High fiber pellets for donkeys The food is also high in fiber, which can help the animals stay healthy. Many pet owners soak the biscuits in apple juice or water before offering to their gliders or leave a water bowl next to them. Otherwise, feeding soaked hay pellets or short chopped fiber products as hay replacers is a good alternative. Look for pellets marketed for horses with laminitis, which tend to be high in fiber and low in sugar, and mix them with water to create a mash; this ensures that donkeys don’t eat the pellets too quickly and colic. Mar 20, 2022 · If your donkey is underweight, high fiber pellets can be a good way to increase their weight. 2) High in nutrition. Jul 18, 2023 · The high fiber it holds, accompanied by low sugar, is similar to the food that donkeys eat in the wild. Natural Sun Cured Alfalfa Pellets are high in protein and digestible fiber. They may not need any grain at all, but if you do opt to feed a little grain, a low NSC feed is the way to go. Avoid feeding grains that are high in starch or sugar content, as this can lead to digestive disturbances and other health issues in donkeys. Understanding and meeting these specific dietary needs are essential for ensuring the health and wellbeing of both horses and donkeys. Aug 15, 2019 · High fiber pellets work great to add additional weight on an underweight mini donkey if hay and grass aren’t working. 5 c of Timothy pellets + 1. Feb 28, 2024 · Standlee Timothy products are made from high-quality sun-cured forage. Some pellets include grains, corn, wheat bran, cottonseed meal, etc. These pellets can be purchased at any equine market or supply store. This is too rich for donkeys. You can boost your donkey’s immune system and fiber intake by offering him healthy fruits and vegetables, but don’t overdo it. California Trace Plus . It is an excellent food source for donkeys as it is rich in fiber and digestible. Jun 3, 2023 · Switching to high-quality hay and straw is an excellent first step, but a grain-based concentrate may also be used to supplement them. 6. These include apples such as Rome Beauty, Cortland, and Liberty. 5% to 7. Donkeys require a high-fiber diet to maintain healthy digestion and prevent issues like colic. Susan Brown of the Rosehaven Exotic Animal Veterinary Services. Beet pulp for donkeys is a good source of fiber. What You Need to Know About Pellet Feed. For my herd of four, I soak a tumbler (about 1. While it is best to avoid feeding donkeys bread, if you do choose to give it to them, it is important to limit the sugar content from other foods Dec 11, 2023 · Growing donkeys, pregnant or nursing donkeys, and performance donkeys have higher protein needs compared to adult, non-working donkeys. (Einstein is approximately 450 lbs) Jan 17, 2023 · “The uncontrolled feeding of a pelleted diet to a house rabbit can lead to obesity, heart and liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and kidney disease as a result of the high concentration of calories, low fiber, and high calcium levels in the pellets,” says Dr. This could prevent colic and choking issues in these animals. Oats, on the other hand, are grains that are high in starch and carbohydrates. A sick donkey usually reduces its intake. Good-quality grass provides the necessary fiber and nutrients for proper digestion. 3-1. 8 % of their bodyweight in dry Nov 30, 2020 · Of course, if large donkey-raising companies have the strength, purchasing donkey feed pellet machines or pellet production line equipment to produce feed pellets can greatly reduce feed costs. High-grain diets can often contribute to the issues, so a low NSC feed can bring relief. The beet pulp for donkeys can be purchased in flake form or compressed into pellets. Mixed grass hay works very well though! No legumes, just local grasses. Nov 10, 2024 · Tried & True Tips for Feeding Treats to Wild Burros Donkeys are incredibly intelligent animals. 2. Mar 9, 2024 · In addition to their sugar content, the fiber content of apples is also an important consideration. Although not as commonly used as Timothy or orchard grass hay, Bermuda grass hay can also be fed to miniature donkeys. During the winter, they should be out of the barn and graze in pastures. Apr 7, 2016 · However, for donkeys, with their specific adaptations for consuming high fiber forages, NDF percentages in the low 70s are ideal. Donkeys with high parasite burdens sometimes increase their intake, but will tend to lose weight, despite doing Natural and Organic feeds and supplements for all of your animals Monkey pellets should contain 10%–15 % crude fiber, 15%–20% NDF, and 5%–10% ADF. Using slow-feed hay nets or feeders can prolong feeding time, reduce boredom, and improve digestive health by encouraging a steady intake of fiber throughout the day. Mar 25, 2022 · Our equine nutritionist explains why senior feeds are high in fiber and why that's good for your older horses. Safe treats for donkeys include chopped carrots (but not into rounds), apple Nutrena SafeChoice Mare & Foal Pellet Horse Feed, Equus Magnificus The German High Fiber Beet Horse Treats, 1-lb bag. Avoid any pellets containing cereals grains as these are not suitable for feeding to donkeys. 