Offer Free-Choice Baking Soda

Place plain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a small, separate feeder for free-choice access. Goats will self-regulate intake, typically consuming only small amounts as needed.

Why It Works

Baking soda acts as a rumen buffer, neutralizing excess acid that builds up when goats consume grain or lush spring pasture. This helps prevent acidosis and bloat. Goats instinctively seek it out when their rumen pH drops below the optimal 6.0-7.0 range.

Tips

• Keep the feeder covered and dry to prevent clumping
• Use a separate container from loose minerals so consumption of each can be monitored independently
• Increased baking soda consumption may signal a diet too high in grain -- adjust accordingly