So, Can Goats Eat Peanut Butter?

Goats are certainly keen to try most “human” foods, including some foods they shouldn’t eat, but you may be surprised to know there are some things that people eat that goats can also eat. And they might even be good for them! How about peanut butter? Can goats eat it?

Yes, goats can eat peanut butter as an occasional treat. Just like us, they love its taste, and it’s also a source of protein, vitamins, and a few minerals, including vitamins B3 and E, magnesium, manganese, though it can sometimes be contaminated with aflatoxins which can cause trouble.

There’s a university extension recommending peanuts in the shell as treats, and because I couldn’t find peanut butter recommended specifically, let’s call this an indirect evidence that they can have it every now and then.

You should know a couple of things, though. First, peanut butter is quite calorie-dense, and may cause weight gain when goats have too much. The other issue is, the nutrients listed above are not necessarily enough for them. You should still give them a balanced diet tailored to their needs.

But all in all, if you’re looking for a tasty treat to give your goats, one they will adore, then peanut butter is an OK option. Just make sure you don’t give them too much! Anyway, there is much more to learn about giving peanut butter to goats, so keep reading.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Goats

Goats think peanut butter is absolutely delectable, and that is likely to be all they care about, but it is surprisingly good for them.

Peanut butter is a good source of protein, which is essential for goats (and all animals) for growth, repair and maintenance. It’s also a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin), which is important for metabolism, and vitamin B6, which is necessary for the proper function of enzymes.

Peanut butter also has some vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, not to mention minerals such as magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc.

In general magnesium is needed for energy production, manganese for metabolism and bone health, while zinc is essential for the immune system… but don’t let this fool you: feeding them small amounts of PB won’t be enough, you still need to stick to their specific diet.

Excuse my enthusiasm, but all in all and in moderation, peanut butter can be passable treat for goats. I wouldn’t call it healthy until we have some actual data because giving it to them in small amounts shouldn’t make a difference in their diets.

Again, it’s high in calories, so eating it in excess it can cause weight gain and digestive upset. Also, some peanut butter brands also have too much salt or sugar, so keep an eye out for that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MamACZTz7Bc

Caveat: Peanuts and Peanut Butters Have Aflatoxins!

I can hear you say through the screen: “Aflatoxins in peanuts? Who cares?” Maybe you don’t but your goats sure do! To be fair, the risk is greater for humans and for goats, and you’d have to feed them contaminated peanuts for longer periods of time, but still… But what are they, anyway?

These are mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus fungi, and can contaminate both peanuts and peanut butters. Sure, commercial PB is tested for this toxin and is likely fine, but the peanuts themselves might still have it, and if you make your own peanut butter at home, the toxins will remain.

I’ll spare you the list of issues they can cause in both goats and humans, and tell you that these toxins tend to stick around and get passed in goat meat and milk. This is probably low risk given the tiny amounts you’ll spoil them with, but still, it’s a good reason why limiting peanuts and its derivates to goats is a must.

Can Goats Eat Peanut Butter Raw?

Raw PB refers to peanut butter made from raw, unroasted peanuts. And yes, they can have it and they will love it straight out of the jar or packet. Only give them a little bit as a rare treat, and make sure it doesn’t have other ingredients ideally!

Can Goats Eat Smooth Peanut Butter?

Yes, smooth peanut butter should be fine for goats, in small amounts, as a rare treat, and if it doesn’t too many other ingredients, particularly sugar.

What About Crunchy Peanut Butter?

Yes. Crunchy peanut butter is just fine for goats, in tiny amounts.

Can Goats Eat Whole Peanuts?

Yes, they can. Goats can eat whole peanuts, shell and all. These are actually recommended as treats by a Cornell Uni extension.

Never Feed Peanut Butter to Goats that Has Been Prepared with Harmful Ingredients

Peanut butter is greatly beloved by goats, but they cannot have every kind of peanut butter there is. But the one that’s been prepared with harmful ingredients, such as chocolate, jelly and other such additions should never be fed to goats.

Chocolate in particular is problematic for goats and other animals. Jelly is high in sugar and calories. There is no need to go overboard with a peanut butter “treat” for your goats; they will love peanut butter just the way it is.

A Note On Peanut Butter Brands

While all brands of peanut butter may taste the same and you don’t bother to read the labels, there are some important things to consider before you go and buy the first jar you see…

The first is sugar content. Some have a lot more sugar than others. The second thing to look at is the sodium content. Some brands add a lot more salt than others.

Speaking of which, you may also want to avoid sugar-free peanut butter. Annoying, right? Here’s the catch, some brands replace the sugar with a low-glycemic sweetener names xylitol. And it’s a great sugar substitute… in humans. In other species such as dogs, it can disrupt the insulin response and is downright toxic. Now, I couldn’t find any data on xylitol for goats specifically, but it’s better to play it safe, here.

A little extra salt won’t hurt your goats, but mind the quantity they get over time. Find a brand that has minimal to no added sugar or salt. Ideally, the only thing it should have is… peanuts!

The last thing to consider is the extra ingredients; some brands add extras like chocolate, honey, and so forth. These are all things that you want to avoid feeding your goats, as mentioned.

How Often Can Goats Have Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter can only be given to goats in limited quantities occasionally as a treat. I would be more specific about how often is fine, but there is no recommended dose in the literature, so give it to them as rarely as possible. A little bit here and there is all they get, no matter how badly they beg you for it.

Preparing Peanut Butter for Your Herd

Not surprisingly, the hardest part about giving peanut butter to your herd is actually serving it to them without the whole affair becoming a sticky, messy disaster.

One way to do this is to put a layer of peanut butter in the bottom of a shallow dish or tub, and then let them have at it.

Or, if you’re feeling generous and have the time, use my preferred way: serve it to them right off of a big, wooden spoon. This makes it easier for them to take and chew, and will save you time on the backside by minimizing mess.

Can Baby Goats Have Peanut Butter, Too?

I would avoid giving peanut butter to goats kids. Their digestive systems are still developing and, given we don’t have any safety data to feed them PB, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Wait until the become adults, and only then you can give them a tiny bit of peanut butter as a treat. Start off slow with each goat to see how it does…

Try to Clean Up After Giving Your Goats Peanut Butter

Your goats will be having the time of their life when chowing down on peanut butter, but you must be ready to deal with the aftermath.

Peanut butter is sticky, clumpy, oily and you are wise to clean your goats’ faces after they eat it, if they got too enthusiastic, and generally will want to tidy up the area and all dishes when they are finished.