Goats: Picky Eaters or Do They Eat Anything Within Reach? Let's Find Out

Goats have long been the subject of numerous myths, one of the most pervasive being the idea that they will eat anything and everything within their reach, including tin cans and garbage. 

Goats are natural browsers, preferring to eat shrubs, leaves, and weeds over grass

Debunking the Myth That Goats Eat Everything

Contrary to popular belief, goats are picky eaters and should not be considered dumb animals. The notion that goats eat everything likely arises from their tendency to use their mouths to explore their surroundings, similar to how humans use their hands. This behavior can be mistaken for reckless eating. 

What goats really eat

In reality, goats naturally prefer eating bushes, leaves, twigs, and other tall plants instead of grazing on grass like sheep or cows do. This browsing behavior is an evolutionary trait that helps goats survive in environments where other livestock might struggle.

Goats have rectangular pupils, providing them with a wide field of view to select the best leaves for consumption. Additionally, their split top lip enables precise feeding on the finest sections of plants. Moreover, goats' stomachs contain specialized enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of toxins present in certain plants, which could harm other animals. 

Goats can consume a wide variety of plants, including some that are toxic to other animals

While goats might chew on inedible objects like tin cans, cardboard, or clothing, this behavior is usually driven by curiosity rather than hunger. They rarely, if ever, ingest these materials. 

Goats are experts in vegetation control

Goats form strong bonds within their herd and exhibit distress when isolated

Goats have long been used to control overgrown plants naturally. This strategy is called 'goatscaping.' Because goats eat a wide range of plants, even those avoided by other animals, they are good at naturally clearing tough vegetation such as thorny shrubs, weeds, and poison ivy without the use of chemical pesticides. For example, goats have been utilized in California to lessen wildfire danger by clearing dry, combustible underbrush. 

Goat Welfare

Goats need social interaction and are happier in groups

The belief that goats can eat anything might lead to poor animal care practices. Owners might overlook providing them with adequate nutrition, assuming goats can care for themselves. Such neglect can result in malnutrition and is a form of cruelty to animals punishable by law. 

Contrary to popular belief, goats do not eat everything. Goats are discerning eaters with specific dietary needs that must be met to ensure their health and well-being.