Table of Contents
Donkey’s Diet
Donkey, also known as burro, is a domesticated ass descended from the African wild ass. It is a member of the Equidae horse family. Since 4000 BCE, it has been known to be used as a beast of burden. At the shoulder, the average donkey stands 101.6 cm (40 inches), but different breeds vary greatly. The Sicilian donkey is only about 61 cm (24 inches) tall, whereas the large ass of Majorca is around 157.5 cm (62 inches) tall, and the American ass is 167.6 cm tall (66 inches).
The donkey’s coat color varies from white to grey or black, with a dark stripe running from mane to tail and a crosswise stripe on the shoulders. The mane is short and upright, and the tail is more cow like than horse like, with long hairs only at the end. The dark base and tip of the very long ears. Donkeys are surefooted and capable of carrying heavy loads over rough terrain, despite being slower than horses. The mule is a hybrid created by crossing a male (jackass, or jack) donkey with a female horse. Donkeys are the main beasts of burden and mode of transportation in some parts of the world where horses cannot easily survive or where extreme poverty prevents locals from owning horses.
54 Things To Know About A Donkey’s Diet
1. Do Donkeys Eat Apples?
Yes, they can eat apples but first cut them into pieces suitable enough for them to eat.
2. Do Donkeys Eat Acorns?
No, they can’t eat acorn as it contains tannins which are bad for the stomach of donkeys.
3. Do Donkeys Eat Asparagus?
No, donkeys don’t eat asparagus as they are not able to digest it.
4. Do Donkeys Eat Bananas?
Yes, they can eat bananas as they are perfectly safe for donkeys.
5. Do Donkeys Eat Bread?
No, they cannot and shouldn’t be fed any bread as it’s not good for their health.
6. Do Donkeys Eat Broccoli?
No, they don’t eat broccoli as it can make a donkey ill.
7. Do Donkeys Eat Brush?
Yes, they can eat brush, particularly in deserted areas where there isn’t much else to eat.
8. Do Donkeys Eat Blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are safe for donkeys to eat, and they enjoy them just as much as other fruits.
9. Do Donkeys Eat Briars?
Yes, but donkeys can only eat briar roses because they dislike the rest of the plant.
10. Do Donkeys Eat Bark?
Yes, they do eat bark as it’s pretty normal for them to eat bark as it’s included in their basic diet.
11. Do Donkeys Eat Blackberries?
Yes, blueberries are safe for donkeys to eat, and they enjoy them just as much as other fruits.
12. Do Donkeys Eat Carrots?
Carrots are a popular food for donkeys, so they do eat them.
13. Do Donkeys Celery?
Yes, as celery is a great treat for donkeys because it is high in water and fiber.
14. Do Donkeys Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, they do eat Cucumbers, which are extremely healthy and can be fed to donkeys as treats.
15. Do Donkeys Eat Corn?
No, they cannot eat corn as it’s high in starch and cobs which can be bad for the donkey’s digestive system.
16. Do Donkeys Eat Chicken?
No, they don’t eat chicken as animal protein is not good for donkeys.
17. Do Donkeys Eat Cactus?
Yes, there are many species of cactus that donkeys can safely consume.
18. Do Donkeys Eat Coyotes?
No, donkeys don’t eat coyotes but they do have the ability to kill a coyote.
19. Do Donkeys Eat Clover?
No, they don’t as it can be toxic because of the high amount of protein in it.
20. Do Donkeys Eat Eggs?
Yes, they can eat eggs on rare occasions as it helps their coat to glow.
21. Do Donkeys Eat Fruit?
Yes, they can eat fruits because they are good for their health, but they must be chopped properly so that they do not choke a donkey.
22. Do Donkeys Eat Fish?
No, they don’t eat fish as it also contains animal protein which is not good for donkeys.
23. Do Donkeys Eat Figs?
No, they don’t eat figs as it can cause skin irritation in them.
24. Do Donkeys Eat Grapes?
Yes, they can eat grapes as it gives them joy munching on them.
25. Do Donkeys Eat Grains?
No, donkeys cannot eat them as gains are harmful to them.
26. Do Donkeys Eat Gorse?
Donkeys can eat gorse without difficulty, stripping the branches and eating the leaves and flowers instead of the spiky spines.
27. Do Donkeys Eat Greens?
Yes, they do eat greens as donkeys are herbivores and that’s pretty much all they eat.
28. Do Donkeys Eat Garlic?
No, donkeys cannot eat garlic because it is toxic to them and can cause health problems.
29. Do Donkeys Eat Hay?
Yes, donkeys can eat hay as it’s the most appropriate feed for them.
30. Do Donkeys Eat Horses?
No, they don’t eat horses as it not possible for them.
31. Do Donkeys Eat Horse Feed?
Yes, they can eat horse feed as many components of horse and donkey feeds are the same.
32. Do Donkeys Eat Ice Cream?
No, donkeys cannot eat ice cream because it contains dairy products, which can be fatal to them.
