sheep accumulate copper in their liver rather than excrete this mineral. It can cause the sheep to be poisoned by the copper toxicity and destroy liver tissue.)
Your goats will love Hoffman goat feed and will thrive on it. Stop in and try out a bag at either of our Snohomish or Monroe locations. Both stores also have goat treats, minerals, supplements, halters, leads,hoof trimmers, and much more.
We’ll see you at the Co-op!
