The Donkey Diet
Donkeys are intelligent and gentle creatures that are essential in various agricultural settings. Whether used for work or companionship, they deserve the best donkey treats, care, and attention.
One way to show them affection and appreciation is by providing tasty and nutritious treats. In this article, we will explore the world of donkey treats, reviewing the top seven options available and learning about their benefits and safe usage. Stay with us.
Homemade Donkey Treats
Treating your donkey to homemade treats can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By making treats yourself, you have control over the ingredients and can ensure they are nutritious and safe for your beloved companion.
Here are three delicious and easy-to-make homemade treats for donkeys recipes:
Carrot and Apple Balls
Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: 16 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup grated apples
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup wheat germ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and apples.
- Add the oats, molasses, ground flaxseed, and wheat germ to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Take small amounts of the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Place the balls on a baking tray fitted with parchment paper.
- Chill the treats in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- Once firm, the carrot and apple balls are ready for serving. Store any leftover treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Peppermint Oat Cookies
Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Cookie cutter
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine the rolled oats, applesauce, molasses, and chopped mint leaves in a mixing bowl.
- Add water gradually to the mixture, stirring until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch (6.35-millimeter) thickness on a floured surface.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the preferred shapes for the treats.
- Place the cookies on the baking tray.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before offering them to your donkey. Store any extras in a sealed container.
Banana and Peanut Butter Bites
Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsalted and unsweetened)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325° Fahrenheit (160° Celsius) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix the mashed bananas and peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the whole wheat flour and rolled oats to the bowl and mix until it forms a dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls.
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut to coat the surface.
- Put the coated balls on the baking tray.
- Bake the treats for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned and firm.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before offering them to your donkey. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Remember to provide treats in moderation, as overfeeding can result in weight gain and health issues. These homemade treats can be a delightful addition to their diet and a great way to bond with your gentle companion.
Our Top Pic
Although we picked the seven best donkey treats, our top pick is the UMAID Himalayan Salt Lick 6 lbs On Rope. Made from natural Himalayan salt, this product contains essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is great for the overall well-being and health of your donkey. Additionally, it is suitable for all life stages.
More Donkey Treats at a Glance
- UMAID Himalayan Salt Lick 6 lbs On Rope: Best overall
- Mrs. Pastures Horse Cookies: Best donkey cookies treat
- 2pcs Horse Treat Ball Hay Feeder Toy Ball Hanging Feeding Toy: Best hanging donkey treats
- Hilton Herbs Herballs: Best vegetable donkey treats
- Nutrigood Low-Sugar Snax Apple Flavor Horse Treats: Best low-sugar donkey treat
- Manna Pro Bite-Size Peppermint Flavor Nuggets: Best value for money
- Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets for Horses: Best flavored donkey treat
Our Donkey Treat Review
UMAID Himalayan Salt Lick 6 lbs On Rope: Best Overall
Brand: UMAID
Lifestage: All life stages
Flavor: Natural salt
Item form: Chunk
Features: Himalayan salt, adjustable rope
About the Product
This premium salt lick treat is 100% natural and comes from the Himalayan Mountains. It offers a clean and natural source of necessary minerals without any preservatives or additions, replacing lost electrolytes for the well-being of donkeys and other animals.
This Himalayan salt block, an essential source of minerals, contains up to 84 trace minerals, including essential minerals and vitamins like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is a versatile treat for a variety of animals. It is a tasty treat that benefits all livestock.
It comes fitted with an adjustable rope allowing for the perfect height and remarkable durability that outperforms nylon or cotton alternatives. It is also lengthy and durable.
It lasts three times longer than pressed salt lick, providing a dependable and durable salt-licking experience. It works well as a toy to keep your animals entertained and happy.
Mrs. Pastures Horse Cookies: Best Donkey Cookies Treat
Brand: Mrs. Pastures
Lifestage: All life stages
Item form: Cookies
Features: All-natural ingredients
About the Product
Mrs. Pastures Horse Cookies is America’s #1 horse treat, selected by John Lyons’ (famous American horse trainer) Perfect Horse and Michael Plumb’s (American equestrian and Olympic champion) Horse Journal as the “Product of the Year .”It contains carefully selected natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives.
This product comprises oats, wheat bran, cane molasses, rolled barley, fresh apples, and water. Thanks to dehydration, it has a perfect size and texture, which gives the item a hard, crunchy texture that won’t crumble in your pocket.
2pcs Horse Treat Ball Hay Feeder Toy Ball Hanging Feeding Toy: Best Hanging Donkey Treat
Brand: Tirifer
Lifestage: All life stages
Item form: Ball
Features: Suited for stable hanging
About the Product
The 2pcs Horse Treat Ball Hay Feeder Toy Ball Hanging Feeding Toy is well-designed to hang in the stable away from the wall. This feeding toy will swing as your donkey eats hay or pokes the ball, keeping it occupied for hours in the paddock or the stable!
This horse swing treat ball makes it easier to amuse your animal and have fun. It is excellent for donkeys resting in stalls. It is a fun method to encourage natural foraging behaviors in your animal while they are all confined to stalls for longer periods. Your donkey will enjoy headbutting the ball for hours.
