Rice (Oryza sativa) is an ancient grain that has become a staple of many diets, especially due to its high protein and energy content.
Rice has been incorporated into livestock and pet foodstuff as well, with many commercial dog foods, cat foods, and livestock feeds containing some form of rice.
So, can goats eat rice? Is rice healthy for goats? Or should you avoid offering your herd this grain protein.
Is Rice Okay For Goats?
Yes, as a general rule, rice and unprocessed rice by-products are safe for your goats to consume.
The complex digestive system of goats can definitely handle rice and there is no threat of indigestion or bloating if it is offered in measured amounts.
In fact, the rice grain itself is extremely nutritious and brown rice offers the following per 100g:
- 7.54g Proteins
- 76.2g Carbohydrates
- 3.6g Dietary Fibers
- 0.66g Sugars
As well as a whole host of micronutrients, including some goat specific essentials such as:
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
Along with other highly beneficial minerals like iron, manganese and potassium.
Now it is true that rice is low in fiber content, which is so important to a goat’s ruminant digestive system. For this reason, rice really can’t assist with digestion and shouldn’t be treated as a primary feed, although the quantity of micronutrients and protein it provides makes it a worthy contender when it comes to goat supplemental feed.
In fact, many farmers have used rice grains and by-products as a dietary supplement for their ruminant animals as it supports healthy growth, results in good quality meat, and can fortify pregnant and lactating nannies.
It has actually become quite common practice to use rough rice (the entire, ground rice grain) for fattening purposes in cows, sheep and pigs.
Should Goats Get Grain Everyday
As natural browsers, goats on the homestead must have access to a wide range of greens, hay, and woody plants. A goat’s best diet is made of coarse, green plant fibers and roughage, which naturally meets many of their macronutrient needs.
And you can feel free to supplement this diet with select grains that will boost your trip’s health and growth, or tasty goat-safe treats such as zucchini or pineapple.
However, the only time we ever offer grains to our goats daily is during an intensive feeding time during pregnancy, lactation, or throughout cold winter months.
Overall, grains should never be the primary diet of your goats! Goats’ digestive systems have evolved to metabolize green food stuff and too many grains on a daily basis can quickly result in obesity, bodily system and function imbalances, and other long term health issues.
Can Goats Eat Uncooked Rice or Raw Rice
There are a number of different options when it comes to offering your goats rice, and it can be confusing to know which ones are best.
It is a fact that many goat owners feed both cooked and uncooked rice to their goats without issues. And its true that small amounts of cooled, cooked rice offers your goats lots of protein and minerals.
We however, always opt for raw or uncooked rice options as we feel they are more appropriate for goats’ digestive systems (which have evolved to digest raw plant foodstuff).
There is also a common belief that uncooked rice can absorb water and swell within the rumen and stomach of a goat before digestion can occur, but this is a common misconception: goats that eat whole or partial rice grains begin digesting and breaking them down so quickly upon ingestion that there is no risk of a ballooning effect.
However, if too much rice is offered or if rice is offered too frequently, your goat can experience stomach upsets due to the natural modification to their gut microflora, which changes with the food they consume.
What Are The Types of Rice Goats Can Eat
Rice Straw For Goats
Rice straw is a byproduct of harvesting rice. It has been used as fodder for livestock and while it is not as rich in nutrients and has a higher silica and oxalate content (things to consider for sure), rice straw is an option if no fresh fodder is available as it still contains quantities of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Rice Bran For Goats
Many goat owners ask Can Goats Eat Rice Bran?
The answer is yes! Rice bran refers to the outer layer of the rice grain that is removed during processing. It contains a 10-15% protein content (it has been lauded as one of the most nutrient dense parts of the rice plant) and is a great option for any pregnant or nursing nannies.
And read up on How Often Goats Go Into Heat if you are thinking about breeding your nanny goats!
Uncooked Rice For Goats
As stated, uncooked rice is completely safe and digestible for your goats.
We like to buy pre-ground rice grains at our local feed store and offer it to our goats during the cold winter months when it is harder for them to keep weight on due to the lack of green roughage.
Cooked Rice For Goats
Again, cooked rice is also safe and digestible for goats, and you can offer a scoop of cooled cooked rice to your goats every once in a while for a nice energy and carb boost.
The key is to always observe your goats closely, especially when a new food is introduced to them. Their reactions (and droppings!) will tell you a lot about what they think of the new food and if it is easily digestible for them.
The Rice Varieties That Goats Can Have
All rice varieties can be eaten by goats, including:
- White Rice
- Brown Rice
- Basmati Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Sushi Rice
Obviously, the most nutritious varieties are the less processed or selected ones, such as brown rice and wild rice.
And the exact nutritional qualities and quantities of the rice do differ according to variety, for example raw, white, medium grain white rice contains 6.61g of protein per 100 grams while raw, brown, medium grain brown rice offers 7.5g of protein per 100 grams.
However, all types of white rice (which goes through a more involved cleaning and sometimes bleaching process) still offers lots of nutrients and minerals to goats.
Can Goats Eat Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a sweet dish that is made with milk, rice, sugar and other ingredients.
Rice pudding is much too sugary and is not a goat friendly dish. We do not recommend ever offering your goats this dessert food.
What Forms of Rice Are Unsafe For Goats
Rice becomes unsafe for goats when it is in a highly processed state.
This can mean it is mixed with multiple other ingredients, contains artificial flavors and colors, oils, added sugars, or spices.
For example, rice krispies are a big no-no for goats. These sugary treats contain almost no redeeming nutritional value and it is a much better option to offer your goats ground or cooked plain rice or a healthier sweet treat such as bananas.
Furthermore, because the micro bacterias present in a goat’s rumen changes due to its diet, any new food must be introduced slowly in order to not cause upset and indigestion.
So while goats are not under threat through the consumption of rice, if they are not used to it they can experience indigestion if it is not introduced in small amounts over a period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Rice
Can Goats Eat Rice Cakes?
Plain, unflavored rice cakes can be offered to your goats. However, these processed rice food products don’t pack the nutritional or protien value of other forms of rice and don’t support much of your goat’s nutritional needs.
Can Goats Eat Rice Sprouts?
Yes, sprouted rice and rice sprouts are safe for your goats to consume! Rice sprouts can even help ensure your goats’ water needs are met due to their high water content.
Final Thoughts on Grains For Goats and Can Goats Eat Rice
Rice is a nutrient dense, albeit low in fiber, grain that can serve your goats if they are in need of dense nutrition, weight gain, or supplemental feeding during pregnancy or lactation.
Remember to take it slow and offer any rice product bit by bit if it is a new food item for your herd. In no time they will be accustomed to digesting this healthy grain and you will see the benefits in their increased energy and overall development.