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Donkey Sanctuary Information Sheet

Science - Ourselves

Information Sheet No.2 – Donkey Sanctuary notes on feeding

In their natural habitat donkeys are lean, fit animals browsing on fibrous plant material, eating small quantities throughout the day and often walking considerable distances.  A well balanced high fibre diet is ideal for maintaining a healthy donkey in the correct body condition.

Most donkeys, even those undertaking limited exercise, will only require a maintenance ration.  Only underweight, old or sick individuals need any form of concentrate feeding.  Grass, hay, straw, with an equine mineral salt lick will be all the food most healthy donkeys require.  Late or second cut meadow hay is preferable because of the lower fructan (carbohydrate) levels.

Water is perhaps the most essential of all nutrients since, without it, life cannot continue for longer than a few days.  A clean, fresh supply must be available at all times.