1 % DM: 228: g Dec 11, 2022 · By 'small' amount I mean an 8 oz. Mar 22, 2023 · Beta-glucan helps the donkey fill full by reducing blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Apr 27, 2022 · I started adding soaked beet pulp, hay stretcher pellets and alfalfa pellets to my goats diets to stretch the hay. Mar 18, 2024 · One of the main concerns with feeding alfalfa to donkeys is the high protein content. A forage-based, high-fiber diet is good for every donkey. Looking to add a 100% sainfoin forage pellet to your horse’s diet; Looking for a high quality protein; There are many benefits: Low sugar; Low starch; Highly palatable; High fiber to increase chewing and salivation; By-pass protein for increased protein utilization; Increased water consumption; High Omega 3's; Non-gas producing Jun 23, 2023 · Pellets high in fiber, which can be soaked; Beet-based products, which can be soaked into a mush; Pellets containing oil for extra calories; Note: Do not feed any grain-based products to donkeys. Your support helps us continue this important work. 5% of BW and a low intake ration balancer pellet such as LMF Super Oct 26, 2024 · In addition to a high-fiber, low-calorie diet supplemented with balancer pellets, mules and donkeys also benefit from slow feeding methods to mimic their natural foraging behavior. Raising ADGA Nubian, Lamancha and ADGA/AGS Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats for milk products and wethers for meat in Middle Maine written by Cindy Benson 2012 Bringing new donkeys home can be stressful. cup for my standard donkey and 1/2-2/3 cup for my mini donkey. The recommended daily dosage is 1/2 a scoop per day for an equine under 600 lbs. Lick blocks are ideal as donkeys can help themselves as and when Chopped roughage or high fiber pellets, soaked to make them easy to swallow, might be a solution. Sep 19, 2024 · By understanding the unique nutritional needs of mini, standard, and mammoth donkeys, you can ensure they receive the best care possible. Moreover, they are a good source of minerals, antioxidant plant components, and vitamins. Oct 15, 2021 · As donkeys have a very high fiber, low sugar dietary requirement, straw makes a good basic feeding product. Beet pulp is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion. This difference is small but to be expected since the oat hay pellet is higher in fiber (41. See serving size charts for appropriate feeding rates. Donkeys should consume about 1. Mine is not. Hemp Pelleted Bedding (Hemp Pellets) – Eco-Friendly, Absorbent, and Pet-Safe Sustainable Comfort for Your Small and Large Pet’s Transform your small pet’s living space with Hemp Pelleted Bedding , a premium eco-friendly solution designed for superior absorbency, odor control, and comfort. It is important to choose a hay that is clean, free of dust and mold, and has a good balance of nutrients. If a donkey does need additional calories, it is best to supply calories from forage sources. Mar 19, 2024 · The main component of a mini donkey's diet should be high-quality hay. May 30, 2023 · soaked high-fibre pellets; short-chop fibre products (chaff) unmolassed sugar beet – excellent as a ‘top dressing’ for soaked fibre pellets. Adding supplements to the diet is not necessary for all mini donkeys. I hope you will find these tips helpful. Do not hesitate to take help from your bunny’s vet. Oct 5, 2019 · Uckele by SmartEquine Equi Treats Bite-Sized Pellets | Horse Treats with No Sugar Added | High Fiber Treats for Horses | Suitable Reward for Training | Apple Pie Flavor | 4 lb Bag Kelcies Pumpkin Spice Horses Treats - Low Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates | Healthy Treats for Horse Supports Superior Digestion (8 Ounce (1 Pack)) Donkeys have a unique digestive system designed to process a high-fiber diet, primarily obtained from grass and hay. To compensate for the absence of grass, donkey owners can provide alternative sources of fiber, such as hay or straw. 