What Do Miniature Donkeys Eat?

Miniature donkeys are related to horses, but their diet should be lower in protein. They need more roughage and will nibble on bushes and even low trees. Wild donkeys thrive in environments where a horse would starve. The miniature Mediterranean donkey is prized for its ability to work hard and live well on next to nothing.

  1. Basic Diet

    • Donkeys can do well on just hay or dried grass, usually Timothy or Bermuda. They should not be fed straw, stems of grain plants such as oats or wheat, as it has no nutritional value and can cause intestinal problems. Alfalfa hay is very rich in protein and can make them fat. They also need clean water and a mineral salt block.

    Extra Food

    • Breeding donkeys, stud jacks, pregnant or nursing jennies, may need extra nutrition from basic horse food such as crimped oats or "sweet feed" which contains molasses. Hard-working donkeys and those who live outdoors in severely cold weather may also need extra food. Limit treats of carrots, apples and other fruits and vegetables.

    Forbidden Foods

    • Donkeys should not eat grass clippings since they are too rich. Bread/baked goods are indigestible, and they should never be fed meat in any form.