What kind of feed do donkeys eat?

What kind of feed do donkeys eat?

Donkeys ideally should have a diet consisting of 75% straw and 25% grass, hay or haylage in summer months. This changes to 50% straw and 25% hay or haylage in winter. Certain populations may need haylage or chop as the main part of their diet.

What can donkeys not eat?

Avoid sugary biscuits, bread and cake and never feed meat or dairy products – animal protein can be fatal to donkeys. Onions, leeks, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), anything from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine), stoned fruit and chocolate are also to be avoided.

Can donkeys just eat grass?

Because food availability in their native settings is sparse donkeys in such environments don’t only eat grass. They happily eat browse (woody shrubs, trees, and broadleaf plants) and forbs (flowing plants) as well.

What is the best food for donkeys?

Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. Ensure that chopped fruit and vegetables are cut in a way that minimises the risk of choking, such as in sticks.

What kind of straw do donkeys eat?

Barley straw
Barley straw is the Donkey Sanctuary’s main recommendation, followed by wheat and then oat straw. Barley straw is favored because of its low nutritional value and because it’s easier to eat than wheat straw, which is more fibrous.

Do donkeys need salt blocks?

Most donkeys will do well on a plain diet of timothy or grass hay, with access to clean water and a salt block.

Is Clover bad for donkeys?

Lead Toxicity Donkeys may ingest the lead in the environment through the consumption of grass, clover, and dandelion or from chewing or licking on tainted surfaces.

Are buttercups bad for donkeys?

Well-Known Member. Just been on the donkey site, buttercups are not mentioned, they may be poisonous plants, but possibly not to donkeys.

Can donkeys eat apples whole?

Donkeys can eat a whole apple and take bites from large ones. You should feed in two parts as large apples can cause lodging in the throat.

Do donkeys like the rain?

A study found donkeys were much more likely than horses to try and hide from the cold and rain. “This means that horses tend to be better adapted to the temperate climate of the UK, whereas donkeys are better suited to hotter, drier climates. …

What is toxic to donkeys?

Pesticides, Herbicides, And Rodenticides. It may not come as a surprise that herbicides and rodenticides can cause toxicosis in donkeys if ingested. If donkeys ingest plants that have been sprayed with phenoxy acid herbicides, they can become ill or even die.

Is it OK to feed a donkey all day?

Donkeys love to graze all day but will eat everything in sight if they can, so if you’re looking after donkeys, it’s important to feed them a healthy diet. Donkeys have a sweet tooth and can put on weight easily if they eat the wrong foods, or too much lush grass or rich hay, which can lead to potential health problems.

What’s the difference between a horse and a donkey?

Although you may not think it, horse and donkey dietary requirements are very different. Donkeys love to graze all day but will eat everything in sight if they can, so if you’re looking after donkeys, it’s important to feed them a healthy diet.

What foods should you not feed a donkey?

Foods you should never feed your donkey. NEVER feed donkeys meat or dairy – animal protein can be fatal. Cereal grains such as corn, barley and oats. All cakes. Chocolate. All biscuits. Bread.

What kind of protein does a donkey need?

Levels range from 15-22% protein and 8-14% NSC, making it too rich for donkeys. However, in some areas of the USA, it’s the only hay available. If this is the case, go for the stemmiest and lowest protein you can get and mix with straw if possible.