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Yes, goats can eat cabbage. It’s a brassica vegetable like broccoli and kale, and most goats go after it with enthusiasm.
The main thing to watch out for is feeding too much at once. Cabbage can cause gas and bloat if a goat eats a large amount in one sitting, so introduce it gradually and keep portions reasonable.
Can goats eat cabbage?
Cabbage is safe for goats and provides a nice nutritional boost on top of their regular hay diet. It’s high in vitamins A and C, contains fiber and potassium, and the sulfur compounds in cabbage have natural antibacterial properties.
All varieties work fine. Green, red, napa, and savoy cabbage are all safe to feed.
Most goats seem to prefer the loose outer leaves over the dense inner head, but every goat has its own preferences.
The bloat risk with brassicas
Brassicas like cabbage produce gas during digestion, and goats are prone to bloat when gas builds up faster than they can release it. A bloated rumen puts pressure on the diaphragm and makes it hard for the goat to breathe.
The fix is simple. Don’t dump a whole head of cabbage in the feeder the first time.
Start with a few leaves and work up to larger amounts over a week or so, giving the rumen bacteria time to adjust.
If your goats have never eaten cabbage before, offer a couple of leaves and watch how they handle it. Once their digestive system adapts, they can eat more without any trouble.
How to prepare and serve cabbage
Quarter a head of cabbage and toss it in the feeder. Goats will tear into it with no help from you.
For smaller or younger goats, shred or chop the cabbage to reduce any choking risk.
You can also mix shredded cabbage into their regular hay. Adding some carrots and celery creates a varied veggie mix that picky eaters find hard to resist.
Always feed cabbage raw and plain. Cooked cabbage with salt, butter, or seasonings is off limits.
Leftover coleslaw and sauerkraut are also bad choices because of the vinegar, sugar, and preservatives. Stick to plain, fresh cabbage straight from the garden or grocery store.
How much cabbage to feed
One to two pounds of cabbage per adult goat per day is a reasonable limit. That’s roughly a quarter to half a head, depending on the size.
Baby kids should only get a few small pieces until their rumens are more developed. Pregnant and nursing does benefit more from alfalfa hay than from heavy vegetable treats, but they can have cabbage too in small amounts.
If you grow cabbage in your garden, your goats make excellent cleanup crew for the outer leaves and trimmings you don’t want to use in the kitchen. The same goes for leftover lettuce and spinach from the garden.
What about pesticides on cabbage?
If you’re buying cabbage from the store, give it a good rinse before feeding it to your goats. Conventionally grown cabbage can carry pesticide residue on the outer leaves.
Organic cabbage or cabbage from your own garden is the safest bet. If you spray anything on your garden, double check that it’s safe for livestock before letting your goats near those plants.
Wilted or slightly yellowed outer leaves are fine to feed. Just toss anything that’s slimy or has mold growing on it.
Moldy feed of any kind is always dangerous for goats.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage is a healthy treat that most goats love. Start slow to avoid bloat, serve it raw and plain, and keep portions within reason.
Your goats will be happy, and you’ll have a good use for all those extra outer leaves from the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cabbage is safe for goats and provides vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and sulfur compounds with antibacterial properties. All varieties work fine including green, red, napa, and savoy. Start slow to avoid bloating.
Cabbage is high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. The sulfur compounds have natural antibacterial properties. It makes a nice nutritional boost on top of a regular hay diet.
Green, red, napa, and savoy cabbage are all safe for goats. Most goats prefer the loose outer leaves over the dense inner head. Each variety offers similar nutritional benefits.
No common cabbage variety is poisonous to goats. The main risk is overfeeding, which can cause bloating from gas produced by the sulfur compounds during digestion. Always introduce gradually and keep portions reasonable.
