Can Goats Eat Basil?

Can Goats Eat Basil? (Revealed!)

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Yes, goats can eat basil; however, as with many things, it’s important that they consume this leafy green herb in moderation (no more than twice a week). Basil has many nutrients that are beneficial to both adult and kid goats, but basil can become toxic in high doses.

 

If you are wondering, can goats eat basil, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

If you want to learn more about the specific benefits of basil and how to incorporate it into your goat’s diet then keep reading to find out.

Can Goats Eat Basil?

Why is basil good for goats?

This leafy green herb packs a powerful punch in the nutritional department.

It contains a host of antioxidants, which are well-known cancer-fighting agents and have a variety of other benefits for the body (both in humans and other animals like goats).

Additionally, basil contains calcium, vitamin A, various B vitamins, beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin K, and traces of iron and other minerals.

Because of all these nutrients, numerous studies have shown that basil has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it can help reduce swelling.

Moreover, basil is a known antimicrobial agent.

Scientific research has shown that basil can fight various strains of E. coli bacteria.

Particularly in goats, basil is known to be a natural de-wormer.

Mississippi State University recommends deworming your goats every four to six weeks from February through September.

Then is October, depending on weather conditions, you can reduce deworming to every eight to twelve weeks.

Deworming should be taken seriously; however, there are various methods, from medication to natural remedies, that can help.

Having your goats consume basil falls under one of the most natural approaches to deworming.

 

How can you feed basil to your goat?

If you want to feed your goats basil because of the nutritional and deworming benefits, then how do you get your goats to eat it?

Some goats are happy to eat basil if it’s put within their reach.

However, other goats are pickier.

If your goat is turning its nose up at basil, avoid offering it to them when they have access to one of their favorite treats.

If you were offered ice cream and Brussel sprouts at the same time, which one would you eat and which one would you leave behind?

If your goat isn’t eating their basil, don’t immediately take it away.

They might be full on more familiar tasty treats, but when they’re hungry again, they’ll likely go back to the basil out of curiosity.

Once they try it, many goats find basil quite delicious and you won’t have problems serving it to them in the future.

Goats are able to eat fresh basil leaves and dried basil leaves.

They can also eat the stems, so don’t worry if your goat gets into a basil plant in the garden.

However, do make sure that the goat isn’t eating basil in excess, as it can become toxic.

So, don’t have a field of basil growing in your yard within reach of the goats where they might gorge themselves.

 

What happens if your goat eats too much basil?

If your goat eats too much basil, they will likely have an upset stomach because the calcium and phosphorous ratios in their belly will be off.

Their digestive systems will be working overtime to eliminate the toxins from the excess basil.

As a result, your goat will probably avoid eating to give its stomach a break.

It might also have bloating and diarrhea.

If symptoms persist and your goat doesn’t seem to be getting any better, it’s important to contact a vet to make sure your goat is ok.

 

What are the benefits of growing basil in your yard?

Basil can be a very beneficial plant to grow in your yard around goats (even if they’re not within reach of the goats so they eat them regularly).

Above all, gardeners love basil because it is a natural pest repellent.

Basil is known to deter mosquitos, aphids, and asparagus beetles.

A mosquito-free outdoor environment will be very pleasurable for you when you’re spending all that time outside with your goats.

On top of that, basil is also known for keeping flies away, which will certainly increase the comfort of your goats, who can be plagued by excess flies.

 

How do you grow basil?

Basil can be grown outdoors or indoors, and it’s not too difficult to cultivate.

You can set yourself up for success by choosing a location (whether the ground or a pot) with good drainage and access to sunlight.

It’s easiest to buy small basil plants at a nursery and plant them at your home (whether the ground or a pot) by digging a small hole and patting the roots of the plant firmly in the dirt.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Be aware that basil is sensitive to the cold, so if you’re growing this herb outdoors then be sure to do so in the summer.

Once you have a healthy basil plant growing, be sure to trim it often.

Plucking the leaves actually encourages new leaves to grow.

You can share these leaves with your goat in moderation, or you can consume them yourself in salads or use them to make pesto.

Lastly, you can keep your basil leaves tasting their best by plucking any flowers that may grow on the plant.

For some reason, after flowering, basil leaves taste less delicious.

However, once the flowers are plucked, the leaves will return to their original yumminess within a few days.

It’s that simple!

With just a bit of water, sunshine, and care, you can grow amazing basil plants that can benefit your goat’s health and spruce up your own culinary endeavors.

 

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