Yes, donkeys can eat straw, and it is actually a crucial part of their diet.
Understanding the Donkey Diet
Donkeys have evolved to thrive on sparse, fibrous forage. Unlike horses, they are very efficient at extracting nutrients from poor-quality plants and can easily become overweight on rich diets.
Why Straw is Essential
According to expert guidance, straw should make up the majority of most donkeys' diets. It provides essential fibre and bulk without excessive calories or energy, which helps keep their digestive system healthy and their weight in check.
- Straw serves as the primary forage source.
- Grazing, hay, or haylage are considered supplementary 'top-ups'.
This dietary approach reflects the donkey's natural feeding habits in arid or semi-arid environments where forage is typically high in fibre and low in nutritional value.
The Risks of Feeding Without Straw
Providing donkeys with diets primarily based on grass and hay, without sufficient straw, can have negative health consequences. As the reference notes:
Feeding a donkey on grass and hay without providing any straw will end up over-supplying them with calories and energy, causing them to store the excess calories as fat.
Excess calories lead to weight gain, which can predispose donkeys to serious health issues such as laminitis, metabolic syndrome, and liver problems. Therefore, incorporating straw as the main component of their diet is vital for preventing obesity and maintaining long-term health.
In summary, far from being unsuitable, straw is a fundamental and necessary part of a healthy donkey's diet, forming the bulk of their daily feed intake.
