Nutrition  for Donkeys 

WHAT TO FEED A DONKEY

Donkeys originated in northern Africa.  They are easy keepers who are not designed to eat rich foods manufactured for horses.

Donkeys NEED

1.  Clean, fresh water all the time

2.  Low protein, non-moldy GRASS hay.   Don't worry about the weeds.  They may love them.

    ALFALFA should never be fed to a donkey, except when treating a specific medical

    condition under a veternarian's direction

     GRAIN should not be part of the daily diet unless being fed for a specific medical

      condition or to enhance the diet of a foal, pregnant jennet or geriatric donkey

3.  A mineral block or lick

4.  Sweets and other carb treats should be limited.  Carrots, Apples are both high in carbohydrates.

SPOIL THEM WITH ATTENTION NOT FOOD.

Overfeeding a donkey or feeding it the wrong diet can be fatal.  Overfeeding can result in a crippling disease called laminitis of the hooves.

Obesity is also a likely result from overfeeding

FOR EXAMPLE:

(Left photo)  A beautiful 8 year old red-roan standard gelding donkey in perfect weight.

(Lower photos)  After 24 months of being fed alfalfa and grain by a thoughtless owner the donkey became 60 pounds overweight, with a fat neck, fat rump and fat pads on his side. 

July 2006

June 2008