Mint is a common herb found in gardens and wild spaces, leading many goat owners to wonder if it's safe for their animals. Yes, goats can eat mint and many actually love it! Mint is not only safe but can provide various health benefits including digestive support, respiratory relief, and natural pest deterrence. For comprehensive information about goat nutrition, check out our feeding goats guide.

As natural browsers, goats instinctively seek out aromatic herbs like mint in their environment. Understanding how to incorporate mint into your goat's diet can enhance their health and wellbeing while providing a refreshing treat they enjoy. Learn more about balanced goat nutrition in our guide about the best hay for goats.

In this article, readers will discover the health benefits of mint for goats, different varieties and their safety, proper feeding methods, medicinal applications, and how to grow mint specifically for your herd.

Understanding Goats and Aromatic Herbs

Goats are natural foragers with a preference for browse - leaves, twigs, and herbs - over grass. Their keen sense of smell and selective eating habits lead them to aromatic plants that often provide medicinal benefits. Different breeds may have varying browsing preferences - learn more in our best dairy goat breeds guide.

Natural Browsing Behavior

In their natural habitat, goats seek out:

1. Aromatic herbs: Including mint, oregano, thyme, and sage
2. Woody browse: Leaves and twigs from trees and shrubs
3. Forbs: Broad-leafed weeds and plants
4. Medicinal plants: Goats self-medicate by eating herbs with beneficial properties

Dairy breeds like Saanen and Nubian goats particularly benefit from herbs that support milk production and udder health. Watch for signs of nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to common goat diseases.

Why Goats Love Mint

Goats are attracted to mint because:

• Strong aroma stimulates their interest
• Cooling menthol sensation is appealing
• Fresh taste compared to dry hay
• Instinctive knowledge of medicinal benefits
• Variety in their diet

For beginners learning about goat care, our best goat breeds for beginners guide offers valuable insights.

Types of Mint Safe for Goats

Many varieties of mint are safe and beneficial for goats, though some are more palatable than others.

Common Mint Varieties

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita):

• High menthol content
• Strong flavor and aroma
• Excellent for digestive support
• Most goats love it
• Good for respiratory issues

Spearmint (Mentha spicata):

• Milder than peppermint
• Slightly sweet flavor
• Lower menthol content
• Very palatable to goats
• Gentle digestive aid

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens):

• Fruity aroma
• Fuzzy leaves
• Mild flavor
• Good for variety
• Goats readily eat it

Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita 'Chocolate'):

• Chocolate-like scent
• Similar to peppermint in benefits
• Novelty variety
• Safe and enjoyable

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):

• Technically not true mint but similar family
• Lemon scent
• Calming properties
• Safe and beneficial

Growing Conditions

Mint is extremely easy to grow:

• Thrives in most soil types
• Prefers partial shade to full sun
• Requires regular watering
• Spreads vigorously (can become invasive)
• Hardy in most climates

Tip: Plant mint in containers or use barriers to control spread, or designate a "goat herb garden" where invasiveness is welcome.

Health Benefits of Mint for Goats

Mint offers numerous therapeutic properties that support goat health.

Digestive Support

Mint is renowned for digestive benefits:

Reduces Bloating: Menthol relaxes digestive muscles, helping release trapped gas. Particularly useful for:

• Mild bloat episodes
• After grain feeding
• Digestive discomfort

Stimulates Appetite: The strong aroma can encourage eating in:

• Sick or recovering goats
• Picky eaters
• Kids transitioning to solid food

Soothes Upset Stomach: Anti-spasmodic properties calm digestive distress.

Improves Digestion: Stimulates bile flow and digestive enzymes.

Note: Mint helps with mild digestive issues but serious bloat requires immediate veterinary intervention.

Respiratory Health

Mint's menthol content benefits the respiratory system:

Expectorant Properties: Helps clear mucus from airways during:

• Mild respiratory infections
• Cold, damp weather
• Dusty conditions

Opens Airways: Menthol creates a cooling sensation that may ease breathing.

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in respiratory tract.

Soothes Coughs: Natural cough suppressant for mild irritation.

Best Used: As supportive care for minor respiratory issues. Serious respiratory problems require veterinary attention.

Natural Pest Deterrent

Mint may help repel insects:

• Strong scent may deter flies
• Possible mosquito repellent when rubbed on coat
• May reduce pest attraction in barn areas
• Hanging fresh mint bundles can freshen air

Effectiveness: Varies by individual goat and environment. Not a replacement for proper fly control measures.

