Healthy Goat Nutrition Starts with the Basics

At Natuly, we believe that vitality begins in the feed trough. Not with a one-size-fits-all approach or purely production-driven thinking, but with a nutritious, varied, and natural diet that suits the nature of the goat. Our vision: roughage as the foundation, grains for structure and diversity, and pellets as a steering tool, not as the starting point.

Why whole grains?

Pellets are often considered the main feed because they are easy and quick. But much of the life force is lost during the pressing of a pellet – the structure, the vitality, and the natural absorption of nutrients. That's why we focus on whole grains.

Our muesli contains no less than 16 ingredients and is also excellent for goats. It provides variety, structure, and natural nutrients. Goats that grow up with whole grains develop an efficient digestion, allowing them to utilize those grains better later in life.

How to feed grains to goats?

For adult goats, we recommend approximately 0.5 to 1 kg of organic feed per day, depending on their weight, activity, and life stage. Dairy goats can tolerate up to 2 kg in some cases, but only in combination with sufficient roughage. For young goats: the sooner they become accustomed to whole grains, the better.

Please note: for goats, a gradual transition is essential. Start with small amounts of grains and increase gradually. Also avoid too much short or leafy grass, as this can disrupt the digestion of grains. Read more about biodiverse pastures here. Bokashi can help improve absorption during the transition phase.

All our horse feeds are also goat feeds

In addition to the standard organic goat feed, our other feeds are also suitable for goats, such as:

• Muesli
• Grain mix
• Spelt
• Oats
• Alfalfa pellets
• Slobber

Minerals for goats: balance is everything

Minerals are essential for the health of goats; for their growth, fertility, milk production, immunity, and behavior. But more is not always better: it's all about balance. Both a deficiency and an excess can cause problems, often subtle or chronic in nature.

Why are minerals so important?

Goats, like other ruminants, have a complex digestive system and a high metabolism. The mineral requirement varies per animal and situation: age, pregnancy, lactation, feed composition, and soil type all play a role.

Common points of attention

• Selenium: important for muscle development, fertility, and immunity. Deficiencies can lead to weak lambs and increased susceptibility to infection.
• Copper: essential for pigmentation, coat, and enzyme functions. Goats have a higher requirement than sheep, but are also sensitive to overdose. Pay attention to interactions with iron, sulfur, and molybdenum.
• Zinc: supports skin, hooves, and defense. Deficiencies manifest as poor coat, hoof problems, or skin inflammations.
• Magnesium: involved in muscle function and calcium absorption. Extra important in stress situations or with a ration high in potassium.
• Iodine: necessary for the thyroid gland. Deficiency carries a risk of growth retardation and stillbirth of lambs.

How to recognize a mineral deficiency?

Vague complaints such as a dull coat, reduced appetite, fertility problems, or lingering infections can indicate imbalances. But sudden problems such as abortions, stiff lambs, or hoof problems can also have a mineral component.

Free choice works best

Because the need varies per animal and per moment, a mineral buffet works most naturally. Animals can instinctively select what they need, provided they are given a choice from multiple sources. Our mineral supplements contain pure, unprocessed sources such as Icelandic seaweed, peat extract, diatomaceous earth, and Celtic sea salt. Or hang different colored lick stones for free choice.

Combine the offering of minerals with good roughage quality and a quiet, clean living environment. 

Housing and behavior

Goats are curious and agile and like a good overview. A stable or shelter must be dry, well-ventilated, and enriched with climbing opportunities. Straw as bedding works well, especially in combination with our Eco-Stable approach based on lava and microorganisms.

Composting with goat manure

Goat manure is ideally suited for composting. The right balance of carbon-rich stable bedding and nitrogen-rich manure creates high-quality compost that nourishes your soil and closes your cycle. Add lava meal and microorganisms for optimal fermentation. 

Goats deserve attention

A goat is not a small cow. They think fast, like to move, and require a different approach. Those who delve into their nature and natural needs will discover an incredibly valuable animal: for your garden, your family, or your farm. And as always with Natuly (formerly Bio-Ron): the better the balance, the healthier the result.

Custom-made feeds 

For professional users or people with multiple goats, we can create a custom-made feed composition from 1000 kg. Please contact us for the possibilities.