29 Vegetables Goats Can Eat (And 9 They Absolutely Can’t)

If you’re a goat owner, you know that goats are notoriously curious creatures. They love to explore their surroundings and they’ll put just about anything in their mouths to see what it tastes like! While this can be frustrating at times, it’s important to remember that goats are browsers, not grazers like cows. This means that their stomachs are designed to digest a wide variety of plants – including, of course, veggies…

Now, keeping in mind that these veggies should never replace a balanced diet, which ones can our goats eat safely?

For the most part, goats can eat any kind of vegetable you want to feed them, including carrots, celery, pumpkins, and cucumbers. But there are plenty others to stay away or have in moderation: onions and alliums, acorns, eggplant greens, thorns, raw potatoes, and a few more. Let’s take a look at them at a glance before we talk about each on by one…

✅ Veggies That Are Safe for Goats

1. Celery
2. Green Peppers
3. Beets
4. Asparagus
5. Cucumbers
6. Pumpkins
7. Squash
8. Gourds
9. Arugula
10. Radishes
11. Peas (cooked)
12. Green Beans
13. Potatoes (cooked, no green parts)
14. Sweet Potatoes (cooked, no green parts)
15. Zucchini
16. Carrots
17. Lettuce

❗️Veggies Goats Can Have in Moderation

1. Corn (high in sugar and calories)
2. Kale (high in oxalates, also a goitrogen)
3. Spinach (high in oxalates)
4. Garlic (small quantities, can be toxic in large amounts)
5. Jalapeños (too many can cause stomach upset)
6. Parsnips (can cause digestive issues in large quantities)
7. Goitrogens (cauliflower, broccoli, turnips)
8. Cabbage
9. Collard Greens
10. Brussels Sprouts
11. Alfalfa
12. Swiss Chard

❌ Veggies that Goats Shouldn’t Eat

1. Acorns (high in tannins, toxic)
2. Mushrooms (wild mushrooms are risky)
3. Eggplant leaves, stems, or green parts (toxic)
4. Thorns (can cause intestinal blockages)
5. Onions (toxic, can cause anemia)
6. Raw potatoes or green potato parts (toxic)
7. Rhubarb
8. Shallots
9. Leeks

✅ Can Goats Eat Carrots?

Carrots are a healthy snack for goats, providing them with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, which can help goats maintain a healthy digestive system.

Still, it’s important to give carrots to them in moderation, as they are relatively high in sugar. Too much can lead to weight gain and other health problems. When feeding the carrots, it’s best to chop them into small pieces so that the goats can’t overindulge.

How many carrots a day? Stick to one medium carrot a day and they’ll be fine…

✅ Can Goats Eat Celery?

Goats can safely have celery, and they may even enjoy the taste. it is high in fiber and low in sugar, making it a perfect treat for them. Celery also has a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for goat health.

But, as with any new food, it is important to introduce it slowly and in moderation to avoid stomach upset.

✅ What About Pumpkins?

Pumpkins are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, all of which are important. They can also help to keep goats’ digestive systems functioning properly. In addition, pumpkins are a low-sugar fruit, which is important in helping your animals stay healthy.

✅ Can Goats Eat Cucumbers?

Cucumbers are a good choice since they are high in water content and low in sugar. They also enjoy the taste of cucumbers, making them a good treat.

In addition, cucumbers provide some essential vitamins and minerals that goats need for good health.

❗️ Cabbage?

Cabbage is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also a low-calorie food. Cabbage is a good choice for goats because it is high in fiber and low in sugar. It’s also a good source of calcium, which is essential for goat health. Calcium helps keep bones strong and helps boost milk production.

On the other hand, thus food is a goitrogen, meaning it can block iodine absorption, and cause the thyroid to stop working the way it should. So don’t feed them too much!

✅ What About Corn?

Corn is a good source of protein (at around 9-10%) but also has some fiber, about 2%, both of which which are essential for goats. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, but, on the other hand, it’s also high in sugar and calories, so it should be fed in moderation. Eating too much carbs can definitely interfere with their digestion!

✅ Can Goats Eat Asparagus?

Indeed, asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and folic acid. All of these are important for goats, and they can help to improve digestive health, promote healthy skin and coat, and boost immunity.

In addition, asparagus is low in sugar and calories, making it a good choice for those animals that are trying to lose weight.

✅ Can They Eat Beets?

Beets are high in fiber and contain a good amount of protein, both of which are, obviously, essential. In addition, beets are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and manganese.

While goats can eat them raw, they are usually more willing to eat them if they are cooked or shredded. Beets can also be mixed into other foods, such as hay or grain, in case your animals are a bit picky.

✅ Can Goats Eat Lettuce?

