Title Feeding pet goats and sheep this autumn

Sarah Day, nutritionist at Small Holder Feed, explains practical steps to keep pet ruminants, including those on visitor farms, healthy, calm and easy to manage this season by ensuring a balanced diet

- By Sarah Day, nutritionist at Small Holder Feed

The feed needed by pet goats and sheep is different from the diet used for commercial milk, meat or fibre production. Rather than feeding for output, your goal is steady maintenance, meeting daily vitamin and mineral needs without driving weight gain.

For mature pets, the role of the daily bucket feed is to supply essential vitamins and minerals, add useful fibre, and keep calories modest so body condition stays stable. Many sheep and goat pet breeds are smaller framed with quieter temperaments, so their nutritional needs are lower. Avoid high-output commercial diets that are designed for fast growth or heavy milk yield, as these are often richer in energy and protein than a pet requires and can quickly push weight up, which affects mobility and long-term health. Choose feeds formulated for non-intensive conditions or traditional breeds and keep the daily amount consistent.

Feeding the recommended amount of a balanced, species-specific feed each day not only prevents gaps or excesses in the diet but also builds routine and trust. Use this calm feeding time to run your hands over neck, ribs and rump, check feet and eyes, and note any cuts, scabs or lumps. You will spot changes earlier, which makes management easier and kinder.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FEED