Goats are homestead animals that can’t eat onion.
Goats have a reputation for being able to stomach a wide variety of foodstuff, but this generalization can be dangerous, especially if you aren’t checking the potential toxicity of some of the greens, fruits, and veggies that you offer your goats.
Because goats cannot eat onions as these particular greens are poisonous and can cause death. Why are onions poisonous to goats? What is toxic about onions?
Read on to learn the most important facts about onions and to understand why these common bulbs should be kept away from your trip of goats.
Important Facts About Onions
The onion is of the Amaryllidaceae plant family, which contains the Allium genus, a group that holds many common culinary and medicinal plants such as:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Shallots
- Leeks
- Chives
And while these plants are all used for human consumption, and really add flavor, savor and bite to some favorite dishes, onions and their relatives should never be offered to your goats or other homestead animals.
How Do Onions Affect Animals
Colorado State University’s Guide to Poisonous Plants states that the primary component of both wild and cultivated onions that pose a threat to livestock and pets is an alkaloid (a nitrogenous organic compound) called N-propyl disulphide.
This alkaloid causes oxidative injury to the hemoglobin and red blood cell membranes within goats and other livestock or pets, and can also cause clinical anemia if eaten at low amounts for a long period of time.
The action of the poisonous alkaloids are initiated by crushing and chewing the plant, an unavoidable event if your goats eat onions.
In addition, the form or freshness of the onion doesn’t matter, as research has found that dried, cooked and granulated forms of onion are poisonous to animals.
Onion Toxicity In Farm Animals
The toxicity of onion in farm animals usually takes a few days to manifest after initial ingestion, although your goats will present the classic and well known ‘onion breath’ which can be the first sign that you need to bring them to your local vet.
Further signs that your goats are suffering from hemolytic anemia (damage to hemoglobin and a loss of red blood cells) includes:
- Weakness
- Red-brown colored urine
- Yellowing/jaundice
- Parasite infestation
- Collapse
Treating Onion Toxicity In Goats
One of the most effective ways to treat onion toxicity in goats is to immediately remove the source of toxin and discontinue further ingestion.
However, if your goat is already exhibiting signs of toxicity, they will need trained veterinary assistance to combate and recover from the serious hemolytic anemia they are experiencing.
Do Farm Animals Eat Onions
Besides goats, onions are known to be toxic to a wide range of homestead animals, including:
- Cows
- Dogs
- Rabbits
- Cats
- Sheep
Can Goats and Sheep Eat Onions
It is true that goats and sheep are some of the most resistant animals to onions’ toxicity, and you may find that some homesteaders offer small amounts of onions to their goats or sheep.
In fact, the USDA has stated that onions are safe feedstuffs for sheep, as sheep have been able to develop resistance to anemia and the negative effects of eating onions.
Onions have also been found not to affect the taste of sheep meat or their lambing ability, although toxicity from a heavy onion diet is still possible simply due to chance.
But goats, while they are more resistant than cows and can deal with just a bit of onions in their diet, should be kept away from grazing or eating wild or cultivated onions as they are still very much at risk of toxicity.
For example, while some goat owners offer their trip small amounts of onions for the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found within, we consider it too much of a risk and never allow our goats to eat onion, especially when there is a whole host of naturally antioxidant rich foods that are completely safe, such as blueberries for goats!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Onions
Are Wild Onions Poisonous To Goats?
Yes, both wild and homegrown or cultivated onions, garlic, or other members of the Allium plant genus are poisonous to goats and must be avoided.
Can Goats Eat Onion Grass?
No, even onion grass can result in hemolytic anemia in goats. Before releasing your goats into their pasture, it is always important to perform a walkthrough and ensure no toxic plants are found.
Dr. Sam does a great job of elaborating on the toxicity of onion and garlic in this informational video!
Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Onions
There we have it, the savory and biting culinary plants that we humans love are best kept away from your hobby farm animals and livestock.
Goats should not eat onions!
We always like to err on the side of caution when it comes to our goats’ happiness and health, which is why we are vigilant about keeping them away from potentially harmful foodstuffs and enjoy feeding them nutritional and safe treats such as green beans.