Donkey Feeding Guide

Key Nutritional Needs

• Fibre: Good-quality barley straw, hay, or grass is the foundation of a healthy donkey diet.
• Protein: Generally lower than for horses; only supplement if the donkey is growing, pregnant, lactating, or underweight.
• Energy: Donkeys need less energy than horses or ponies of similar size.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Provide a donkey-specific mineral lick or supplement to ensure balanced nutrition, especially if grazing is limited or of poor quality.

Feeding by Age & Life Stage

• Foal Feed (0–6 months):
  Foals nurse from the dam but will start nibbling forage and creep feed from a few weeks old. Use a high-fibre, low-calorie, balanced foal or “youngstock” feed if needed—generally only for orphans or underweight foals.
• Young Donkey Feed (6–18 months):
  Good-quality hay or grass should be the main diet. Supplement with a small quantity of youngstock feed if the donkey is growing slowly or needs extra condition.
• Adult/Maintenance Feed (18 months+):
  Most adult donkeys thrive on ad-lib barley straw, with restricted access to grass or hay to prevent weight gain. Only add hard feed if the donkey is in work, pregnant, lactating, elderly, or underweight.
  Use a vitamin/mineral lick or bucket formulated for donkeys.
• Breeding/Lactating Feed:
  Pregnant and lactating jennies (females) may require extra nutrition. Use a suitable breeding feed as needed, and monitor body condition closely.
• Senior/Underweight Donkeys:
  Elderly or thin donkeys may need additional calories and protein. Use a fibre-based senior or conditioning feed, and avoid cereal-rich mixes.

How to Feed

• Frequency:
  • Forage should be available at all times.
  • Hard feed only as needed, split into two small meals if required.
• Water:
  • Fresh, clean water must always be available.

Housing & General Care

• Shelter:
  • Donkeys need access to a dry, draught-free shelter year-round, as they are more susceptible to rain and cold than horses.
• Companionship:
  • Donkeys are herd animals—never keep one alone.
• Pasture Management:
  • Avoid lush, rich pasture; use poor-quality grazing or a track system to prevent obesity.

Health & Biosecurity

• Cleanliness:
  • Clean feeders and water buckets regularly.
• Hoof Care & Worming:
  • Regular hoof trimming and worming are essential.
• Dental Checks:
  • Annual dental checks, especially for older donkeys.

Common Feeding Mistakes & FAQs

• Mistake: Feeding rich feeds (pony nuts, mixes, cereals)—risk of obesity and laminitis.
• Mistake: Overfeeding hay or grass—barley straw is safer for most donkeys.
• Mistake: Not providing a mineral lick—can cause deficiencies.

• Can donkeys eat horse feed?
  Not recommended—donkeys need lower energy and higher fibre.
• Do donkeys need hard feed?
  Only if growing, breeding, elderly, or underweight.
• What’s the best forage for donkeys?
  Barley straw is ideal, with limited grass or hay.

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