Goats are herbivores, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy delicious treats. However, finding these nutritious treats for them can be a daunting task for you. Watermelon is one of those delicacies they will enjoy. In this article, you will learn about how watermelon is a suitable treat for your goats and answer the question, can goats eat watermelon.
Is Watermelon A Healthy Choice For Goats?
As watermelon is healthy for humans, it is a healthy choice for your goats. It consists of several nutritional values such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, and many more. Besides, it is made up of 90% of water. This implies that you can feed it to your goats on one of the hottest days in summer to provide them with adequate fluids. According to Open Sancturary watermelon is a great treat!
Can goats eat watermelon and is it safe?
Goats enjoy every part of watermelon – the flesh, rind, seeds, and vines. It is a nutritious meal they will enjoy on a hot afternoon as it refreshes and revitalizes them. Besides, it is a healthy choice for them. All you have to do is to ensure that the watermelon you serve your goats is a healthy one. Do not serve a moldy or rotting melon. After that, watch them enjoy it as you serve them.
Can Watermelon Be A Daily Food Choice?
No, watermelon should not be a daily choice for your goat. As healthy as watermelon is, feeding them in excess can result in fermentation due to its sugar contents. Hence, excess bloating and weight gain can be the end product of such action. To avoid this, you can serve them about two slices of melon with hay. You can also serve them about two to three times a week.
Is Watermelon Safe For Baby Goats?
No, it is not safe for baby goats unless their mothers have weaned them. The baby goats need their mother’s milk for immunity and growth. After weaning, you should wait for about 30 days before feeding them their regular meal – hay and even watermelon. This is because the bacteria in their guts need some time before they can handle other food. When you intend to introduce them to watermelon, serve them small pieces alongside hay. Also, ensure to note that they are not allergic to the melons.
Preparing Watermelon For Consumption
If you intend to feed your goats some melons, ensure that you wash the rind as they can consume it. Then, slice it into small pieces to make it easier for consumption. You can also mix with hay for them.
Washing Removes Pesticides
Washing the rind of watermelons before feeding is beneficial to your goats. By doing this, you remove the toxins or pesticides that accumulate during the planting process.
Seedless Or Seed Watermelon
Watermelons that contain seeds are good for goats. However, you should limit the number of seeds if possible. Removing the seeds eliminates any problem they can develop during the eating process. To solve the seed problem, you can gm feed it to the chicken as it is more suitable for them.
Watermelon Vines Are Edible
Watermelon vines are good for goats in a considerable amount. Just like the rinds, the vines also accumulate pesticides or rinds during the planting process. Hence, if you intend to feed them vines, ensure that they have not been sprayed with chemicals that can harm the goats. To save time and stress, just give them the non-sprayed vines from your garden.
New Foods Can Introduce Problems
New foods can introduce problems to goats if they are allergic to them. It is therefore important to always look out for your goats anytime you are introducing new foods to them. As long as the food isn’t toxic and they do not react to it, you can feed them with the new foods. All you have to do is to take a close look at them while doing this.
How About Watermelon Flavored Foods?
Watermelon-flavored foods aren’t the best option for goats. Why? Their digestive system can’t take many processed foods like that of humans. While these processed foods are safe for them, they aren’t totally healthy for them. Therefore, if you intend to feed them watermelons, you can buy them from your local store and store them in your house. Goats enjoy fresh watermelon and it is healthy for them.
Treats And Ideas
There are several treats you can serve your goats and they will definitely enjoy. It just involves being creative with them. Here, you can make watermelon soup and feed it to your goats. In other cases, you can create a watermelon mash-up where you mix with other food such as carrots, oats, and more.
Water Flavored Watermelon
Watermelon is made up of 90% of water. Therefore, it is not necessary to serve water-flavored one as it can result in excess bloating. The fresh one is enough for them.
Watermelon Ice Cubes
Watermelon ice cubes are fantastic treats to goats, especially on those summer days. Here, you can have chunks of watermelon frozen to feed your goats. It is a cool treat that goats enjoy.
Watermelon Salads
Watermelon is a great combo with other foods. Here, you can combine the melons with some oats, carrots, zucchini, and other foods to give your goat a nice treat. Just make sure they are mixed appropriately for your goats.
Tips And Reminders
Here are some tips and reminders for you when serving your goats.
- Serve watermelon in moderation. Do not serve an excess amount. Two to three times a week is okay for goats
- Serve fresh watermelons. Avoid giving your goats the moldy or rotting ones. If you have an excess amount, consider freezing them to avoid spoilage
- Wash the rinds. It removes any toxins, debris, or pesticides accumulated during the planting process.
Watermelon Facts
Did you know that….
- Watermelon is made up of 6% sugar which makes it very sweet
- It contains high content of vitamin A, B, C, fiber, potassium, and water
- Watermelon is ready in about 3 months after they are planted
What Fruits Can Goats Eat?
Goats enjoy eating healthy fruits. Some include bananas, peaches, watermelon, pears, grapes, carrots, and many more. When you want to serve them these fruits, ensure that they are in small pieces to avoid choking.
What Vegetables Can Goats Eat?
Vegetables contain minerals that are beneficial to the goat’s body. Some of these vegetables include broccoli and broccoli sprouts, pumpkins, lettuce, pumpkin, spinach, celery, squash, and many more.
What Are Some Strange Things Goats Eat?
Goats eat weird things that surprise humans. From cotton wears to papers, they could snatch it up in a few minutes. Although they eat these things, they shouldn’t. Therefore, you should keep unnecessary things out of their reach.
Conclusion
Goats are lovely, friendly, and sociable animals. Feeding them the appropriate food makes them grow healthy and properly.