Raising homestead or pet goats naturally results in many questions about how to best tend to your ruminant friends.
Trust us, since we started raising goats on our hobby farm we ourselves have had hundreds of questions!
Especially about the behavior of our goats around mint and if mint is a safe herb for goats to ingest.
Yes, mint plants are non-toxic herbs that goats can eat without issue. Moreover, the specific properties and components of mint can greatly benefit your herd in many, and often surprising, ways.
CAUTION! There is one particular mint species that is toxic to animals; read on to learn which mint to AVOID
Mint For Goats: Nutritional Facts
Mint is a special herb that offers incredible benefits when ingested by your goats.
And while there are many different types of mint, the most common growing in our fields of South Central Pennsylvania are:
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata),
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Horsemint (Mentha longifolia)
Now each of these mints have some unique characteristics, but the basic nutrients per 100g serving include about 3.75g of protein, 0.94g of fat, 8g of fiber and 78.6g of water.
Mints also offer the following minerals and vitamins:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
And why are these nutrients essential to goats?
Well, magnesium and potassium assist with energy production and nerve signaling while calcium is essential for nerve conduction and health of lactating females.
Iron is a micro nutrient for goats, needed for proper growth and development
Finally, vitamin C supports your goats immune system while vitamin A is a natural antioxidant and boosts overall health.
Goat Behavior: Eating Mint
In addition to the nutritional components discussed above, all mints are known for their aromatic properties.
This is because all mints contain a number of secondary plant compounds such as menthol. Menthol is a potent ally that has strong antimicrobial properties.
This means that when your goats eat mint, they are receiving a natural dose of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory plant constituents that can:
- Clean the mouth and freshen breath
- Help soothe upset, bloated, or backed up digestive systems
- Relax high strung or nervous goats
Mint For Goats – Natural Insect Repellent
The menthol in mint plants also acts as a natural bug and pest deterrent.
That’s right! Mint is known to repel multiple pests including mosquitos, flies, ticks, and fleas.
In fact, we have found our goats rubbing their heads in mint patches!
So if there is mint in your goats’ paddock, let it grow. It is a great groundcover that your herd will love and benefit from!
We don’t doubt our goats’ intelligence when it comes to mint: whenever we offer a handful of our garden mint to Jessie, one of our nannies, she will first bend her head to rub her face in it before enjoying the aeromatic greens.
Can Goats Have Mint: Toxic Mints To Avoid
Be aware! There are two mint species that must be avoid because of their toxicity:
- Perilla Mint (Perilla frutescens)
- Pennyroyal Mint (Mentha pulegium)
Perilla Mint
Perilla mint is a nonnative plant from Asia that usually grows in disturbed areas such as livestock frequented lots.
This mint is so dangerous to your goats and other livestock because it contains multiple harmful compounds that may result in atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP) when ingested.
What does that mean? AIP means that your goats lungs will fill with fluids which can cause immediate death in hours or prolonged lung failure over a period of days.
Perilla Mint Toxicity Symptoms
Unfortunately, after perilla mint ingestion the primary symptom is heavy labored breathing that quickly deteriorates and most often results in death before assistance can be given.
Pennyroyal Mint
Pennyroyal mint is known to be toxic to common pets and horses, but has not been found to be overly dangerous to livestock or goats.
While the harmful components within pennyroyal mint are usually and effectively diluted by the hays, grasses, and other foraged greens that goats primarily eat, an overindulgence in pennyroyal mint may lead to slight toxicity and negative effects.
Can Baby Goats Have Mint
Yes, the common mints can be eaten by fully or partially weaned baby goats without issues.
We define mostly weaned as receiving more than two thirds of its daily nutrition from foodstuffs other than mother’s milk.
Note that baby and immature goats are especially susceptible to the toxins within perilla and pennyroyal mint due to their developing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Mint
Can Goats Eat Mint Leaves?
Absolutely, fresh mint leaves are delicious and nutritious for goats and can be offered freely to your herd.
Can Goats Eat Lemonbalm?
Yes, lemon balm is another common garden species of mint family that is safe for goats to browse.
Can Goats Eat Catnip?
Yes, catnip is another great plant of the mint family that can be enjoyed by your whole herd and doesn’t need to be avoided.
For more information on all aspects of toxic perilla mint, check this video out
Final Thoughts On Mint for Goats
The large majority of mint plants are uniquely nutritional and beneficial to goats.
Your herd or individual goat will be happy to enjoy this fresh herb while browsing or even dried and mixed in with their hay.
But remember, for the health and longevity of your goats, avoid toxic perilla mint and be very cautious about any pennyroyal mint growing within reach of your curious and hungry goats!
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