Best Hay to Feed Goats

Sharing is caring!

You know that old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, I’d argue it’s even more true for our homesteading animals. Keeping your livestock healthy and productive starts with what you feed them—and it all begins with the basics, like knowing how to pick the best hay to feed goats.

How to raise dairy goats that have amazing milk production all depends on the food you feed them. Let’s go over the basics of what is good and what is best when it comes to hay and feed.

When I first started raising goats, I figured hay was just hay. I mean, how different could one cut really be from another, right? Turns out, I had a lot to learn.

There’s so much more to hay than I ever realized—everything from how it’s grown, cut, dried, and stored plays a role in its quality. And then there are the different types of hay, each with its own unique nutritional profile.

One of the biggest surprises for me was learning how much the time of year hay is baled impacts its quality. Back then, I had no idea any of this mattered when it came to feeding my dairy goats.

It can definitely feel overwhelming at first, especially with so many factors that go into what makes a good bale of hay. But here’s the thing: once you understand how hay is grown, the steps to get it baled, and the best ways to store it, you’ll not only give your goats a healthy diet but also save your homestead some serious cash.

Just a heads up: this might not be the most thrilling read, but it’s one of those homesteading essentials you really need to understand from start to finish. So, grab a cup of coffee (maybe even a snack) and a pen and paper for jotting down a few notes—let’s dive in.

How does a goat eat? 

Goats are more like deer than cows—they’re natural foragers, not grazers. Instead of eating everything in sight, they pick out the best bits of a pasture and ignore the rest. They’re snackers, grazing throughout the day, and they’ll often go for weeds and leafy plants before even thinking about grass. And despite the old myth about goats eating anything (tin cans, really?), they’re actually pretty picky eaters. That’s why a goat owner’s pasture often looks like a patchwork of nibbled-down spots and untouched areas.

Read our guide on The Best Hay Feeder Options for Goats that reduce waste and help to keep hay from dropping to the ground.

Now, let’s talk about their rumen. A goat’s rumen is found on the left side of the body. You can more easily remember this by saying Left=Lunch. A soft, spongy left belly is a good sign of a healthy, active rumen.

SLCG PRO TIP: If your goat’s belly is large but feels hard, it could be bloat. Bloat in a goat is a serious condition where gas gets trapped in the rumen. Bloat can be deadly, so if you suspect it, get your goat moving to help release the gas and call your vet ASAP for help.

INKNOTE Hay Bag Hanging Goat Feeder Tote Premium Oxford Cloth with Metal Ring and Adjustable Strap for Horses Donkeys Cows Alpacas Ostriches or Other Animals BlackBUYYAH 2Pcs Horse Hay Feeder, 31.5” Long Livestock Hay Feeder with 24 Gallon Large Capacity, Carbon Steel Wall Mounted Hay Rack for Horses, Sheep, Goats, Indoor Outdoor UsesBUYYAH Hay Feeder Goat，55 Gallon Livestock Feeders, Pasture Feeder for Feeding Goats, Sheep and Ponies, for Farms, Sheep Sheds，Stable，Floor Model Hay Feeder for Goats，Black

 

Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is hay?

You’ve probably heard people use “hay” and “straw” like they’re the same thing, but they’re actually pretty different.

Here’s the quick rundown:

Hay is for feeding animals because it’s the whole plant—stem, leaves, and seed heads—all packed with nutrition. That’s why it’s the go-to for livestock feed.

Straw, on the other hand, is more of a gardening and landscaping tool. It doesn’t have seeds, which means no surprise weeds popping up in your garden. It’s perfect for keeping weeds from taking over and for keeping pens neat and dry for your livestock.

SLCG PRO TIP: Straw is an excellent choice for goat bedding. Since goats strongly prefer hay, there’s no risk of them eating soiled straw from the floor. This is important because when goats eat off the ground, there’s a higher chance of worm outbreaks spreading through feces.

Types of Hay for Goats: What You Need to Know

There are three main types: Grass, Legume, and Cereal Grain.

• Grass Hay includes options like timothy, orchard grass, or broom grass.
• Legume Hay features alfalfa, clover, or soy.
• Cereal Grain Hay comes from plants like oats or barley.

Keep in mind, hay is regional, so the types and names of grasses can vary depending on where you live. For example, here in Northwestern PA, timothy grass hay is the most common, along with orchard grass.

