Spinach: A Hearty Leafy Green
My first memory of spinach as a healthy green was the Popeye the Sailor comic. Popeye would crack a can of spinach when strength was needed and be fortified by the green!
While spinach’s effect on Popeye was hyperbolic, it was based off of the greens high iron content and other available nutrients.
For example: the vitamin K in spinach helps support bone health, while natural antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin contribute to long term eye-health, and the fibers within this dark green assist with digestion.
Granted, for goats who demand a highly fibrous diet, spinach doesn’t come close to meeting their daily needs, but with 2g of fiber per 100g serving, the leafy green can be mixed with hay for a yummy boost!
Spinach: Risky In Large Amounts For Goats
We can’t talk about spinach without mentioning the natural oxalates it contains, and its health risk to goats.
So, what are oxalates?
Oxalates, also known as oxalic acids, are anions found naturally within different plants. Common sources of oxalates are beet greens and, at a very dangerous level, rhubarb (this is why rhubarb leaves cannot be eaten!).
Spinach contains a high amount of oxalic acids: up to 755mg per half cup. Compare this to the recommendation of no more than 50mg per day for those on a low oxalate diet.
The catch with oxalates is that they bind with calcium upon leaving the body, and can therefore cause kidney stones and urinary tract issues.
Large amounts of oxalates in your goats’ diets will cause urinary calculi, painful and dangerous calcium solid build-up in the urinary tract!
Urinary calculi is not a light issue, it is often fatal to goats, especially young, castrated male goats.
Is Spinach Safe For Goats To Eat
Generally speaking, yes, spinach is safe for goats to eat in moderation.
There are just some serious considerations and best guidelines to follow:
- Because of the sheer quantity of oxalates that spinach contains, we do not recommend offering it to any of your goats that have had urinary or kidney issues in the past.
- Similarly, even for healthy goats we do not recommend more than a few handfuls of spinach per week.
- Do not offer immature, or newly castrated goats spinach.
- Observe your goats closely when offering them spinach. Two goats can react very differently!
How To Tell If Your Goat Has Urinary Calculi
Signs that your goat is suffering from calcium solids in their urinary tract include:
- Excessive tail twitching
- Painful vocalization while urinating
- Inability to urinate
If you notice any of these symptoms in your goats, call your local vet immediately, specific medications and anti-inflammatories are required in order to resolve the issue.
Do NOT make your goat drink more water, as this is likely to lead to a burst bladder, which is fatal!
What Greens Can Goats Eat
There is a wide range of leafy greens that goats can eat. But before we list them off, remember that NO leafy green can provide your goats with the dense fibers they require.
This is why we offer leafy greens, veggies, and fruits to our goats as snacks and treats, keeping them on a foraged diet supplemented by unlimited quantities of high quality hay and some goat-specific feeds.
Leafy Greens For Goats
- Kale
- Lettuces
- Arugula
- Mint
- Grasses
- Dandelion Greens
- Violet Greens
Learn more about lettuce for goats in our post on the topic!
What Greens Can Goats NOT Eat
There are a few leafy greens that are like spinach and should be offered to goats in measured amounts.
It is not so much that goats CAN’T ingest these greens, moreso that they should only do so in small amounts. Examples of such greens include:
- Mustard greens
- Beet greens
- Parsley family plants
- Swiss chard
We will have more information on these particular greens coming soon; stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Lettuce
Can Goats Eat Cabbage?
Yes, goats can eat cabbage as a snack. But be aware: cabbage can poison your goats if ingested in large amounts!
Read our post on Cabbage For Goats to learn more before you give this veggie to your nannies and billies.
Learn more about the complex nutrition spinach offers from this Dr. Berg video.
Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Spinach
Who knew that spinach was such a mixed bag of awesome health benefits and serious health risks!
We don’t recommend spinach as a go-to snack for goats, preferring instead much safer treats such as gourds, zucchini, or apples.
Remember, whether you choose to give your goats this dark green or not, remember to always give them access to hay, as this high fiber foodstuff is essential to their diet and dietary needs!