Offer Browse and Forage

Allow miniature goats daily access to browse areas with safe weeds, shrubs, bark, and tree leaves. Rotate browsing areas every 2-3 weeks to prevent parasite buildup and allow plant regrowth.

Why It Works

Goats are natural browsers, not grazers. A varied diet of woody plants, broadleaf weeds, and brambles provides diverse micronutrients, tannins that support gut health, and mental enrichment that reduces stress behaviors. Browse closely mimics the diet goats evolved to eat.

Tips

• Fence off areas with known toxic plants like azalea, rhododendron, and oleander before allowing access
• Goats prefer browse over grass pasture -- plan plantings with shrubs and safe trees like willow and mulberry
• Supplement with hay during winter or when browse is limited