While most goats enjoy eating lettuce, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, lettuce is low in calories and nutrients, so don’t count too much on it for nutrients. In addition, some types (e.g., iceberg) can give goats diarrhea. All in all, a decent treat!

❗️ Cauliflower?

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for goat health. In particular, cauliflower is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and manganese.

Plus, the antioxidants in it can help to protect goats from disease, as they help fight free radicals. There’s a really good study on their role here – if you have the time and patience to read it

✅ Can Goats Eat Broccoli?

Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s a good pick for our goats. Goats need a diet that includes both hay and fresh veggies, and broccoli is a good way to add some variety to their diet.

Besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, it also contains fiber and protein, which are essential for goats’ health.

Feed it in moderation, though, as some folks report too much can cause them to bloat. Same advice for other cruciferous veggies.

✅ Can Goats Eat Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as protein, but the standout nutrient is calcium. In addition, this type of hay is a good choice for them because it is relatively low in sugar and calories. This makes it a more healthful option than some other types of feed…

Goats are also able to digest alfalfa more easily than other types of hay. As such, it’s one of the best options for animals who may be struggling with digestive issues.

Many folks are worried that feeding them too much of this stuff will cause them kidney stones, and indeed they can get urinari calculi – but it depends on the age, sex, and health of the animal. The University of Mariyland Extension says explicitly talks about alfalfa:

Excess calcium can also cause urinary calculi and is commonly seen is small ruminants grazing lush clover pastures or being fed alfalfa hay, as these have excess calcium content.

Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep (FS-2021-0581)

Moderation is best with this one – just in case!

✅ What About Kale?

While kale is not typically considered part of a goat’s diet, there are some circumstances in which it can work… For instance, if a goat is pregnant or nursing, kale can provide valuable nutrients that it may be lacking. Kale can also be helpful to those recovering from illness or injury. The nutrients in kale can help to speed healing and restore strength…

Nevertheless, kale should only be fed to goats in moderation, as it contains high levels of oxalates that can cause health problems – if they have too much…

❗️ Can Goats Eat Spinach?

Spinach does have a decent amount of iron, so there’s that… Goats can eat small amounts of spinach, but if they have too much, it may cause some issues…

This is because spinach contains a substance known as oxalate, which can bind with calcium and lead to kidney stones. For this reason, you should limit the amount of spinach that goats consume.

Besides, there are other leafy greens that are perfectly safe for them to eat. For example, alfalfa and clover are both high in calcium and low in oxalates, making them a good choice for goats.

✅ Can Goats Eat Zucchini?

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium. It also contains a compound called cucurbitacin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

✅ Can Goats Eat Squash?

Squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium. Furthermore, it is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy treat.

When feeding squash to goats, it is important to cut it into small pieces so that they can easily chew and digest it.

❌ Can Goats Eat Acorns?

One might assume that since goats are such versatile eaters, they could probably chow down on acorns without any problems… but this is not the case. Acorns contain high levels of tannins, which can be toxic to goats.

What’s interesting is that goats are more tolerant to tannins compared to other livestock – up to a point, that is. This is because their saliva has some proteins that bind to them and neutralize them. But this doesn’t mean they are safe for them to have; it just means that if they happen to eat a few acorns, they’ll probably be fine.

Tannins give them their bitter flavor and can cause digestive upset, leading to diarrhea and dehydration. In severe cases, tannins can even lead to liver damage. Bottom line, it’s best to avoid feeding them acorns just in case.

❗️ What About Mushrooms?

While some goats will have mushrooms without any problems, others may become sick after consuming them. This is uncharted territory because there isn’t much research on whether goats can eat them specifically, but the rule of thumb is to only feed them the ones that you buy at the grocery store and that are safe for humans to eat.

Or, you can err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them mushrooms unless you’re absolutely sure what kind of they are. If you’ve pick them yourself in the wild, you should avoid feeding it to them.

❌ Eggplant?

Eggplant is a good example of a fruit that’s packed with nutrients. It’s is high in fiber, which helps with digestive health, and is also a good source of vitamins A and C, not to mention copper and manganese, which are essential minerals for your herd.

If you give them eggplant, make sure you’re just feeding the fruit itself and not any of the other plant parts – the leaves, stem, and any green areas can be toxic to goats!

✅ Can Goats Eat Gourds?

Gourds are a type of squash that is related to pumpkins and melons. They are safe for goats to eat, but they should only make up a small part of the goat’s diet. Gourds are low in calories and nutrients, so keep that in mind!

However, they are a good source of fiber, which can help keep the goat’s digestive system healthy.

✅ Radishes?

