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Yes, goats can eat lavender plants, and it’s generally safe for them in moderate amounts.
Lavender isn’t toxic to goats, and many goats will happily nibble on the fragrant leaves and flowers when they come across it.
If you’ve been asking can goats eat lavender plants because you have a garden full of it and curious goats, the short answer is yes with a few important things to keep in mind.
While goats can eat lavender plants without serious danger, it shouldn’t become a major part of their diet since goats are browsers who thrive on variety like shrubs, weeds, and grasses.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why goats can eat lavender plants, the potential benefits and risks of feeding lavender to goats, and how to offer it safely.
Let’s dig into the details so you can feel confident about letting your goats sample those purple blooms.
Why Goats Can Eat Lavender Plants
Goats can eat lavender plants because lavender contains no compounds that are known to be poisonous to ruminants like goats.
Unlike some ornamental plants that carry toxins like cyanide or alkaloids, lavender is considered a safe herb for livestock.
The essential oils in lavender, like linalool and camphor, are present in small amounts that don’t harm goats when eaten fresh.
In fact, goats can eat lavender plants as a natural dewormer of sorts, since some goat owners report that the aromatic compounds help with mild internal parasite loads.
But that’s more anecdotal than proven, so don’t rely on lavender as your only health strategy.
Still, goats can eat lavender plants and often enjoy the sensory experience of sniffing and tasting something new.
1. Lavender Is Non-Toxic to Goats
The biggest reason goats can eat lavender plants is that the ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs and cats, but goats are different.
For goats, lavender is not classified as a poisonous plant by veterinary toxicology sources.
The concern with lavender and small pets comes from their inability to metabolize certain essential oils, but goats have a robust digestive system with a four-chambered stomach.
That rumen is designed to break down fibrous and even mildly aromatic plant material, so goats can eat lavender plants with fewer risks than your cat.
Still, moderation is key because too much of any new plant can upset a goat’s stomach.
2. Lavender Offers Some Nutritional Value
When goats can eat lavender plants, they’re getting a few useful nutrients along with the flavor.
Lavender leaves and flowers contain small amounts of fiber, calcium, and antioxidants.
These antioxidants can help support a goat’s immune system when offered as part of a varied diet.
The fiber in lavender isn’t as substantial as hay or grass, but it adds a little roughage.
So while goats can eat lavender plants, think of it as a treat rather than a staple feed.
3. Natural Aroma May Deter Pests
Some goat owners plant lavender around the pasture because goats can eat lavender plants while also benefiting from the plant’s pest-repelling properties.
Lavender’s strong scent naturally deters flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.
When goats brush against or nibble on lavender, the oils can transfer to their coats and offer mild protection.
This is a nice bonus if you’re looking for natural ways to keep your goats comfortable in warmer months.
Risks to Watch When Feeding Lavender to Goats
Even though goats can eat lavender plants, there are some risks you need to be aware of before you toss them a big bundle.
1. Overeating Can Cause Digestive Upset
Goats can eat lavender plants, but if they binge on a huge amount at once, they might experience bloating or diarrhea.
The essential oils in lavender can irritate the lining of the stomach when consumed in excess.
Signs of digestive upset include a goat that stops eating, seems lethargic, or shows a swollen belly.
If you notice these symptoms after offering lavender, remove the plant and provide plenty of fresh water and hay.
2. Pesticides and Chemicals on Store-Bought Lavender
If you’re giving lavender from a nursery or florist, those plants may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers that are toxic to goats.
Always source lavender from an organic garden or your own backyard where you know no chemicals were used.
A good rinse under water can help remove surface residues, but it won’t eliminate systemic pesticides.
So for safety, the best way to feed lavender to goats is to grow it yourself without sprays.
3. Individual Goats May Have Sensitivities
Just like people, some goats can eat lavender plants while others might turn up their noses or have a mild reaction.
Start with a small handful to see how your goat responds before offering more.
If your goat shows signs of allergy like excessive scratching, coughing, or swelling, stop feeding lavender immediately.
Most goats won’t have issues, but paying attention to each animal’s reaction is always smart.
How to Safely Offer Lavender to Goats
Because goats can eat lavender plants, you want to offer it in a way that maximizes safety and enjoyment.
1. Fresh Lavender in Small Amounts
Fresh lavender is the best option, and you can hang a small bunch in their pen or scatter a few stalks on the ground.
Goats can eat lavender plants straight from the stem, so no need to chop it up finely.
Just make sure the stems aren’t woody or too tough, as those could pose a choking hazard for younger goats.
A few sprigs per goat per day is plenty to satisfy their curiosity without overdoing it.
2. Dried Lavender as an Occasional Treat
Dried lavender can also be offered, but remember that drying concentrates the essential oils.
This means goats can eat lavender plants in dried form, but you should give even smaller amounts than fresh.
Mix a pinch of dried lavender into their grain or scatter it in their hay for a fun aroma surprise.
Dried lavender isn’t a substitute for fresh pasture, but it adds variety to their routine.
3. Plant Lavender in a Grazing Area
If you have space, plant lavender in a corner of your goat’s rotation area so they can graze it naturally.
Goats can eat lavender plants at their own pace when it’s growing in their environment, which helps prevent overeating.
Just be aware that goats might trample the plants before they ever eat them, so protect young lavender with fencing until it’s established.
This way, your goats get a self-serve herb garden that’s both safe and enriching.
So, Can Goats Eat Lavender Plants?
Goats can eat lavender plants, and it’s a safe, enjoyable treat when offered with common sense.
The reason goats can eat lavender plants is that lavender is non-toxic to them, provides minor nutritional benefits, and even offers natural pest-deterrent properties.
You just need to watch portion sizes, avoid chemically treated plants, and monitor your individual goat’s reaction.
Whether you offer fresh sprigs or let them browse your garden, goats can eat lavender plants as an occasional addition to their diverse diet.
Always prioritize their main forage of hay, grass, and goat-specific feed, and use lavender as a fun supplement.
Hope this clears up your question about goats and lavender so you can confidently share that purple plant with your herd.
Happy goat keeping.