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 peanut butter?
Yes, goats can eat peanut butter. Just like us, they love the taste and texture of peanut butter but it is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc.
However, peanut butter is quite calorie-dense, and may cause weight gain when goats eat too much. A large serving may also give them diarrhea.
But, if you’re looking for a tasty treat to give your goats, one they will adore, then peanut butter is a great 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 all B vitamins, including vitamin B3 (niacin), which is important for metabolism, and vitamin B6, which is necessary for the proper function of enzymes.
Peanut butter is also high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Additionally, it contains minerals such as magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc.
Magnesium is needed for energy production, manganese is important for metabolism and bone health, while zinc is essential for the immune system.
In moderation, peanut butter can be a healthy treat for goats. But when eaten to excess it can cause weight gain and digestive upset. Some peanut butter varieties also contain too much salt or sugar, so keep an eye out for that.
Can Goats Eat Peanut Butter Raw?
Yes, and they will love it straight out of the jar or packet. Nothing more to it than that!
Can Goats Eat Smooth Peanut Butter?
Yes, smooth peanut butter is fine for goats.
Can Goats Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter is just fine for goats, and most goats seem to like the added texture and crunch.
Can Goats Eat Whole Peanuts?
Yes, they can. Goats can eat whole peanuts, shell and all, with no issues. You might say they can eat the precursor to peanut butter.
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.
Peanut butter that has been prepared with harmful ingredients, such as chocolate, jelly and other such additions should never be fed to goats.
Chocolate in particular is toxic to goats and other animals. Jelly is simply way, way too high in sugar and calories.
Also, foods that feature peanut butter as a primary ingredient, like peanut sauce, cookies and so forth are not okay for goats.
All will either have outrageous sugar or salt content, or else have other ingredients that are harmful for goats.
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 about Peanut Butter Brands
While all brands of peanut butter are essentially the same, there are some important things to consider before you go and buy the first jar you see.
The first is sugar content. Some brands of peanut butter 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.
A little extra salt won’t hurt your goats, but mind the quantity they get over time. You want to find a brand that has minimal to no added sugar or salt.
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 should only be given to goats in limited quantities occasionally as a treat. It is high in calories and if goats eat too much they will put on weight.
Additionally, because peanut butter has such a loose consistency and is quite rich, it can cause issues like diarrhea when fed to excess.
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. You can also roll some into a ball with other, safe dry foods to make it a little easier to handle.
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?
Yes, kids can have peanut butter as well, but in moderation. Just like with adult goats, too much peanut butter can cause weight gain and digestive upset in kids.
Wait until kids are old enough where they start eating solid food all the time, and then you can give them a tiny bit of peanut butter as a treat. Start them off slow to see how they do.
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.
Tom has lived and worked on farms and homesteads from the Carolinas to Kentucky and beyond. He is passionate about helping people prepare for tough times by embracing lifestyles of self-sufficiency.