28. Shreds come in a 25 lb bag, while pellets come in a 40 lb bag. Provide free access to salt. Oat straw, which has higher nutritional values when compared to barley straw, can be fed to donkeys that seem unhealthy or underweight. Practical feeding Strategies Donkeys and mules that are not doing any work should be able to meet all of their nutrient requirements from good grass hay fed at a rate of 1. High-fiber pellets are also very nutritious for donkeys. Although some older donkeys can be fed a small amount of horse feed with high fiber content, healthy donkeys do not need the addition of a pelleted feed. Mar 27, 2024 · When choosing grains for your donkey, opt for high-quality options such as oats or barley. When your mini donks are perhaps a little underweight, high fiber pellets could be a great source for bulking up your minis. Legume hay, meadow hay, and seed hay are rich in protein, and calcium is helpful for the donkeys. The pellet is durable and is easily dispensed. As a result, one of the most common problems with donkeys is obesity. Aug 17, 2023 · Donkeys are natural browsers, typically grazing on high-fiber plant material for up to 16 hours a day in the wild. At Peaceful Pastures Donkey Rescue, we are dedicated to providing tailored nutrition to meet the specific needs of each donkey in our care. Smart Beet Pellets are an excellent feed addition to any ration as a low starch, low protein, highly digestible food source for horses, cattle, goats, and sheep. Feb 19, 2021 · High fiber pellets can be a good option for adding or maintaining weight when needed and can be easier to consume for some populations when thoroughly soaked. This is particularly beneficial for donkeys that have higher energy requirements, such as working donkeys or those in late pregnancy or lactation. Donkeys should not be fed hay with high-fat content. The best concentrate to feed thin donkeys is horse pellets designed for laminitic horses. A diet high in sugar can cause donkeys to gain weight, become obese, and develop diseases. Dec 17, 2019 · Pellets: Pellets tend to contain a lot of fiber and can also boost a young donkey’s weight if they’re underweight. High-fiber pellets are another additional feed that you can add atop hay and straw. Mar 19, 2022 · It’s a myth that donkeys need a lot of sugar. 93 % DM: 48. Mar 12, 2022 · The best donkey feed is low in sugar and high in fibre. How can you keep a donkey from eating too much hay? The very best way to keep a donkey from eating too much hay is to feed hay in a net suspended from a tree or the rafters of your barn. High-fiber monkey pellets can contain up to 27% crude fiber, 25%–50% NDF, and 30%-–35% ADF. Not bad since they are so high in fiber and other fresh nutrients the donkey rarely has access too but don’t get crazy with them!! Half a peel tore into tiny pieces is a high value treat for many donkeys No. Timothy pellets for horses are highly palatable, low to moderate in protein, and high in digestible fiber. Without enough fiber, they can develop digestive problems such as colic or impaction. Mar 26, 2024 · While they are natural foragers, donkeys also have specific preferences when it comes to their diet. In conclusion, certain types of hay, such as Timothy hay and Orchard grass, are more beneficial for donkeys to eat due to their high fiber content and balanced nutrient profile. To work with them successfully, you need to earn their trust. They are low in sugar, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Aug 1, 2020 · A number of high fibre pellets (may also be known as fibre cubes or fibre nuts) can be soaked to form a soup like consistency; they can be soaked for up to 30 minutes and are easy for elderly donkeys to manage. They should only be fed hay that is rich in fibre. Eating moldy hay can make a donkey very sick, or even Jan 4, 2011 · If your donkey needs supplements (for example, Deenah gets Ulcerex, ground flax, vitamins and a selenium/ Vitamin E supplement every day) you can mix the powders into a soaked mash of something. Carrots can be fed to donkeys in small quantities as a healthy snack or used as a training reward. Donkeys are contentious eaters and prefer to feed on smaller quantities of food often. High fiber pellet. Hang it so that the donkey can reach it without having to stretch up, but don’t let it hang on the ground where it can be a tripping and tangling hazard. If you have a donkey stall, donkeys should be kept indoors. I used the soaked beet pulp to help with softening her pelleted feed & make it more appetizing to her & easier to eat. Timothy hay is a great option for horses who are easy-keepers, older, and have low to moderate daily activity. Horse feeds are often judged on their appropriateness for a given horse based on their percentage of NSC. When buying beet pulp for donkeys, make sure to read the label carefully. The pellets are intended as a high-fiber diet supplement and have a very positive effect on digestion. I fed 1/2 the normal amount of hay and supplemented with the other high fiber foods. The ration is fully fortified to optimise body condition and health without providing excessive nutrients that can be detrimental to donkeys. DRIED BEET PULP. Treats should be very limited. Standlee Smart Beet Pellets are a premium beet pulp feed for horses and livestock. 