Donkeys (especially miniature) are becoming increasingly more popular. And why not? Who can resist those ears! They can be very personable and a wonderful addition to any farm. They are similar to their short eared cousins (horses) in many ways, but their dietary needs can be very different to prevent obesity and laminitis.
Diet: Donkeys (Equus asinus) are natural browsers and will graze up to 16 hours a day on a diet of high fiber plant material. They are very efficient at metabolizing their food and therefore their energy requirements are lower than a similar sized pony. This makes them easy to overfeed, which can lead to serious health problems such as hyperlipemia, laminitis and other organ dysfunction. Ideally, donkeys should be fed 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter for maintenance. A donkey at grass will not require more than straw to supplement their grazing, even if they are in light work. As donkeys originate from regions where vegetation is dry and sparse, they have adapted to a high fiber diet and thus pastures in Oklahoma are much more nutritious than the donkey needs and grazing may need to be restricted in the spring and summer. If they are not kept on pasture, a diet of 75% barley straw and 25% hay is adequate for most of the year. The proportions are reversed to 75% hay & 25% straw in the winter with a gradual change between seasons. It is also important to provide them with a mineral lick, free access to clean water, and a vitamin supplement in the winter
Hoof Care: Donkeys can grow large amounts of hoof very quickly depending on their environment and diet. Most donkeys should have their feet trimmed by an experienced farrier every 4-6 weeks during warm months and every 6-8 weeks in winter months along with routine cleaning at home.
Did you know a donkey's hoof is much more forgiving than a horse? A donkey can suffer from severe hoof overgrowth and laminitis, and with proper care, can make a full recovery!
Vaccinations & Deworming: Donkeys require the same annual wellness care as horses. Deworming should be done with the same wormer 3-4 times a year. For more information on vaccines, check out our vaccine page!
- Sara Miller DVM
Diet: Donkeys (Equus asinus) are natural browsers and will graze up to 16 hours a day on a diet of high fiber plant material. They are very efficient at metabolizing their food and therefore their energy requirements are lower than a similar sized pony. This makes them easy to overfeed, which can lead to serious health problems such as hyperlipemia, laminitis and other organ dysfunction. Ideally, donkeys should be fed 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter for maintenance. A donkey at grass will not require more than straw to supplement their grazing, even if they are in light work. As donkeys originate from regions where vegetation is dry and sparse, they have adapted to a high fiber diet and thus pastures in Oklahoma are much more nutritious than the donkey needs and grazing may need to be restricted in the spring and summer. If they are not kept on pasture, a diet of 75% barley straw and 25% hay is adequate for most of the year. The proportions are reversed to 75% hay & 25% straw in the winter with a gradual change between seasons. It is also important to provide them with a mineral lick, free access to clean water, and a vitamin supplement in the winter
Hoof Care: Donkeys can grow large amounts of hoof very quickly depending on their environment and diet. Most donkeys should have their feet trimmed by an experienced farrier every 4-6 weeks during warm months and every 6-8 weeks in winter months along with routine cleaning at home.
Did you know a donkey's hoof is much more forgiving than a horse? A donkey can suffer from severe hoof overgrowth and laminitis, and with proper care, can make a full recovery!
Vaccinations & Deworming: Donkeys require the same annual wellness care as horses. Deworming should be done with the same wormer 3-4 times a year. For more information on vaccines, check out our vaccine page!
- Sara Miller DVM