33. Do Donkeys Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
Yes, they do eat iceberg lettuce as it’s safe and healthy for them.
34. Do Donkeys Eat Kale?
Yes, they can eat kale as it is full of nutrients with low calories.
35. Do Donkeys Eat Kudzu?
Yes, they have been known to consume kudzu, and that is typical of them.
36. Do Donkeys Eat Kale?
Yes, they can eat kale as it is full of nutrients with low calories.
37. Do Donkeys Eat Kiwi?
Yes, donkeys can eat it because kiwi is a nutritional powerhouse that can be beneficial to donkeys after a long day of work.
38. Do Donkeys Eat Lettuce?
Yes, they can eat lettuce as it’s safe for them and included in their basic diet.
39. Do Donkeys Eat Lemons?
Yes, they do eat lemons as they are safe for donkeys to consume.
40. Do Donkeys Eat Leaves?
Yes, as Donkeys are mixed feeders, which means they will browse through trees for tasty leaves and branches.
41. Do Donkeys Eat Lavender?
No, donkeys can’t eat lavender as it contains neurotoxins that are harmful to them.
43. Do Donkeys Eat Leeks?
No, they can’t eat leeks as they are toxic to them and cause health problems.
44. Do Donkeys Eat Meat?
No, they can’t eat meat as they are herbivorous animals.
45. Do Donkeys Eat Mints?
Yes, donkeys will love to munch on mints.
46. Do Donkeys Eat Mango?
No, donkeys can’t eat mangoes as that’s not appealing to them.
47. Do Donkeys Eat Mushrooms?
No, donkeys don’t eat mushrooms as they are not appealing to them.
48. Do Donkeys Eat Melon?
Yes, donkeys do eat watermelons as they are healthy for them and are good for hydration.
49. Do Donkeys Eat Nuts?
No, they can’t eat nuts because it’s dangerous for them.
50. Do Donkeys Eat Nettles?
No, they don’t eat nettles they prefer other decent grasses.
51. Do Donkeys Eat Oranges?
Yes, donkeys do eat oranges as it is a healthy fruit for them.
52. Do Donkeys Eat Oats?
Yes, donkeys do eat oats as it contains a high amount of protein that’s good for them.
53. Do Donkeys Eat Onions?
No, donkeys can’t eat onions as they contain toxic materials that are dangerous for their health.
54. Do Donkeys Eat Pumpkins?
Yes, donkeys do eat pumpkins in moderation as it’s healthy for them.
Conclusion
In donkey nutrition, small portions of grass, straw, and occasional treats of hay are the most beneficial. However, though the distinction may not be important to you, horses and donkeys are very different in their nutritional needs. So donkeys like to graze for entire days but will scarf down everything in sight if possible, so if you’re taking care of donkeys, make sure their diet is healthy. In order to avoid these issues, donkeys are often fed excessive sugar, which can lead to weight gain, or sugar cane, which is fattening, and they put on weight easily, or to excess in the presence of lush grass or hay. This donkey diet is based on a variety of information provided by SPANA to help you be better informed on what to feed your donkeys.
What do donkeys like eating?
Straw, hay, and grass in moderation are the most appropriate feeds for donkeys. Donkeys enjoy grazing all day but will eat anything in sight if given the chance, so it’s critical to feed them a nutritious diet if you’re caring for them.
What do donkeys eat naturally?
The donkeys graze and feed on forbs, shrubs, and tree bark. Generally, they should be allowed to graze freely for six to seven hours per day. As a monogastric herbivore, the donkey efficiently consumes roughages and utilizes cellulose and hemicellulose.
Do donkeys eat the same as horses?
Donkeys consume significantly less forage voluntarily than horses; 1.5 percent of body weight (BW) for donkeys versus 3.1 percent for horses. Donkeys can survive on good grass hay. Legume hay, likealfalfa, is actually not recommended for donkeys, for the same reason that lush pasture is not recommended.
What is the best food for donkeys?
Carrots, apples, pears, bananas, turnips, and swedes are all safe for donkeys and are frequently very popular. Assure that chopped fruit and vegetables are cut in a choking-hazard-free manner, such as in sticks.
What is poisonous to donkeys?
Even a small amount of black walnut in the shavings can be toxic to horses or donkeys. When horses or donkeys consume red maple (Acer rubrum), it can cause the destruction of red blood cells. This can also result in secondary kidney damage. Typically, the first sign observed is red or dark colored urine.
Can donkeys eat sweet feed?
Never feed Longears (donkeys or mules) any pre-mixed sweet feeds or alfalfa-based products. Equines should never be turned out in pastures that contain Fescue grass. Our pastures are seeded with brome and orchard grass, which appears to be the best combination for them.
What is the food of camel?
Camels are herbivores, which means they feed on grass, grains, wheat, and oats. They will spend their days grazing and searching for food. Food can certainly be scarce in their harsh desert environment.