49 at Tractor Supply. You can learn more about donkey nutrition here. Mar 8, 2024 · Alternative treats for donkeys. Good options include timothy hay, orchard grass hay, and Bermuda grass hay. These grains provide a good balance of nutrients and are easily digestible for donkeys. I am not an expert! 1. I went ahead and ordered Cosequin ASU Pellets for Einstein. They are also high in fat and protein than most grains. You can also make a mash with high fiber pellets. These pellets are high in fiber but low in sugar, which suits the donkey’s digestive system. They are ideal for weight gain or horses with sensitivity to carbohydrates, horses with gastric ulcers and late pregnancy and lactating mares. Research has shown that a donkey will eat the equivalent of 1. Donkeys. Half to 2 teaspoons of plain white salt (work up to this slowly, probably 1/2- 1 tsp for mini donkeys) 3. 5%. I have outlined below five of the major factors in a successful donkey relationship. Donkeys require a diet high in fibre and low in calories. Although there are a variety of formulated complete feeds designed specifically for miniature horses and donkeys intended to replace forage; they are far more calorie dense per pound than hay and rob your equine of chew time and appropriate volume of indigestible fiber. Oats contain a lot of fiber and carbs which have a lot of strength. 4. I started because I wanted to increase my girls forage intake,she would just nibble at the hay. Carrots: Carrots are a staple treat for many horses and donkeys. Unlike horses, donkeys can digest grain-based products better. These types of pellets are necessary for hard working animals. Donkeys have evolved as browsers and grazers and in their natural environment would eat highly fibrous plant materials in small quantities throughout the day. All-Phase has a feeding rate for your miniature donkeys of 2. The major operations involved in the production of donkey feed pellets are: raw materials preparation, primary crushing, molasses mixing, fine crushing Mar 26, 2024 · Donkeys can efficiently process high-fiber diets and have lower energy requirements compared to horses. One potential risk of feeding donkeys too many bananas is the high sugar content. May 24, 2024 · The Donkey Sanctuary, a world-leading authority in donkey care and management, recommends barley straw as the preferred type of straw, as it is high in fiber and low in sugar. A kitchen scale is an excellent tool for any feed room. Ensure that your donkeys don’t eat pellets too quickly to avoid colic. Make sure it is specifically made for the said animal. Cultivated fruits should be used sparingly for great apes and leaf-eating species because, compared with cultivated green vegetables, they are typically high in Cosequin’s pellets use oat fiber as a carrier, which is perfect for feeding donkeys. While the percent of NSC in a pound of feed is valuable information, it must be taken in context with feed intake. When it comes to feeding hay to donkeys, there are several options to consider: Grass Hay: Grass hay, such as timothy, orchard grass, or brome, is a suitable option for donkeys. It is recommended to provide a diet that contains approximately 8-10% crude protein for adult donkeys, while growing donkeys and pregnant or nursing donkeys may require a diet with 12-14% crude protein. Barley straw is the most preferred straw to feed your donkeys during summer. On the other hand, if you look at a donkey’s protein requirement it is only 3. The food comes in a round shape, which is easy for visitors to feed to the animals by hand. Avoid feeding your donkey more than 500g of supplementary food at a time. Donkeys aren’t as active as horses and are even more prone to Harmony High Fibre Pellets should be split into at least two feedings per day to assist with optimal digestive health. A bag of pellets in March 2023 was $19. Although they are famously “easy keepers,” donkeys do have definite daily requirements for energy/calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and water. 