The answer is yes! Goats can safely eat radishes, and they may even enjoy the taste. Radishes are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which can help promote gastrointestinal health.

Additionally, radishes contain vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and calcium. All of these nutrients are essential for goats’ overall health and well-being. be sure to feed it to them raw, as cooking it will diminish the vitamin C.

✅ Can Goats Eat Arugula?

Arugula is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, C, and K. It also has calcium, iron, and magnesium. Not only that, but arugula is also low in calories and fat.

✅ Can Goats Eat Peas?

Peas are a type of legume, and like all legumes, they are a good source of protein and fiber. In addition, peas are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and potassium. When feeding peas to goats, it is important to cook them first to prevent bloating.

They can be cooked in water or broth, and then pureed or chopped into small pieces. You can also add peas to goat feed, but be sure to soak them overnight before feeding. Soaking helps to soften them and makes them easier for goats to digest.

❌ What About Garlic?

Garlic is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, B6, as well as manganese, in general. It also has antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system and even prevent parasites.

Garlic can be 3 to 5 times more toxic than onions, and even though goats are more resistant to its negative effects compared to other animals, you should still avoid feeding it to them – just to be safe.

✅ Can Goats Eat Swiss Chard?

Swiss chard is a nutritious leafy green that is often used in salads and stir-fries. But although it is not as well-known as kale or spinach, it is just as healthy for goats, providing them with essential vitamins and minerals.

Swiss chard is a good source of Vitamin A, which helps to keep their eyes healthy, too. It is also rich in iron, which helps to prevent anemia. In addition, Swiss chard has potassium, which is necessary for proper muscle function. The downside is that, just like spinach and kale, it has enough oxalates to mandate moderation when feeding it to goats!

✅ Can Goats Eat Green Peppers?

Green peppers are nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and fiber. These also have compounds that have been shown to have health benefits, such as quercetin and luteolin.

When it comes to our goats, green peppers can provide a healthy snack that is low in calories but high in nutrients.

✅ Can Goats Eat Thorns?

Though goats are often associated with eating everything in sight, there are actually a few things that they should avoid. One such example is thorns.

While thorns aren’t necessarily poisonous, they can cause an upset stomach and even intestinal blockages.

If you decide to feed your goat blackberries or raspberries, which have thorny bushes, just be aware of this risk.

❌ Onions – Yay or Nay?

Onions are members of the allium family, which also includes garlic, leeks, and shallots. Alliums contain sulfur-based compounds that can be toxic to goats. If ingested in large enough quantities, alliums can cause anemia and gastrointestinal problems. best to stay away from them.

✅ Can Goats Eat Green Beans?

They sure can! Green beans are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals – not to mention a source of fiber. Goats need all of these to stay healthy and produce milk.

✅ Jalapeños

Jalapeño peppers have important vitamins and minerals that can benefit your animals, including vitamin C, B6, and potassium. In addition, the capsaicin in them can help to prevent digestive problems.

But it’s important to feed jalapenos to goats in moderation. Too many can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.

✅ Can Goats Eat Collard Greens?

Collard greens are a great way to add variety to your goats’ diet, and they offer many health benefits. In fact, collard greens are a great source of nutrients.

They are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and calcium. They also contain a wide variety of other minerals that are essential for goat health.

✅ Can They Eat Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain compounds that can help to protect against cancer.

Goats usually enjoy eating Brussels sprouts, and they can be a healthy part of their diet. Just make sure to introduce them slowly, as sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upset.

❗️ Can Goats Eat Turnips?

Turnips are particularly high in Vitamin C, an important nutrient for supporting the immune system. They also contain fiber, which helps to promote digestive health. Besides, turnips are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against cell damage.

This is another goitrogen, meaning it could affect iodine levels and this will lead to some issues… feed in moderation.

✅ Potatoes

Potatoes are a good source of micronutrients, and they can help goats to maintain a healthy digestive system. Plus, potatoes are a good source of carbs, which can be helpful to those animals that are pregnant or nursing.

If you do feed your goats potatoes, be sure to cook them first. Raw potatoes can be harmful to them if they eat too many of them or if they are green. Never feed them any geeen parts, raw or cooked!

✅ Can Goats Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that can offer many health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Sweet potatoes can help improve gut health and provide energy for goats.

While most goats will enjoy eating sweet potatoes, it is important to introduce them to this one gradually and in moderation.

❗️ Can They Eat Parsnips?

Parsnips are a root veggie that’s related to carrots. They are a good source of things like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. While they aren’t toxic to goats, they should be fed in moderation as they can cause digestive issues if eaten in large quantities.

Oh, and be sure to get and print out my PDF with all of these foods – so you know what’s safe and what isn’t at a glance!