Milk Production Support

For dairy goats, mint can:

• Encourage water consumption (improving milk volume)
• Provide mild flavor to milk (usually pleasant)
• Support overall health during lactation
• May have mild galactagogue properties (milk-boosting)

Note: Strong mint consumption may flavor milk. If this is undesirable, limit amounts near milking time.

Cooling Effect

Mint provides natural cooling:

• Menthol creates cooling sensation
• Helpful during hot summer months
• Can be fed fresh or as mint-infused water
• Particularly appreciated by heat-stressed goats

Feeding Mint to Goats

Mint is safe to feed freely, though variety in the diet is always best.

Fresh Mint

How to Feed:

• Offer whole stems and leaves
• Goats will browse as they choose
• Can be given by hand as treats
• Add to feed for flavor and benefits
• Hang bundles in pens for enrichment

Amounts:

• No strict limits - goats self-regulate well with mint
• Most goats eat moderate amounts by preference
• Typically a few stems to a handful daily
• Can be offered free-choice

Best Practices:

• Wash if sprayed with anything
• Ensure it's truly mint (not toxic lookalikes)
• Introduce gradually if goats haven't had it before
• Offer variety of other browse as well

Dried Mint

Preparation:

• Harvest fresh mint and dry in bundles
• Store in airtight containers
• Crumble over feed or offer whole
• Retains much of its aromatic properties

Uses:

• Winter feeding when fresh isn't available
• Mixed into grain rations
• Added to hay for palatability
• Herbal tea for medicinal purposes

Amounts: Similar to fresh - a handful or two per goat daily.

Mint Tea or Infusions

For Digestive Issues:

• Steep 1-2 cups fresh mint in 1 gallon warm water
• Cool to room temperature
• Offer as drinking water or drench (2-4 oz)
• Can help with mild bloat or upset stomach

For Respiratory Support:

• Strong mint tea can be used as steam therapy
• Place hot mint water near goat (not directly in face)
• Steam helps open airways
• Supervise carefully to prevent burns

Growing Mint for Goats

Garden Planning:

• Plant multiple varieties for diversity
• Create dedicated herb garden accessible to goats
• Use containers to control spread
• Rotate access to prevent overgrazing

Planting Tips:

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart
• Mint spreads rapidly through runners
• Will fill in an area within a season
• Harvest regularly to encourage new growth

Goat-Proof Considerations:

• Goats may eat entire plants to ground
• Protect young plants until established
• Consider rotational access to allow regrowth
• Mint usually recovers quickly from browsing

Combining Mint with Other Herbs

Mint works well with complementary herbs for enhanced benefits.

Herbal Combinations

For Digestive Health:

• Mint + garlic for parasite control
• Mint + chamomile for soothing effects
• Mint + fennel for gas relief

For Respiratory Support:

• Mint + thyme for antibacterial properties
• Mint + oregano for immune support
• Mint + garlic for infection fighting

For General Health:

• Mint + basil for antioxidants
• Mint + parsley for vitamins
• Mint + dandelions (see dandelions guide)

Herbal Supplements

Dried Herb Mix:

• Combine equal parts dried mint, oregano, thyme, and basil
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons over feed daily
• Supports immune and digestive health

Fresh Browse Bundle:

• Mix mint with other safe herbs and greens
• Hang in pen for enrichment
• Provides variety and entertainment

Safety Considerations

Mint is very safe, but a few considerations apply.

Potential Milk Flavor

For dairy goats producing milk for human consumption:

• Mint can flavor milk (usually mild and pleasant)
• Most consumers don't object to subtle mint flavor
• If concerned, limit mint near milking time
• Feed right after milking to minimize transfer
• Allow 8-12 hours between heavy mint consumption and milking

Pennyroyal Warning

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is NOT safe:

• Highly toxic due to pulegone content
• Can cause liver damage and abortion
• Never feed pennyroyal to goats, especially pregnant does
• Looks similar to other mints - know what you're offering

Identification: Pennyroyal has smaller leaves and distinct odor. When in doubt, consult a plant expert.

Overconsumption

While goats rarely overeat mint:

• Excessive amounts might cause loose stools
• Could potentially suppress appetite for other feeds
• Variety is always healthiest - offer other browse too

Self-Regulation: Goats typically regulate mint intake well and stop when satisfied.

Pesticides and Chemicals

Never feed mint that has been:

• Sprayed with pesticides or herbicides
• Grown along roadsides (chemical runoff)
• Treated with any chemicals
• From unknown sources

Only feed mint you've grown organically or from trusted chemical-free sources.