5 c organic alfalfa pellets), which I divide into four black mini-size feeders (about ¾ c per mini). Hay: Cow pasture hay, seed hay, and meadow hay could all comprise a mini donkey’s diet. Donkeys do well on high-fiber fodder, such as straw. Dec 2, 2013 · The basis of an underweight hinny’s diet should be hay or grazing if his teeth can manage it. Aug 27, 2021 · If a donkey refuses to eat, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. Mar 25, 2024 · Improved Digestive Health: Donkeys have a specialized digestive system that requires a high-fiber diet. While protein is essential for their overall health and growth, excessive amounts can be detrimental. Soaked Timothy or Teff hay pellets (as little as possible) as a Donkeys frequently accumulate fat on their necks and are at high risk of insulin resistance and laminitis. Feeding oats to donkeys can disrupt their natural digestive balance and potentially lead to health issues such as obesity, digestive disturbances, and laminitis. A specific, whole cereal free diet for donkeys, designed to be low in energy and protein but high in fibre. 10) with the finest foods we find, so Jan 25, 2018 · In short, no. Our cabbage harvested in the fall is very well suited for overcoming protein overfeeding. Apples with a firm texture and skin that is high in fiber are preferable for donkeys. Donkeys don’t like the smell of moldy hay. Feb 26, 2025 · The good news is that donkeys thrive on low-grade fodder that is not beneficial to many other farm animals and might otherwise go to waste. It is common to feed a donkey a diet of 75% straw and 25% moderate-quality grass hay as maintenance. Zero® is an ideal choice for horses and ponies that require a low-starch diet, have a sensitivity to soy or cereal grains, or need a cool source of energy. donkeys show higher percentage-digestibility for protein and various fiber fractions of feeds than ponies Standlee Premium Western Forage Certified Timothy Grass Pellets are made from high-quality sun-cured forage formed into ¼ inch timothy hay pellets that are easy to measure and feed. Measures: Approximately 1 3/4 x 7/8" biscuits. “We got you,” we tell a donkey when we acquire it, primarily by outbidding others who likely have different intentions. Mar 16, 2022 · Donkeys can benefit from the nutrient-rich beet pulp. As donkeys cannot excrete excess nitrogen, consuming alfalfa can cause trouble for them. Two options from KER are All-Phase and Micro-Max. HIGH FIBER PELLETS. Left to their own devices, donkeys have an appetite to consume between 1. Can alfalfa help donkeys gain weight? Yes, alfalfa can be an effective way to help underweight donkeys gain some extra pounds, as it is a calorie-dense food Shreds are “fluffier” than pellets, so pellets are likely a better value. Jul 25, 2017 · High fibre pellets can be soaked down to a mash, which is particularly useful for donkeys with poor teeth. Examples include beet pulp, hay pellets or chopped hay 1. Grain, on the other hand, is much higher in carbohydrates and can lead to weight gain if fed in excessive amounts. Make sure you combine the pellets with low-sugar chaff and water to avoid colic from speedy eating. 89 Mcal DE/lb). Mar 19, 2024 · Donkeys should also have access to a salt block or mineral supplement to meet their nutritional needs. Unlimited Access to Pasture Jul 19, 2020 · Barley straw is considered a great food resource for donkeys, but it is not available in my area. But if your donkey is suffering from laminitis, it is essential to provide an extra dose of food. High fiber hay pellets should be provided to underweight donkeys. Part of our mantra includes providing our 100-plus donkeys (as of Jan. Apr 5, 2022 · The best feed for donkeys is high-quality barley straw, which should make up between 50% and 75% of your donkey’s diet, with hay forming the rest. Feeding donkeys too many fruits, including bananas, can disrupt their digestive system and lead to health issues. Pellets must not contain dried fruits, nuts, or any other colored crunchy things. Avoid cereal-grain-based pellets and opt for fiber-based pellets. Storage Instructions: Store airtight in a cool, dry place. 83 vs 0. Donkeys are adapted to grazing on low-protein, high-fiber diets, so consuming too much protein can lead to various health issues. Mar 20, 2024 · Donkeys have a unique digestive system that requires a high-fiber diet to function properly. Avoid alfalfa, which will quickly make them overweight. They are too high in starch for donkeys. 3. Although alfalfa is non-toxic for donkeys, the nitrogen present in it is too high for a donkey. Look for a high fiber low protein option, the high protein rabbit foods cause obesity and other serious health issues. Apr 5, 2023 · In fact, it has a protein concentration of more than 17%. supplement. 