How it works
Hay is the base of a goat's diet. A goat on a hay-only diet eats about 3.5% of its body weight in hay a day, so a 150 lb doe eats about 5 lb, plus whatever is wasted. Grain is added only when a goat needs more than hay can give: in late pregnancy, when milking, while growing and for a buck in rut. Dry does and wethers usually do fine on good hay or pasture alone, and wethers in particular are better kept off grain.
How to use it
Group goats by stage and run each group separately, since a milking doe and a wether eat very differently. Use actual weights if you can (a weight tape helps). The grain figures are typical starting points for a commercial goat feed; adjust to the goat's body condition, and make any change in feed slowly over 7–10 days.
Reference chart
| Stage | Hay per day | Grain per day |
|---|---|---|
| Dry doe | about 3.5% of body weight | none on good hay |
| Wether | about 3.5% of body weight | none (best kept off grain) |
| Late pregnancy (last 6 weeks) | about 3.5% of body weight | about 0.5% of body weight |
| Milking doe | about 3.5% of body weight | about 1 lb per 3 lb of milk |
| Growing kid | about 3.5% of body weight | about 1% of body weight |
| Breeding buck | about 3.5% of body weight | about 0.5% of body weight |
Frequently asked questions
How much hay does a goat eat per day?
About 3.5% of its body weight on a hay-only diet, so about 5 lb for a 150 lb goat and about 2.5 lb for a 70 lb Nigerian Dwarf. Add 10–25% for hay that gets pulled out and wasted.
How much grain should I feed a goat?
Many goats need none. Common starting points are about 0.5% of body weight in late pregnancy, about 1 lb of grain for every 3 lb of milk for a milking doe, and about 1% of body weight for a growing kid. Watch body condition and adjust.
Should wethers get grain?
Usually not. Wethers do well on hay or pasture and loose goat minerals, and grain-heavy diets are linked to urinary stones in male goats. A handful as a treat is fine.
How many bales of hay does a goat need for a year?
A 150 lb goat eats about 5.25 lb a day. Over 365 days with 15% waste that is about 2,250 lb, roughly 45 small square bales. Goats on pasture for part of the year need far less.
Figures are typical values from university extension and breed-association guidance. Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian. Last reviewed 2026-10-07.