Feeding Donkeys: Essential Donkey Feed Guide

Whilst also a member of the equine family, donkeys are very different to horses. Donkeys are usually smaller and live a more leisurely lifestyle, unlike horses they originate from the warm, dry regions of Africa. Due to the climate, resulting is sparse grazing, donkeys are excellent at surviving on low nutrient diets and have a superb capacity for digesting fibre. Because donkeys digest fibre so efficiently, they require fewer calories than horses. Feeding a donkey as though it were a small horse can easily lead to obesity, metabolic problems and laminitis. That’s why careful dietary planning is vital.

What to Feed Donkeys for Optimal Health

Understanding a Donkey’s Digestive System

Donkeys have a greater capacity for digesting fibre than horses do due to a higher presence of anaerobic microbes in the gut. Unlike horses who require a high quality forage, a donkey’s diet should mainly consist of a straw. Barley straw is favoured for donkeys as this is lower in calories and tends to be softer than other straw types making it easier to chew. Straw should be inspected to ensure it doesn’t have retained grains.

Daily Feeding Requirements

Like horses, donkeys should consume at least 1.5% of their bodyweight daily on a dry matter basis. Straw has a very high dry matter content of around 90%. Concentrate feeds, grains, cereals and lush pasture should ideally be avoided as they can be too calorific. Donkeys are also considered trickle feeders meaning they like to eat little and often the same way horses do.

Supplementing the Diet

Whilst straw should make up the majority of a donkey’s diet, this can be supplemented with small amounts of forage, chaff and other complementary feeds. When choosing a complementary feed it is best to opt for one specifically tailored towards donkeys as most horse feeds will be too high in protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Special Considerations for Older Donkeys

Older donkeys who struggle to consume adequate forage and those with poor dentition may benefit from being fed a forage replacement mash to ensure they are getting sufficient dietary fibre. Unmolassed beet pulp is a great option for donkeys.

Choosing the Right Chaff

If feeding chaff to a donkey, Timothy straw chaffs are favourable due to their lower calorie content. Any chaffs used should ideally be unmolassed. Alfalfa chaffs are best avoided or kept to a minimum due to its high energy and protein content. If introducing supplementary feed to the diet, this should be done gradually to prevent digestive upset.

Managing Grazing

Unlike horses, donkeys with access to grass year round will not require as much supplementary forage during the Winter months. Even during the Summer when grass nutrient levels are higher, a donkey’s diet should still primarily be based off straw, grazing can be offered supplementary but should never be the sole basis of a donkey’s diet.

Grazing Techniques

• Use strip or rotational grazing to limit grass intake.

• Track grazing systems can encourage movement and reduce overeating.

Treats and Variety

Fresh fruit and vegetables can be offered daily to add variety, but only in small amounts. Lower sugar options, such as celery, cucumber, and carrots, are best for donkeys.

Meeting Nutritional Needs

Straw typically has a lower nutrient profile than hay, haylage, or grass, so donkey diets can sometimes be deficient in certain nutrients. Providing access to a vitamin and mineral lick is recommended, as most pelleted balancers formulated for horses are unsuitable for donkeys.

Water Requirements

Access to clean, fresh drinking water should always be provided. An average donkey can drink between 10–25 litres of water per day.

What Not to Feed Donkeys: Avoiding Obesity and Health Risks

Due to their leisurely lifestyle and nutritional requirements, donkeys are prone to weight gain and can soon become overweight or obese if fed an inappropriate diet. Obesity in turn can lead to a plethora of other health issues. Donkeys should have their weight and condition score monitored regularly. If overweight, hay, haylage and grass intake should be restricted and gentle exercise introduced to promote gradual weight loss. Straw intake should not be restricted if trying to promote weight loss as this can lead to hyperlipaemia which may be fatal.

As donkeys tend to be good doers it is important that their diets remain low in sugar and starch, ideally any feeds given should have a combined sugar and starch content no greater than 10%.

With slow metabolic rates, donkeys are more at risk of developing endocrine disorders such as Hyperlipaemia, Laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Cushings Disease. If you suspect your donkey has a metabolic disorder, your vet should be contacted to determine a diagnosis and advise on the best management plan.

Like horses, donkeys are also susceptible to developing gastric ulcers. Some research suggests that ulcers affect over 40% of domesticated donkeys. If ad lib access to straw can’t be provided, donkeys should be offered small frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the risk of developing ulcers.

Understanding Donkey Supplements and Dietary Needs

Equinutritive supplements are not just for horses, we ensure that all of our products are completely safe for donkeys and mules too. We recommend feeding our supplements according to your donkey's body weight. Most donkeys will fall into our ‘pony’ category. If you have any concerns or queries at all please reach out and a member of the team will be more than happy to help.