Hilton Herbs Herballs: Best Vegetable Donkey Treat
Brand: Hilton Herbs
Lifestage: All life stages
Flavor: Oregano and mint
Item form: Chunks
Features: No added sugar, all-natural ingredients
About the Product
The Hilton Herbs Herballs suit donkeys and horses requiring “fresh air” or “easy keepers.” It is safe for animals with Cushing’s disease and insulin resistance. It is also ideal for animals with laminitis, founder, or irritable male syndrome (IMS). Additionally, this product is excellent for stretching exercises.
Nutrigood Low-Sugar Snax Apple Flavor Horse Treats: Best Low-Sugar Donkey Treat
Amazon’s Choice in Horse Treats by Manna Pro
Brand: Manna Pro
Lifestage: Adult
Flavor: Apple
Item form: Chunk
Features: All-natural ingredients, no added sugar
About the Product
The Nutrigood Low-Sugar Snax Apple Flavor Horse Treats have 80% less sugar and starch than other popular snacks. It contains molasses and all-natural ingredients such as beet pulp, soybean hulls, and linseed meal. Molasses is a great complementary feed that promotes your donkey’s palatability and digestibility of all feeds. It also helps to maintain body condition and appetite.
Manna Pro Bite-Size Peppermint Flavor Nuggets: Best Value for Money
#1 Best Seller in Horse Treats
Brand: Manna Pro
Lifestage: All life stages
Flavor: Peppermint
Item form: Nuggets
Features: Pocket-sized, tasty flavor
About the Product
Manna Pro Bite-Size Peppermint Flavor Nuggets come packed with plenty of minerals and vitamins for your donkey’s health. It contains all-natural ingredients such as soybean hulls, cane, oatmeal, linseed meal, and molasses.
It has a great peppermint taste that most donkeys adore. This product is excellent for rewarding and training. There are more than 80 horse treats in each bag.
Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets for Horses: Best Flavored Donkey Treat
Brand: Manna Pro
Flavor: Butterscotch
Item form: Nuggets
Features: Pocket-sized, tasty flavor
About the Product
Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets for Horses are pocket-sized donkey treats ideal for rewarding and training. They have a great taste that most animals love. These nuggets contain essential vitamins and minerals for your donkey’s overall well-being.
Each bag contains over 300 horse treats. No donkey can resist the delicious butterscotch flavor of these butterscotch-flavored training treats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Donkey Treats
Nutritional Content
When selecting treats for donkeys, always check the nutritional content. Treats should be rich in vitamins and minerals that support their overall well-being. Avoid sugary treats that can lead to health issues like obesity or dental problems.
Allergens and Sensitivities
Just like humans, donkeys may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Before introducing new treats, carefully read the labels and observe how your donkey reacts. If any signs of adverse reactions or discomfort occur, discontinue use immediately.
Age and Health Conditions
Consider your donkey’s age and health condition when choosing treats. Younger donkeys may need softer treats, while older ones require treats with joint-supporting properties.
Some Reader Questions Answered
What Do Donkeys Eat?
Donkeys are herbivores, which means their diet consists primarily of plant-based foods. Their digestive systems have an adaptation to consume fibrous vegetation and have specific dietary needs to maintain optimal health. Here’s what donkeys eat:
Hay
High-quality hay is a donkey’s diet staple. They thrive on grass hays like timothy, orchard, or Bermuda grass. Hay provides essential fiber and nutrients necessary for proper digestion.
Pasture Grass
If available, access to pasture is beneficial for donkeys. Grazing on fresh grass allows them to forage and engage in natural behaviors. However, ensure the pasture is not overgrazed and is free from toxic plants.
Water
Fresh and clean water is crucial for donkeys. They should always have access to clean water, especially during summer or when consuming dry forage.
Minerals
Donkeys require specific minerals to support their overall health. Providing a balanced mineral supplement specifically formulated for equines can ensure they get the necessary nutrients.
Salt
Donkeys need salt in their diet to maintain electrolyte balance and support various physiological functions. You can offer them a salt block or loose salt.
Occasional Treats
While you should give them treats in moderation, donkeys can enjoy occasional treats like carrots, apples, or bananas. These treats should not replace their primary diet and should be free from harmful ingredients.
Commercial Feed
Some donkeys may benefit from supplemental feed depending on their activity level, age, and health condition. Commercial feed designed for equines can provide additional nutrients if needed.
Shrubs and Leaves
Donkeys may graze on certain tree leaves and shrubs as part of their diet. However, not all plants are safe, so it’s essential to make sure they have access to safe vegetation.
Forage Pellets
Forage pellets are a concentrated source of nutrition, and you can give them to your donkeys in small quantities as a supplement to their hay diet.
It’s crucial to monitor the condition of donkeys regularly to ensure they are getting the right amount of food and maintaining a healthy weight. Underfeeding or overfeeding can lead to health problems, so a balanced diet is vital for their well-being.
If you have concerns about your donkey’s diet or nutrition, consult a veterinarian or an equine nutritionist for guidance.
