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If you’ve got cedar trees growing in your pasture, you have probably watched your goats strip the bark and nibble the branches without a second thought. Most common cedar species found on farms are perfectly safe for goats, and many herds actually love browsing on them.
Not all trees called “cedar” are created equal. Here’s what you need to know before letting your herd go to town on that cedar stand.
Can goats eat cedar trees?
Yes, goats can eat most cedar trees just fine. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), the most common cedar species in North American pastures, is generally safe and goats enjoy browsing on it.
Goats will strip the bark, chew the needles, and work their way through cedar branches like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. They show the same enthusiasm for pine trees and blackberry thickets.
The tannins in cedar foliage can actually help with internal parasite control, which is one reason goats seem drawn to it naturally.
Can a pregnant goat eat cedar trees?
This is where you need to be a little more careful. While Eastern red cedar is generally fine, some cedar species like white cedar (Thuja occidentalis, also called arborvitae) contain a compound called thujone that can be harmful in large amounts.
For pregnant does, it’s best to limit cedar access as a precaution. Thujone in large doses has been linked to uterine contractions in livestock.
If your pregnant does nibble a few branches of Eastern red cedar, that’s usually nothing to worry about, but don’t let them gorge on it.
Can a lactating goat eat cedar trees?
Lactating does can safely browse on Eastern red cedar and similar species. It won’t affect milk quality or production in normal browsing amounts.
Just keep their diet balanced with quality hay, fresh water, and minerals. Cedar browsing should be a supplement to their regular feed, not a replacement for it.
Can a baby goat eat cedar trees?
Kids that are old enough to browse can nibble on cedar just like the adults. They’ll usually follow the older goats and learn what to eat by watching.
Young kids naturally take small bites and move on, so they’re unlikely to overeat cedar on their own. Just make sure they’re getting enough milk and starter feed before worrying about what they are browsing on.
Can a sick goat eat cedar trees?
A sick goat can browse on cedar, and some farmers believe the tannins and natural oils provide a mild health benefit. Cedar browsing shouldn’t replace veterinary care, though.
If your goat is dealing with a heavy parasite load, the tannins in cedar may offer some support alongside proper deworming. Pine needles contain similar tannin compounds that goats seek out.
But if a goat is truly ill, focus on getting a diagnosis and proper treatment first.
Do all goats eat cedar trees?
Not every goat is a cedar fan. Some will walk right past it, especially if they have plenty of other browse available.
Others go crazy for it. Individual taste preferences vary a lot between goats, and that’s perfectly normal.
Don’t force the issue if your goats aren’t interested.
What’s cedar and what are its benefits for goats?
When we say “cedar” in a farm setting, we’re usually talking about Eastern red cedar, a tough evergreen that grows wild across much of the eastern United States. It has scale-like needles, reddish-brown bark, and produces small blue berries.
The tannins in cedar foliage have natural anti-parasitic properties. Many experienced goat owners notice their herds seek out cedar when parasite pressure is high, almost like the goats are self-medicating.
The risks associated with goats eating cedar trees
The main risk comes from species confusion. True cedars and Eastern red cedar are generally safe, but white cedar (arborvitae) contains thujone, which can cause digestive upset, drooling, and weakness in large amounts.
If you’re not sure which cedar species you have on your property, take a branch to your local agricultural extension office for identification. Goats are unlikely to overeat any one plant when they have diverse browse available, but knowing exactly what’s growing in your pasture is always smart.
Tips on how to safely introduce cedar into your goat’s diet
You don’t really need to “introduce” cedar if it’s already growing in your pasture. Goats will find it and decide for themselves how much they want.
If you’re bringing in cedar branches from elsewhere, start with a small amount and let your goats get used to it. Make sure they always have access to quality hay, fresh water, and a mineral block so they’re not relying on cedar as a primary food source.
Offering treats like dandelions and honeysuckle alongside cedar creates the kind of diverse browse goats thrive on. A well-fed goat with diverse browse options will naturally regulate its own cedar intake.
Final Thoughts
Most cedar trees that grow in goat pastures are perfectly safe for browsing. Eastern red cedar is the most common species, and goats love it.
The tannins may even help with parasite management. Just identify your cedar species to make sure you’re not dealing with white cedar or arborvitae, keep pregnant does from overindulging, and let your herd enjoy the browse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, goats can eat most cedar trees safely. Eastern red cedar is generally safe and goats enjoy browsing on it. The tannins may even help with internal parasite control. Identify your cedar species to make sure it isn't white cedar (arborvitae).
Pregnant does should have limited cedar access as a precaution. Some cedar species contain thujone, which has been linked to uterine contractions in livestock. A few nibbles of Eastern red cedar are usually fine, but don't let them gorge.
Lactating does can safely browse on Eastern red cedar and similar species. It won't affect milk quality or production in normal browsing amounts. Keep their diet balanced with hay, water, and minerals.
Kids that are old enough to browse can nibble on cedar just like the adults. They naturally take small bites and move on, so they're unlikely to overeat. Make sure they're getting enough milk and starter feed first.