Other Safe Herbs for Goats

If you're interested in mint, consider these other beneficial herbs:

Culinary Herbs (All Safe)

• Basil - antioxidant rich
• Oregano - antimicrobial properties
• Thyme - respiratory support
• Rosemary - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Parsley - vitamin rich
• Cilantro - digestive support
• Sage - antibacterial (limit for lactating does)

Medicinal Herbs

• Chamomile - calming, digestive
• Echinacea - immune support
• Plantain - wound healing
• Comfrey - external use only
• Raspberry leaves - reproductive health

Wild Herbs

• Dandelions - nutritious, diuretic
• Clover - protein rich
• Chickweed - vitamin C source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can goats eat peppermint?

Yes, goats can eat peppermint and most love it. Peppermint is one of the most beneficial mints for goats, offering strong digestive support and respiratory benefits. You can feed fresh peppermint leaves and stems freely - goats will self-regulate their intake.

Can baby goats eat mint?

Yes, kids can eat small amounts of mint once they begin nibbling solid foods (around 2-3 weeks old). Mint can help ease digestive discomfort during weaning. Offer just a leaf or two initially, increasing gradually as they grow.

Does mint increase milk production in goats?

Mint may indirectly support milk production by encouraging water intake and supporting overall health, but it's not a strong galactagogue (milk-producing herb). Some dairy goat owners report slightly increased milk when mint is part of a varied herb diet.

Will mint change the taste of goat milk?

Mint can impart a mild, usually pleasant flavor to goat milk. Most people don't object to subtle mint notes. To minimize flavor transfer, feed mint right after milking and allow 8-12 hours before the next milking session.

Can pregnant goats eat mint?

Yes, most mint varieties are safe for pregnant goats in normal amounts. However, avoid pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) completely as it can cause abortion. Standard peppermint and spearmint are safe and can help with digestive comfort during pregnancy.

How much mint can I give my goat?

There's no strict limit on mint consumption - goats self-regulate well. Most goats eat a few stems to a generous handful daily when offered fresh mint. You can safely offer mint free-choice along with other browse and forage.

Can goats eat dried mint?

Yes, dried mint retains most of its beneficial properties and is excellent for winter feeding when fresh isn't available. Offer a handful or two per goat daily, either crumbled over feed or as whole dried stems.

Is pennyroyal safe for goats?

No, pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is toxic to goats and should never be fed. It contains pulegone which can cause liver damage and induce abortion in pregnant does. Stick to safe varieties like peppermint, spearmint, and apple mint.

Can mint help with goat bloat?

Mint can help with mild bloat by relaxing digestive muscles and helping release trapped gas. However, severe bloat is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Mint is supportive care for minor digestive discomfort, not a cure for serious bloat.

Can goats eat chocolate mint?

Yes, chocolate mint (a variety of peppermint with chocolate scent) is perfectly safe for goats. Despite the name, it contains no actual chocolate. It offers similar benefits to regular peppermint and is safe to feed freely.

Will mint repel flies on goats?

Mint may provide some fly deterrence due to its strong aroma, but effectiveness varies. Some goat owners hang mint bundles in barns to freshen air and potentially reduce fly attraction. It's not a replacement for proper fly control measures like sanitation and fly traps.

Can I grow mint in my goat pasture?

Yes, you can grow mint in goat pastures, but goats may eat it to the ground repeatedly. Mint usually recovers well from browsing. Consider planting in multiple areas or using rotational access to allow plants to establish and regrow between grazing sessions.

Conclusion

Mint is one of the best herbs you can offer goats - it's safe, beneficial, and enthusiastically enjoyed by most animals. Whether fresh or dried, mint provides digestive support, respiratory relief, natural cooling, and potential pest deterrence. The strong aroma and flavor make it an appealing treat that goats instinctively seek out for its medicinal properties.

You can safely offer mint free-choice to your herd, allowing them to self-regulate consumption. Most goats will eat moderate amounts by preference, typically a few stems to a generous handful daily. Consider growing multiple mint varieties in a dedicated herb garden to provide diversity and year-round access. Combined with other safe herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, mint can be part of a holistic approach to goat health that supports their natural foraging instincts and provides genuine health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Just remember to avoid pennyroyal, ensure your mint sources are chemical-free, and maintain variety in your goats' diet. With these simple precautions, mint can be a wonderful addition to your goat care routine that both you and your herd will appreciate.