Yes, goats can eat swiss chard.
However, swiss chard and its leaves contain oxalic acid which binds with calcium and can cause calcium deficiency, so do not overfeed your goats swiss chard.
Some goats may love the taste of swiss chard and won’t stop eating unless you force them to, or only give them swiss chard in small quantities to begin with.
How does calcium deficiency affect goats?
Calcium deficiency in goats can cause bloat, arthritis, rickets, and osteoporosis.
Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, which is why it is such healthy food for your goats, but too much of anything can be bad.
Swiss chard contains high levels of oxalic acid which have been shown to bind with calcium and mineral ions to form insoluble salts that are excreted in the feces.
Oxalic acid binds to calcium making it unavailable for absorption into an animal’s system.
Calcium is an essential element for all mammals and contributes to proper muscle function, nerve conduction, intracellular signaling, and hormonal balance.
The formation of strong bones and teeth depends on the appropriate amount of calcium in a goat’s system.
Therefore, do not overfeed your goats swiss chard because it can cause a stop all that and make your goat weaker and unhealthy. Keep the amounts low if you want to feed your goat swiss chard.
Can goat kids eat swiss chard?
Yes, goat kids can eat swiss chard.
Goat milk is high in calcium to help offset the effects of oxalic acid found in plants like swiss chard, so make sure that the goat kids you’re feeding swiss chard to are also drinking their monther’s milk enough.
Swiss chard is also an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese which makes it a healthy food for goat kids.
