Donkeys, like horses, love treats, especially carrots. They could happily munch on them all day long. As donkey caregivers, we want to spoil them but also make sure the snacks we give them are healthy.
Can donkeys eat carrots? Donkeys can eat carrots. They are chock full of vitamins and low in calories, an important fact considering donkeys tend to overeat. Moderation is key when you feed any snacks to your beloved animal, and carrots are no different.
Carrots are one of the easiest treats to feed your donkeys because most people almost always have some in the fridge.
Donkeys will eat carrots straight out of your hand in a flash. Although, many people recommend that you avoid hand-feeding because it teaches them to bite. It’s better to feed them in a trough or bucket.
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What About Carrot Tops?
Carrot tops certainly look delectable, at least to a donkey, but can they eat them?
Donkeys can eat carrot tops. Make sure you thoroughly clean the leaves and stems before feeding them to your animals.
Remember not to overfeed your donkeys because they can become overweight quite quickly.
Are Carrots With Different Colors Safe for Donkeys?
Carrots come in a few different colors, each with their own health benefits, all of which are healthy and safe for donkeys.
- Orange carrots have high levels of beta-carotene. It’s a red-orange pigment that converts to vitamin A when your donkey eats it.
- Red carrots are also high in beta-carotene but have more lycopene, a red pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. It’s a natural antioxidant that boosts heart health.
- Purple carrots contain a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanins. It strengthens the heart and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
- Yellow carrots are high in lutein, which is a carotenoid vitamin. It is particularly helpful in improving eye health.
Feed your donkeys a variety of carrots to give them maximum health benefits. As always, everything in moderation.
How Many Carrots Can I Feed My Donkey?
Most equestrians recommend feeding your donkey one or two carrots a day. It’s best to cut them into strips or round disks to prevent choking.
Older donkeys can eat grated or mashed carrots to protect their teeth from further damage. Keep in mind that it’s always best to feed any fruits or vegetables raw.
It’s usually best to avoid giving foals treats, and especially important not to let them eat from your hand to prevent biting.
Avoid force-feeding your donkeys. Not all of them like carrots. They can be as fussy as toddlers even though they love to eat.
Health Benefits
As we saw above, carrots have a variety of antioxidants and pigments that keep your donkey healthy and strong.
All carrots contain high quantities of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. They are also fiber-rich. Donkeys naturally seek high-fiber foods when they forage, so carrots make a great snack.
Another crucial health benefit is that carrots are low in sugar and calories. Donkeys are prone to obesity, which is exceptionally bad for their health.
Donkeys need high levels of potassium, sulfur, chloride, and sodium to be healthy. Make sure these ingredients are present in their regular meals to keep them healthy.
Things to Consider When Feeding Donkeys Any Treats
Carrots are an excellent snack option for donkeys. They are tasty and have huge health benefits. There are plenty of treat ideas out there, but it’s important to always think of your donkey’s health when feeding them anything.
Everything in Moderation
We’ve said it many times, and we will say it again – moderation is key.
Donkeys suffer from obesity. It’s almost shocking how quickly they canpick up weight. Obese donkeys can suffer from horrible conditions such as:
- Laminitis
- Founder
- Joint displacement
- Liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Metabolic disorder
Donkeys will eat grass all day long, especially if they live in warm climates with lots of space to roam. That’s why it’s crucial to feed them treats sparingly.
Too many treats can alter your donkey’s moods, making them aggressive. They will get irritated if you start cutting down their sacred snacks. Avoid this by moderating from the beginning.
Select Healthy Fruits and Vegetables
Going natural is always better when it comes to snacks and treats for your donkeys.
Here are the best fruits and vegetables to feed them.
- Bananas and banana skins
- Pears
- Oranges
- Turnips
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Parsnips
- Squash
- Rutabagas
If your donkey isn’t eating, try adding a cap of peppermint cordial to their normal feed.
They can also graze on bramble and wild strawberries. Donkeys usually do this when they aren’t feeling well and have room for grazing.
Avoid Feeding Them Sugary Treats and Other Human Food
Many people create delicious treats for their donkeys using fun recipes. However, these often contain sugars and other grains like oats or barley.
Those ingredients can very quickly lead to obesity in donkeys. It’s okay to feed them such treats once in a while, but do your best to avoid it altogether if you can.
You might be using grains to provide added nutrition to your donkey’s diet. In that case, only feed them crimped, cracked, or rolled grains. Never whole.
Also, avoid adding sugar or molasses to it because grains convert into sugars in the body. Donkeys also struggle to digest foods like oats and wheat.
Break Treats Into Small Pieces When Training
Treats are a great aid when training donkeys and horses. To help prevent obesity, cut the treats into smaller pieces.
They will feel like they are getting so many tasty morsels when in reality, it’s the same healthy quantity.
Avoid Feeding Donkeys Certain Foods
Donkeys should never eat these foods. They can have life-threatening impacts.
- Any animal products – no meat, fish, or dairy
- Potatoes
- Brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and so on
- Allums like onions, garlic, and so on
- Oils, especially cod liver
- Chocolates, cakes, and cookies
- Sugar lumps
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Moldy products like bread
- Any processed foods intended for humans
Final Thoughts
Carrots make a healthy treat for donkeys. Always feed them in moderation to prevent obesity.
Different colors offer a variety of benefits, so mix it up every so often. You can even benefit from trying a new carrot or two.
Resources
- https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/what-we-do/knowledge-and-advice/for-owners/what-to-feed-your-donkeys
- https://donkeywise.org/2017/08/01/what-treats-can-i-give-my-donkeys/
- https://equinedesire.com/do-donkeys-eat-carrots/
- https://www.helpfulhorsehints.com/healthy-treats-for-donkeys/
- http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/yellow
- http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/red.html
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purple-carrots