Hay is essentially a cut pasture that includes the stem, leaves, and seed head. It’s typically cut fresh, left to dry for a day or two, and then baled to lock in its nutritional value. Since hay is meant to feed grazing animals, the timing and care during baling are super important.

Understanding the Baling Process: How to Spot Quality Hay

Knowing how hay is baled is key to identifying good-quality hay for your goats. The baling process involves cutting, drying, and bundling hay into bales, which can range from small squares to massive rounds. The price of hay often reflects both the size of the bale and its quality. By understanding this process, you’ll know what to look for and which questions to ask when buying hay.

Here’s a breakdown of the baling process:

Step 1: Cutting the Hay

Hay is first mowed down and raked into neat rows, often early in the morning. The morning dew helps keep the leaves attached to the stems, preserving the hay’s nutritional value.

Step 2: Drying the Hay

Once cut, the hay is left to dry for a day or two, depending on the weather. Removing excess moisture is crucial to maintaining the hay’s quality and preventing mold or spoilage.

Step 3: Baling the Hay

After drying, the hay is baled using machines called balers. These machines gather the hay, bundle it, tie it with baling twine, and either load it onto a trailer or leave it on the ground to be collected later.

Step 4: Storing the Hay

Finally, the hay is stored to keep it dry and preserve its nutritional value. It can be kept in a barn or shed, or wrapped in plastic or tarps and stored outdoors, depending on your local weather conditions.

SLCG PRO TIP: Hay must be kept out of the rain to deter spoiling of the hay bale. Moldy hay can not only make your goats sick but even, in some cases, kill, so being sure your bales are stored correctly is a crucial part of a healthy herd.

Understanding the Different Cuts of Hay

Let’s talk about hay cuts and why they matter. Knowing the differences between cuts can help you understand how bales are priced and which ones are best for your goats.

First-Cut Hay

This is the first cutting of the season, usually in early spring. It’s the coarsest of the cuts, with thicker stems, more weeds, and the lowest protein content. Because of this, first-cut hay is typically the most affordable option.

Second-Cut Hay

Second-cut hay is a step up in quality. It’s higher in protein and nutrients, contains fewer weeds, and has a softer texture. It’s also greener and smells fresher—like freshly cut grass. However, second-cut hay can be harder to find since it depends on the weather. Rainy seasons can limit the amount of second-cut hay available, which can drive up the price.

For our goats, we prefer second-cut hay because of its superior nutritional value and quality.

Third-Cut Hay

Third-cut hay is less common and depends heavily on your location and the weather. While it can be high-quality, you’ll want to inspect it carefully. If it’s cut too early, it may lack the full maturity of the plant—stem, leaves, and all—which means your goats could miss out on important nutrients. Third-cut hay is often more expensive, so make sure it’s worth the investment before buying.

SLCG PRO TIP: Test Before You Buy

No matter the cut, always check the quality of the hay. Dusty hay can lead to respiratory issues in animals like goats and horses. We recommend testing a bale at home before committing to a large purchase to ensure it’s safe and nutritious for your herd.

Choosing the Perfect Hay for Your Goats

Feeding goats can feel a bit overwhelming at first because of their complex digestive systems. But don’t worry—it’s not as tricky as it sounds. Once you understand their dietary needs, you’ll be able to support your goats in the healthiest way possible.

Let’s break it down.

Hay makes up about half of a goat’s daily diet, as shown in the graph above. If your goats don’t have access to pasture, the percentage of grass hay in their diet will be even higher. That’s why choosing the right hay is so important.

Since grassy hay is the foundation of a goat’s diet, we’ll focus on that—specifically first and second-cut hay. If you have access to third or even fourth-cut hay, be sure to inspect it carefully before buying. Check the stem size and overall quality to ensure it meets your goats’ nutritional needs. Your local county extension office can be a great resource for more information.

SLCG PRO TIP: Did you know that most goats can live their entire lives without supplemental grain? This is especially true for wethers (male castrated goats) and non-bred does that are already at a healthy weight. That’s why the quality of your hay is so critical. And remember, if you’re making any changes to your goat’s diet, do it gradually to avoid upsetting their rumen’s delicate balance.

Winter Feeding: Keeping Your Goats Warm and Well-Fed

Winter feeding isn’t just about keeping your goats nourished—it’s also a key part of helping them stay warm during those chilly months. Here’s why:

When a goat’s rumen ferments hay, it generates heat, almost like a little internal furnace. This natural process helps keep your goats warm, even when the temperatures drop. That’s why feeding hay in the winter is so important—it’s not just food, it’s fuel for warmth.

