Goat Feed Ration Calculator
Goats typically eat dry matter equal to about 3 to 4 percent of their body weight a day, often a little more than sheep and higher in lactation. This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable dry-matter intake percent (default 3.5), then converts that to an as-fed amount by dividing by the feed's dry-matter content (since intake targets are set on a dry-matter basis but feed is weighed as-fed). Enter body weight, the intake percent, and the feed dry-matter percent. It estimates total intake only, not nutrient balance: formulate a balanced ration with an extension specialist, and change feeds gradually to protect the rumen.
About 3 to 4 percent; higher for lactation and growing kids.
Hay around 85 to 90 percent; fresh browse much lower.
Goat ration formula
Daily dry matter = body weight * (DMI percent / 100)
As-fed amount = daily dry matter / (feed dry-matter percent / 100)
Dry-matter intake is the moisture-free feed the animal needs; the as-fed amount is what you weigh out, including the feed's water. Both are in pounds per day.
Feeding context
- Dry-matter intake is about 3 to 4 percent of body weight per day.
- Intake rises in lactation and for growing kids.
- Goat mineral needs differ from sheep, notably copper.
- This estimates total intake, not nutrient balance.
- Change feeds gradually to protect the rumen.
Goat feed: frequently asked questions
How much does a goat eat per day?
Goats typically eat dry matter equal to about 3 to 4 percent of their body weight per day, often a little higher than sheep, and more in lactation. This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable dry-matter intake percent, defaulting to 3.5 percent, so you can match your animals.
What is the difference between dry matter and as-fed?
Dry matter is feed with all moisture removed; as-fed is the feed as you weigh it, including its water. Intake targets are set on a dry-matter basis, so divide the dry-matter amount by the feed's dry-matter percent to get the as-fed weight to provide.
Why are the percentages editable?
Because they vary with the animal and the feed. Dry-matter intake rises in lactation and for growing kids, and feed dry-matter content ranges from low (fresh browse and pasture) to high (hay and grain). Editable inputs keep the estimate honest for your situation.
Does this replace a balanced ration?
No. It estimates total intake, not the balance of energy, protein, minerals (including copper, which differs for goats versus sheep), and vitamins. Formulate a balanced ration with an extension specialist, especially for does in late pregnancy and lactation and for growing kids.
How should I change a goat's feed safely?
Introduce new feeds gradually over one to two weeks so rumen microbes can adapt. Sudden changes, particularly to grain, can cause acidosis and enterotoxaemia. Provide clean water and adequate forage at all times.
Official sources
- National Academies Press: Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (NRC).
- Penn State Extension: Goat production and nutrition.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.