8. Payback Alfalfa pellets are guaranteed to be free of viable noxious weed seeds. In this way, they are low-cost farmyard companions that will not compete with other livestock for the best grazing and fodder. Hay pellets are forages ground to a pellet form, and forages are used as a source of fiber. A hay pellet might easily contain 30% crude fiber. You can also supplement some of their hay with quality barley straw. Onward! Mini donkeys need each other! These two geldings are a good example of that. It also most closely Mar 9, 2024 · They have evolved to thrive on a high-fiber, low-protein diet. Nov 24, 2021 · Young, healthy donkeys can be provided with wheat straw as it contains a high amount of fiber but is lower in energy levels. 5 oz (75 g or a little more than 1/8 lb) per donkey per day. Jun 21, 2024 · For a Variety of Animals - Like goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, cows, ponies, horses, and donkeys ; Round Shape - Ideal size for hand feeding and feeder filling ; Low Copper Level - To help avoid problems with copper sensitive animals ; High Fiber - To support proper weight ; Health-promoting Treat - Added vitamins and minerals Mar 31, 2022 · Basic supplementation idea for a donkey on a forage-based diet based on my learning and about a couple years of donkey care. Apr 4, 2023 · 2. 8 out of 5 stars. Due to the high content of inulin a very good metabolisation is achieved and the intestinal health of the animals is significantly improved. An example would be very mature timothy hay. Moldy hay. Jul 3, 2023 · The best nutrition for these hardy creatures is a combination of roughage, in the form of high-quality barley straw or mixed grass hay, and high-fiber pellets, sugar beet, or chaff. Especially useful as a protein source for young Prairie Dogs (fed along with a high fiber pellet diet). There are a lot of different pellets on the market, manufactured by a lot of different companies. Providing a diet that mimics the donkey’s natural grazing behaviors helps satisfy their instinct to forage, reducing boredom-related behaviors and stress. Their digestive systems are designed to process and extract nutrients from fibrous material. Pellets are high in fiber and useable nutrients. The pricing used to be similar ($16. High ligning levels decrease palatability. 5 percent of their body weight in dry forage each day. Donkeys are generally able to eat as much straw as they like to fill their bellies and keep their digestive systems moving without consuming too much energy (although testing straw before feeding is recommended as some modern strains can be higher in energy than expected). 4 %ADF). You can add Psyllium (about 1/3 cup daily) to "lubricate" swallowing and digestive passage in animals that cannot eat hay for some reason. They also have higher copper requirements and exhibit different feeding behaviors. The crude fiber amount is Sep 29, 2024 · Cosequin’s pellets use oat fiber as a carrier, which is perfect for feeding donkeys. When trying to encourage weight gain in hinnies, mules, or donkeys it is important to use only high-fiber, low-starch and sugar feeds. Mixing them with hay/straw is a good way to get your older/sickly mini donks to eat. Types of Hay for Donkeys. 8% of Jun 23, 2023 · Donkeys do not require feed, especially sweet feed, which is a mix of grains with added molasses. They are high-density, ¼ inch pellets formed from dried beet pulp after removing the sugar. 5. Please accurately determine how much to feed. Donkeys on pasture can be a problem IF your pasture is rich thick grasses high in sugars and proteins. It is high in fiber, which is essential for proper digestion and gut health and is the recommended option for healthy donkeys. Huh? Dried Beet Pulp? It is a sweet little by-product of sugar makers that your minis are just · High-Fiber Pellets. Aug 18, 2005 · A donkey watered every 48 hours will decrease average daily dry matter intake of an average quality roughage by 50% compared to a donkey with access to water when it wants in the day. If barley straw is unavailable, nutritionists recommend grass hays with an ADF (acid detergent fiber, which measures the indigestible fiber in the hay) of above 40% and a crude protein of less than 10%. Health. Hay provides the essential fiber that mini donkeys need to maintain a healthy digestive system. Mar 25, 2024 · The high fiber content in alfalfa provides a slow-release source of energy, which can help keep donkeys feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. 