What are donkeys afraid of?
What exactly is this? Additionally, donkeys have a natural aversion to foxes, coyotes, wild dogs, and other canid family members. They can certainly be taught to tolerate them, but their natural instincts will never completely vanish.
What do you feed a foundered donkey?
For healthy donkeys, a diet consisting primarily of barley straw combined with a vitamin/mineral supplement such as Top Spec Donkey Forage Balancer and limited access to grass is ideal (obviously, different rules apply if your donkey has dental disease but still requires a low sugar/high fiber diet).
Why do donkeys roll in dirt?
Nothing beats rolling in a fresh patch of dirt for donkeys. Additionally, while rolling on the ground helps scratch their backs, it is a natural behavior for donkeys to cover themselves in dust, which acts as an excellent insulator and provides protection from extreme heat and cold.
How do I keep my donkey busy?
Drill some holes in the bottom of an old bucket. Fill it with donkey treats and hang it from the barn ceiling. Attempting to extract the treats from the bucket will occupy your donkeys for hours!
Do donkeys get lonely?
Donkeys are most emphatically not suited to living alone. Without companions, a donkey quickly becomes sad, depressed, and lonely. They form extremely strong bonds with their companions, and we strongly advise that bonded pairs remain together for life.
Are donkeys smart?
Donkeys have an exceptional memory and an incredible capacity for learning. According to a 2013 study conducted by The Donkey Sanctuary, they can learn as well as solve problems at about the same rate as dolphins and dogs. This means that donkeys retain both positive and negative experiences for an extended period of time.
Why does my donkey stand in the rain?
Donkeys may choose to stand in the rain for a variety of reasons. If a donkey does not have enough food in their shelter, they may go outside to graze. The second reason is purely subjective. Occasionally, they simply enjoy being outside!
Are oats good for donkeys?
The donkey’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality barley or oat straw (barley straw is preferable) with very limited access to grass.
Do donkeys need salt blocks?
A block of salt is preferable to nothing. The best type of salt is loose (granular). Donkeys, mules, and horses have smoother tongues than cows and may not obtain all of the salt they require from a block. They may bite the block in an attempt to obtain more, which may result in tooth and jaw problems.
Will two male donkeys get along?
They frequently form lifelong partnerships with one donkey or other equines such as horses, mules, or goats. They can actually become extremely stressed if they are separated from their companion or even if the companion dies. Certain donkeys thrive when surrounded by sheep, goats, or other livestock. They do not require the presence of another donkey to be content.
What will happen when the donkey is fed?
Donkeys have access to barley straw and are fed hay or haylage in proportion to their body condition. In exceptional circumstances, elderly or sick donkeys may receive additional high-fiber feeds and supplements to assist in maintaining their body weight.
Do donkeys founder easily?
Yup. Donkeys, on the other hand, are not prone to the same leg and foot problems as horses. However, when fed incorrectly (too many sweets), donkeys can and do develop laminitis and founder.
How often do donkeys lay down?
Donkeys require a minimum of three hours of sleep per day, including at least a half hour of deep REM sleep. Assure that your donkey has adequate shelter so that they can rest safely each day.
How do you make a donkey happy?
They are happiest when chewing, and feeding them something with a moderate nutritional value allows them to consume more than if you feed them a high-nutrient hay such as alfalfa. However, do not feed substandard hay, such as moldy hay or hay that is overgrown with weeds and stickers. Numerous regional grass or grain hays are suitable.
Do donkeys need toys?
However, there is an easily adaptable solution that can assist in alleviating their boredom – toys! Yes, miniature donkeys enjoy playing with toys, and it’s quite entertaining to watch! Toss a large ball, hoola hoop, or an old tire into their pen to keep them occupied and off your barn!
Do donkeys like a bath?
Donkeys benefit greatly from daily grooming because they enjoy daily dust baths. This habit protects them from flies and other parasites, but it also keeps some of them looking rather dusty.
Why are donkeys Dusty?
Dust provides excellent insulation and protection from extreme heat and cold in the desert, where donkeys originated. Donkeys will stomp and paw away at grass in areas with sandy soil to create the ideal rolling patch. A donkey’s coat retains dust after he rolls.
Can humans get lice from donkeys?
Because the majority of lice species, including those that affect horses, are species-specific, there is no risk of transmission from one animal species to another (e.g. from cattle to horses, from dogs to cats or humans, etc.).
What minerals do donkeys need?
Numerous minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc, cobalt, and iodine, can be beneficial to a donkey. Other populations (those that are growing or pregnant) may require additional Phosphorus and Calcium to maintain good health.
What does it mean when a donkey snorts?
Snorting indicates excitement, whereas wuffling is used by Jenny to summon her foal or to invite another donkey for mutual grooming. Jennies communicate with their newborn foals via a low-pitched and gentle wuffle. Donkeys, like horses, communicate through a variety of body language cues.
