Yes, donkeys can definitely eat parsnips. A maximum of a small handful per day can be a nice treat and has several health benefits. And donkeys usually love them!
What vegetables can donkeys eat?
Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. Ensure that chopped fruit and vegetables are cut in a way that minimises the risk of choking, such as in sticks.
Why can’t donkeys have carrots?
Carrots are just as good for donkeys as they are for humans. But you do have to be careful. Too much of them could upset their stomachs and cause problems like diarrhea. That’s probably something you don’t want to deal with too much as a donkey owner!
Can donkeys eat broccoli?
Unsafe vegetables:
Members of the brassica family: kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Vegetables from the nightshade family: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and onions, leeks, and garlic.
Are sweet potatoes good for donkeys?
They are chock-full of delicious nutrition that will benefit all of your adorable equines. And that’s not the only upside to horses eating sweet potatoes, either. But, with anything, moderation is key.
Sweet Potato Nutritional Facts.
| Calories: | 114 |
|---|---|
| Sugar: | 6 g |
| Protein: | 2.1 g |
What is best feed for donkeys?
Donkeys require a diet high in fibre and low in protein, sugars, starch/carbohydrates and calories. The donkey diet should consist of mainly good quality barley straw or oat straw (barley straw is best) and carefully restricted access to grass.
How do donkeys show affection?
Donkeys communicate affection through grooming, nips, nuzzles, vocalization, and play. Donkeys only feel affection after they respect a person, so it’s important to build trust with your donkey first.
Can donkeys eat cucumbers?
Yes! Donkeys can eat cucumbers and they often love them! What is this? Cucumbers are extremely healthy and can be fed to donkeys as treats.
Can donkeys have strawberries?
Feed in moderation
We would recommend feeding only 1-2 leaves or one small handful-sized portion maximum per day. Bramble/wild strawberry/hedgerow – grazing on these will often tempt a sick donkey as the natural behaviour of foraging stimulates the appetite.
Can donkeys eat pumpkin?
Donkeys can safely eat pumpkins including the skin, flesh and seeds. Pumpkins should be fed in moderation and only as a treat.
What are healthy treats for donkeys?
Treats
- Basic treats like carrots, apples, peppermints, bananas, watermelon, oranges, pears, grapes, celery, strawberries, and pumpkin are all safe for donkeys.
- Donkeys like sweet flavors, like raspberry.
Why does my donkey bite me?
Equines bite within herds to establish dominance between individual animals and to maintain the pecking order. If your donkey has not accepted you as his undisputed leader, he may be inclined to try to bite you to establish his own dominance over you.
Can donkeys eat all stock sweet feed?
We vaccinate in the spring and fall. You should never feed longears (donkeys or mules) any premixed sweet feeds or alfalfa products.
How often should I feed my donkey?
two to three times a day
Feed your donkey hay or haylage two to three times a day.
Is bread good for donkeys?
What do donkeys eat & drink – can I feed them? Donkeys usually eat barley straw, hay, grass (pasture) and various other things like bread, molasses & sugar beet which are mixed in with their feed, as well as carrots, apples, pears, turnip & swede.
What do you feed a donkey with laminitis?
Things you should do
- Feed forages with a low starch and sugar content, preferably under 10% sugar and starch.
- Have ‘farm produced’ forage tested to check the energy and sugar content.
- Commercially produced high fibre ‘laminitic safe’ haylage can be a good option.
- Very low energy short chop products may be useful.
Can donkeys eat too much hay?
Donkeys are generally able to eat as much straw as they like to fill their bellies and keep their digestive systems moving without consuming too much energy (although testing straw before feeding is recommended as some modern strains can be higher in energy than expected).
Can a donkey eat too much grass?
The list of health ailments caused by grass consumption in donkeys are numerous, including insulin resistance, foot abscesses, colic, Cushing’s Disease, laminitis, metabolic disease and founder. Remember SAFE GRASS takes work to find.
Do donkeys need salt blocks?
A block of salt is better than nothing at all. The best is loose (granular) salt. Donkeys, mules and horses have smoother tongues than a cow and may not actually get their needed amount of salt from a block. They may end up biting the block in an attempt to get more, which can lead to teeth and jaw or tooth problems.
Why do donkeys bray at night?
Donkeys may bray at night for the reasons outlined; to warn of danger, to express hunger or loneliness, etc. Sometimes there may be no apparent reason. But you shouldn’t ignore it entirely!
How do you know if a donkey is stressed?
These include tightly shut/clamped nostrils, tension around the mouth causing wrinkles to form around the nostril or lips, uneven nostrils due to facial tension, semi closed eyes or visible sclera (whites of the eyes). Donkeys are generally best kept with a companion and tend to form strong bonds.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.