In our experience, second-cut hay is the go-to choice for winter feeding. Why? Because it’s softer, more nutritious, and more appealing to goats. When they enjoy their hay, they eat more of it, which keeps their rumens working overtime. This extra activity in their digestive system provides a bit of added protection against those biting winter winds.

The Best Hay for Dairy Goats. 

There are three types of goats. Dairy goats, meat goats, and goats that are strictly for pets or work. Knowing your goats’ main purpose will help you choose the best hay and feed. 

Hay is particularly important if milk production is the main purpose of your goats. The type of hay will directly affect the amount and quality of milk and the percentages of butterfat found within. For that reason, Alfalfa hay is a great choice because of its higher protein amounts. 

Unfortunately, not all regions have access to alfalfa hay. Luckily there are a few options to help remedy this. 

If you live in a region like we do that does not have a large supply of alfalfa hay, then you may want to supplement your goats with protein to help. 

Choosing the Best Hay for Your Goats

When it comes to feeding goats, their primary purpose—whether for milk, meat, or companionship—plays a big role in determining the best type of hay. Let’s break it down by goat type to help you make the best choice for your herd.

The Best Hay for Dairy Goats

Dairy goats have one main job: producing milk. Because of this, the hay you feed them directly impacts the quantity and quality of their milk, including the butterfat content.

• Top Choice: Alfalfa hay is the gold standard for dairy goats. It’s high in protein, which is essential for milk production.
• What If Alfalfa Isn’t Available? If you live in a region where alfalfa hay is hard to find, don’t worry. You can supplement their diet with protein-rich options like alfalfa pellets, soybean meal, or other high-protein feeds to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need.

The Best Hay for Meat Goats

For meat goats, the goal is healthy weight gain. The type of hay you choose can help support this.

• Top Choice: First-cut hay is usually sufficient for meat goats, as long as it’s good quality and nutrient-rich.
• When to Use Second-Cut Hay: If your meat goats are on the lighter side, consider introducing second-cut hay. Since goats tend to prefer second-cut hay, it can encourage them to eat more and help them gain weight. You can feed it exclusively or mix it with first-cut hay to boost their intake.

The Best Hay for Pet and Working Goats

For pet and working goats, the focus is on maintaining optimal health and energy levels.

When to Use Second-Cut Hay: If your goats seem underweight or aren’t eating enough, having some second-cut hay on hand can help. You can either switch to second-cut entirely or mix it with first-cut to encourage better eating habits.

Top Choice: First-cut hay is typically all you need to keep these goats healthy and happy.

FAQ

Boosting protein in your goat’s diet doesn’t have to be tricky. Below are answers to some common questions about high-protein options for keeping your herd healthy and productive.

Is there high-protein grass for goats?

Yes, certain types of grass provide decent protein levels, but they’re usually not enough on their own. Examples include orchardgrass and ryegrass, which are better than most forages. However, to meet your goats’ protein needs, especially if they’re dairy goats or pregnant, you’ll often need to supplement their diet with something richer, like alfalfa or other high-protein feeds.

What is Chaffhaye?

Chaffhaye is a high-quality, Non-GMO alfalfa hay that’s finely chopped and lightly fermented. It’s sold in sealed bags, making it easier to manage compared to traditional hay. Packed with nutrients, Chaffhaye gives goats a protein boost while supporting digestion and overall health. Just remember to store it properly after opening to keep it fresh!

Alfalfa pellets vs. hay for goats, which is better?

Both alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay are excellent protein sources, but which one is better depends on your situation.

• Alfalfa Hay: Provides fiber and keeps goats busy grazing, which mimics natural eating habits. Ideal if you have storage space and want a more affordable option.
• Alfalfa Pellets: Easier to store and feed, with less waste. Perfect if you’re short on space or dealing with picky eaters.

For convenience, some goat owners like to combine both options. Use hay for daily feeding and pellets for an extra protein boost.

When it comes to choosing the best hay for your herd, there are a few things to keep in mind: the type of goats you’re raising, what their main role is on your homestead, and the quality of pasture they have access to.

Getting familiar with the different hay cuts and how they’re grown and baled can go a long way in helping you make a smarter choice. Not only will it keep your goats happy and healthy, but it’ll also make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

More Goat Care Resources:

• What Hay do Goats Eat?
• 8 Steps to Great Tasting Goat Milk
• Feeding Kelp to Your Goats