Goats are very friendly with humans and tend to enjoy their company. It is because of their fondness for humans that make such a great pet. They are harmless to everyone and bask in the attention they receive. You’re lucky if you have the pleasure of being a pet parent to a goat. Goats as a pet are not only affectionate but also low-maintenance.
They don’t need much from you and can find their own food if you let them out to graze. However, if you take charge of feeding them, like every other pet parent, what are your options? Can you pick any fruit or vegetable randomly? What about celery?
Can goats eat celery? Yes, goats can eat celery. Celery is packed with nutrients and make healthy and crunchy snacks for them. However, like everything else, too much celery can impact the health of the goat negatively. It is because of the presence of furocoumarins in celery that leads to photosensitivity in goats. However, when fed in moderation, celery poses no threat to the health of goats.
Do goats like eating celery?
As far as food is concerned, goats are very flexible animals. Unlike their fellow livestock animals, goats are not as much of a “grazer” as a “browser”.
It means that they are more interested in eating the trees and shrubs instead of grazing on the grass. If you leave them in your lawn in the hope of getting the grass leveled, you will be disappointed. They will attack your flowering plants before even touching the grass.
However, when you feed them something, goats hardly ever say no. They are comfortable with eating most food without any discrimination. They neither know nor care about what’s good for them. You can even find them chewing on cardboard or paper. It doesn’t mean they’re hungry but curious.
In other words, like most things, goats like eating celery as well.
Is celery healthy for goats?
Before we decide whether or not celery is healthy for goats, let us take a look at its nutritional chart:
Serving size: 100 grams
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Vitamin A | 22 µg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.021 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.056 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.32 mg |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.245 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.073 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 36 µg |
| Vitamin C | 3.1 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.27 mg |
| Vitamin K | 29.3 µg |
| Copper | 0.036 mg |
| Potassium | 260 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
| Manganese | 0.104 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Water | 95.42 g |
| Protein | 0.69 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.98 g |
| Dietary fibres | 1.6 g |
| Calories | 14 kcal |
As we already know, goats are ruminants with a complex digestive system containing four stomachs. The rumen is a part of their digestive system that produces a sufficient amount of vitamin B for the goat’s metabolism.
However, goats also need vitamins A, C, D, E, and K for proper nutrition, for which they are dependent on external sources.
Celery is not exactly rich in all these vitamins and contains them in moderation. However, what it lacks in vitamins, celery fulfills in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which improve bone health and the overall fitness of goats.
Celery is also rich in antioxidants, which is required by all animals and humans alike. Thus, celery is a healthy snack for your goats.
What happens if your goat eats too much celery?
Although celery is packed with all the vitamins and minerals that are great for the health of your goats, it also contains a compound that could be lethal to them if they consumed too much celery:
Be careful about Furocoumarins
Furocoumarins are a group of organic chemical compounds that are produced by a variety of plants. The celery plant contains a high level of two types of furocoumarins: bergapten and xanthotoxin.
When consumed in larger quantities, the furocoumarins can prove to be fatal for goats, leading to the disease of photosensitization. The disease makes the epidermal layers of their skin sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, causing blisters when exposed to sunlight.
Can goats eat celery sticks?
Yes, goats can easily eat celery sticks. Goats’ digestive system is stronger than humans and can thus digest these raw sticks without any trouble. In fact, you should not remove the celery from its sticks while you’re feeding it to your goat.
Can goats consume celery juice?
Goats can consume the juice of celery. However, it is a more concentrated form that you should be even more careful about. If your goat accidentally takes a sip, there’s no reason for concern. However, it is better to avoid feeding them the juice to be safe.
Can baby goats eat celery?
No, you should avoid feeding the baby goat celery or any other vegetable or fruit until they are at least two months old. A baby goat’s digestive is fragile and sensitive. Thus, feeding them anything other than goat’s milk and pellet can upset their stomach and make them weaker still.
How to feed celery to your goat?
The best thing about feeding celery to your goat is that you can feed them this as it is. They will eat it out of your hands, so you need no preparation.
Another fancy way for feeding celery to your goat is by mixing it up with a few other veggies and serving it as a salad. Your goat will love the variety of tastes and eat it up with enthusiasm.
However, washing celery properly before feeding it to your pet is essential, since these might contain pesticides or chemicals. You should soak the celery in a bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes for a thorough wash. Then rewash them with fresh water, and they’re ready to be served.
Other vegetables you can feed your goats
Broccoli
Broccoli is a low-fat vegetable that is rich in protein and calcium that strengthens the bones of goats. The vegetable also contains Vitamin C in abundance, which can improve their immunity system.
Cucumber
Free of fat, gluten, and sodium, cucumber is rich in Vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. Cucumber also has a high-water content that keeps your goat hydrated.
Pumpkin
Although pumpkins have a high-calorie count, feeding them to your goat occasionally means no harm. Moreover, they are rich in dietary fibers and fat-soluble vitamin A.
Lettuce
Lettuce is rich in vitamin C, potassium and calcium, and make a perfect snack for your pet goat.
Potato
Potatoes are great for the neurological health of goats. They are rich in vitamin B6, which produces serotonin, dopamine, and other brain chemicals.
What should you avoid feeding your goat?
Given below is a list of things that can be toxic to your goat’s health and should be avoided when feeding them:
- Nightshade vegetables
- Milkweeds
- Lilacs
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Rhubarb leaves
- Kale
- Wild cherries
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rhubarb toxic to goats?
Rhubarb belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family of plants and contains high levels of oxalic acid. The oxalic acid is toxic to goats.
Can I feed potato peels to my goat?
Yes, you can feed potato peels to your goat. However, be careful about feeding the green peels that contain solanine. Solanine is toxic to the health of your goat.
Do goats eat bamboo?
Goats are known to love bamboo and nibble on it whenever they get a chance. Bamboo is both safe and healthy for goats and can be fed to them.
Are poison oaks poisonous for goats as well?
No, poison oaks are only poisonous for humans, not for goats.
Summing it up
To conclude the article, we will answer the initial question once again: goats can eat celery as long you feed them these in moderation. Celery is packed with nutrients and can improve their health. However, regular consumption of it may lead to photosensitization in your goat.