What Not Do Feed to Donkeys
While donkeys are generally hardy animals, you should avoid some foods as they can harm their health. You must be aware of these items and refrain from feeding them to your donkey.
Here are some foods you should never give donkeys:
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic compound to donkeys and other animals. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues, so it’s best to keep all chocolate products away from donkeys.
- Caffeine: Like chocolate, caffeine is toxic to donkeys and can lead to severe health problems. Avoid feeding them any caffeinated beverages or products.
- Avocado: Avocados have a substance called persin, which can harm donkeys and cause gastrointestinal upset or even heart problems.
- Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in donkeys, leading to anemia. Avoid feeding them any foods containing these ingredients.
- Moldy or spoiled food: Moldy or spoiled hay, fruits, or vegetables can produce toxins that can be dangerous to donkeys. Always ensure their feed is fresh and free from mold.
- Lawn clippings and yard waste: Donkeys should not eat freshly cut grass or yard waste, as it can ferment quickly and cause digestive issues.
- Meat and dairy products: Donkeys are herbivores and should not eat meat or dairy products. These can be difficult for them to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal problems.
- High-sugar treats: Donkeys should not eat treats high in sugar, such as candy or sugary pastries. Excessive sugar consumption can result in obesity, dental issues, and metabolic disorders.
- Pitted fruits: Donkeys should not eat fruits with pits, such as cherries, peaches, and plums. The pits can be a choking hazard; some contain toxic substances.
- Bread and baked foods: While small amounts of bread may not be immediately harmful, it is unsuitable for donkeys and lacks the necessary nutrients.
- Dog or cat food: Donkeys have specific nutritional needs, and dog or cat food does not provide the appropriate balance of nutrients.
- Household plants: Some household plants and flowers can be toxic to donkeys if ingested. Keep them away from plants like lilies, oleander, and azaleas.
Always ensure that any treats or supplements given to donkeys are designed explicitly for equine consumption and do not contain any harmful ingredients. Suppose you are unsure whether a particular food is safe for donkeys. In that case, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to ensure the well-being and health of your cherished animals.
How Much Do Donkeys Eat?
Donkeys’ dietary needs depend on numerous factors, including their age, activity level, weight, and overall health. On average, a healthy donkey will consume about 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight in dry forage daily. This translates to about 15 to 25 pounds (6.8 to 11.3 kilograms) of food daily for a donkey weighing 1000 pounds (453.6 kilograms).
It’s essential to provide donkeys with high-quality hay or pasture grass as their primary source of nutrition. Hay should be free from mold, dust, and weeds and available in sufficient quantities to meet their daily intake requirements.
In addition to forage, donkeys may also require supplemental feed to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients. The amount of supplementary feed needed will depend on the individual donkey’s nutritional requirements and activity level.
Remember that donkeys are prone to obesity, especially if overfed or given treats excessively. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their weight regularly and adjust their diet to maintain a healthy body condition.
Always consult your veterinarian to create a balanced and appropriate diet plan for your donkey based on its specific needs and circumstances. Proper nutrition is vital for the overall well-being and longevity of these gentle and intelligent animals.
What is the Best Treat For a Donkey?
The best treat for a donkey is one that is both nutritious and safe for their health. While many treats are available on the market specifically designed for donkeys, certain natural treats can also be highly enjoyable for them. Here are some of the best treats for donkeys:
- Carrots: Carrots are a popular and healthy treat for donkeys. They are rich in vitamins and minerals; most donkeys love their sweet taste.
- Apples: Like carrots, apples are a favorite among donkeys. Ensure to remove any seeds or cores before offering them as treats.
- Bananas: Donkeys often enjoy the taste of bananas. Just remember to provide them in moderation due to their sugar content.
- Pears: Some donkeys may also like pears. Remove the seeds and offer them in small quantities.
- Peppermint or mint leaves: Fresh peppermint leaves or mint leaves can be a refreshing treat for donkeys and help their digestion.
- Pumpkin: Donkeys may relish small amounts of fresh, unsweetened pumpkin as a treat. It’s a good source of fiber and can be particularly enjoyable during the fall season.
- Commercial donkey treats: Look for commercial treats specially formulated for donkeys, ensuring they are free from harmful additives or excessive sugars.
- Homemade treats: As mentioned earlier, homemade treats like carrot and apple balls, peppermint oat cookies, and banana peanut butter bites can be a healthy and delicious choice for your donkey.
The End
In conclusion, treating your animal with love and care includes offering them the best donkey treats. You can use these treats as a training aid, a bonding tool, and a source of mental stimulation. When choosing treats, prioritize their nutritional content, and consider any allergies or health conditions your donkey may have.
We recommend the UMAID Himalayan Salt Lick 6 lbs On Rope donkey treat. It is rich in essential minerals necessary for your donkey’s health. This product is versatile and ideal for animals in all life stages. Also, it has an adjustable rope for easy feeding.
Remember to use treats in moderation and store them properly to ensure quality. By responsibly incorporating treats into your donkey’s life, you’ll strengthen your bond and provide them with a happy and fulfilling existence.