99 / bag) but the pellets have gotten more expensive over the last six months. It aids in the proper functioning of the intestines and can prevent digestive issues such as colic and bloating. Here's my question: I'm transitioning my horses from Nutrena SafeChoice Maintenance pellets to a feed balancer pellet and wonder if it's OK to give the donkeys the same thing in their smaller amount. Typically as the amount of NDF and ADF in a hay increases crude protein level decreases, making this an ideal scenario for donkeys. Anorexia can put donkeys at risk for hyperlipemia, a potentially fatal condition. Mar 13, 2016 · Donkeys aren't horses, and nowhere is that more apparent than in their feed needs. In the cold winter months, I use an organic alfalfa pellet to add to my mini's Timothy pellets. 10% of that being carbs. Timothy is low to moderate in protein, and high in digestible fiber which is great for maintaining a healthy weight. A complete feed should have a crude fiber content of 25% or higher, according to Crandell. One whole orange peel is about 95 calories. When feeding your donkeys for the first time, add a little water and low-sugar chaff into the mix. Rated 4. The data that I have on hay pellets shows that oat hay pellets are actually lower in calories than alfalfa-timothy hay (0. 1: g: Non-Fiber Carbohydrate (NFC) Non-fiber carbohydrates measures the non-cell wall fraction of carbohydrates, including sugar, starch and pectin. Although donkeys have a similar diet to horses, how they digest fiber is very different. Minis often struggle with weight management and obesity because they are predisposed to Insulin Resistance. Here are some common foods that donkeys enjoy eating: Grass and Hay: Grass is the staple food for donkeys and should make up the majority of their diet. Oct 25, 2024 · What to feed a mini donkey? It’s best to feed mini donkeys low-calorie, high-fiber hay such as orchard grass. When selecting a high fibre pellet it is important to choose one that is safe for laminitics, most feed manufacturers will be happy to Mar 7, 2024 · Orchard grass hay is also high in fiber and can help keep the digestive system of miniature donkeys functioning properly. Further, there is no textbook definition for what percentages are considered low versus high NSC in terms of horse feeds. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. If Mar 8, 2024 · Donkeys are naturally adapted to thrive on a diet of high-fiber forage, such as grass and hay. 237 Reviews. It is a good option for animals that are sensitive to copper, such as llamas and sheep, because it has a low copper level. Apr 4, 2023 · Donkeys are not able to process high amounts of sugar, which is present in the grains used to make bread. This is not an easy thing to do—building trust, especially with a formerly wild animal, takes a lot of time and patience! Treats also Hygain® Zero® Ultra-Low Starch™ is a soy-free, cereal grain-free pelleted feed that is high in soluble fiber, with an NSC of 6. 7 vs 37. 3 – 1. (Einstein is approximately 450 lbs) Nov 8, 2016 · The forage fraction of a complete feed is usually supplied by high-fiber by-products like beet pulp, soybean hulls, oat hulls, almond hulls, rice hulls, citrus pulp, apple pomace, wheat bran, or coconut meal. Jan 18, 2023 · I usually only take half a peel per donkey and tear into tiny pieces. 00%. I have been using Fiber Max from Otter Co-op which is 40% beet pulp & 60% soy bean hulls. The Fibre & helping with weight gain also factored in. I also wanted to get her on a pelleted alfalfa & supplement. I buy from farmers who do not spray chemicals on their fields. 4%. They play “soccer” together almost daily! Social Needs Your donkey needs Aug 15, 2011 · Well I don't know the OP's reasoning for wanting to feed BP. A good choice is a mix of high-fiber pellets and grasses. GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Crude Protein (min), 15. However, be sure to look for high fiber pellets designed for laminitic individuals (low in sugar) or other feed that your veterinarian or equine nutritionist may recommend for certain Pellets: Donkeys that are underweight or have bad teeth can eat high fiber pellets. Small frequent meals are best. How can alfalfa benefit a donkey’s digestive system? The high fiber content in alfalfa promotes healthy digestion in donkeys, helping prevent issues such as colic and constipation. Perhaps the KER supplement the vet was referring to was All-Phase, a pelleted ration balancer that will supply protein, vitamins, and minerals to the diet. They will need to be walked for several hours a day Feb 9, 2018 · High-fiber, low-protein and low-sugar hays are best for donkeys. Jan 15, 2022 · At Oscar’s Place we often bray about the three things we provide for all of our donkeys—a happy, healthy, and safe existence for the remainders of their lives. Donkeys need fewer calories and are more prone to obesity. NFC is calculated by subtracting fiber and ash from total carbohydrate content. crmalad pzdji evtrph aigi bbce ldmy ohgm xstbk spchxe ullk szrfkx ubx xnz ceoj fzrb