Walnuts are known for their health benefits in human diets, but goat owners often wonder if these rich nuts are appropriate for their animals. Goats can eat walnuts in very limited amounts, but they should be fed sparingly due to high fat content, tannins, and potential digestive issues. While not toxic, walnuts present several concerns that make them a less-than-ideal treat for goats. For comprehensive information about goat nutrition, check out our feeding goats guide.

The dense caloric content, hard shells, and tannin levels in walnuts require careful consideration before including them in a goat's diet. Understanding both the benefits and risks helps prevent health problems while allowing for occasional safe treats. Learn more about balanced goat nutrition in our guide about the best hay for goats.

In this article, readers will discover the nutritional profile of walnuts, why moderation is critical, the difference between English and black walnuts, safer alternatives, and essential safety guidelines for feeding walnuts to goats.

Understanding Goats and High-Fat Foods

Goats possess a specialized four-chambered digestive system optimized for processing fibrous plant materials. While they can handle some fats, their rumen is designed primarily for fermenting cellulose from browse, hay, and forage. Different breeds may have varying nutritional needs - learn more in our best dairy goat breeds guide.

Rumen Function and Fat Digestion

The goat's digestive process involves:

1. Rumen Fermentation: Microbes break down fiber into usable nutrients
2. pH Balance: Must remain relatively stable (6.0-7.0) for optimal microbial activity
3. Fat Processing: Occurs mainly in the small intestine, not the rumen
4. Microbial Impact: Excess fat can coat feed particles and inhibit bacterial digestion

Dairy breeds like Saanen and Nubian goats may tolerate slightly more fat to support milk production, but moderation remains essential. Watch for signs of nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to common goat diseases.

Natural Nut Consumption

In the wild, goats may occasionally encounter:

• Fallen walnuts from black walnut trees
• Other tree nuts during browse
• Wild almonds and acorns

However, these are incidental foods, not dietary staples. For beginners learning about goat care, our best goat breeds for beginners guide offers valuable insights.

Nutritional Profile of Walnuts

Walnuts are nutrient-dense but come with specific considerations for goat consumption.

Macronutrient Composition

Protein: Walnuts contain approximately 15% protein, which is moderate compared to other nuts like almonds. Learn about feeding almonds to goats.

Fat Content: At 65% fat, walnuts are extremely high in lipids:

• Rich in polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids
• Can disrupt rumen function when overfed
• Provides concentrated calories (about 185 calories per ounce)
• May cause digestive upset in goats unaccustomed to high-fat foods

Fiber: Limited fiber content compared to goat's dietary needs.

Vitamins and Minerals

Walnuts provide beneficial nutrients:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), beneficial for inflammation control.

Vitamin E: Antioxidant supporting immune function and reproduction.

B Vitamins: Including folate and B6 for metabolism.

Minerals:

• Magnesium for muscle and nerve function
• Phosphorus for bone health (can create calcium-phosphorus imbalance)
• Manganese for bone formation
• Copper for coat health

While nutritious, goats can obtain these nutrients from more appropriate sources without the risks associated with walnuts.

Tannin Content

Black Walnuts: High in tannins, which can:

• Reduce protein digestibility
• Cause digestive irritation
• Potentially affect kidney function with excessive consumption
• Create bitter taste (some goats refuse them)

English Walnuts: Lower tannin levels, generally better tolerated.

English Walnuts vs. Black Walnuts

The type of walnut matters significantly for goat consumption.

English (Persian) Walnuts

Characteristics:

• Thinner shells, easier to crack
• Lower tannin content
• Milder flavor
• More commonly available commercially

For Goats:

• Better tolerated than black walnuts
• Still should be fed very sparingly
• Lower risk of tannin-related issues
• Choking risk still present

Black Walnuts

Characteristics:

• Thick, extremely hard shells
• High tannin content
• Strong, bitter flavor
• Common in wild/natural settings

For Goats:

• Higher risk due to tannins
• Shell is too hard for safe consumption
• Some goats refuse due to bitter taste
• Can cause more pronounced digestive upset

Black Walnut Trees: The leaves, bark, and hulls are toxic to horses and can cause laminitis, but goats are generally more resistant. However, excessive consumption should still be avoided.

Feeding Walnuts to Goats: Guidelines

If you choose to offer walnuts, strict limitations and proper preparation are essential.

Preparation Methods

Shelled Walnuts Only:

• Always remove shells completely
• Shells present severe choking hazards
• Hard shells can damage teeth or digestive tract
• No nutritional value in shells

Chopped or Crushed:

• Break walnuts into small pieces
• Reduces choking risk
• Easier digestion
• Better portion control

Fresh Walnuts Only:

• Check for rancidity (bitter smell, dark color)
• Avoid moldy walnuts (aflatoxin risk)
• Store properly in cool, dry conditions
• Discard any questionable nuts

Never Feed:

• Salted or seasoned walnuts
• Candied or chocolate-covered walnuts
• Walnut pieces with shell fragments
• Rancid or moldy walnuts

Appropriate Serving Sizes

Walnuts should be rare, occasional treats:

Adult Goats (over 1 year):

• 2-4 walnut halves per goat, maximum once every 2 weeks
• English walnuts preferred over black walnuts

Lactating Does:

• Not recommended - high fat can alter milk composition
• If fed, no more than 2 walnut halves monthly

Kids (6 months to 1 year):

• 1 walnut half maximum, once monthly
• High choking risk - avoid if possible

Young Kids (under 6 months):

• Never feed walnuts - serious choking and digestive hazards

Wethers and Bucks:

• Maximum 2-3 walnut halves every 2 weeks
• Monitor for urinary issues (phosphorus content)

When to Avoid Walnuts Completely

Do not feed walnuts to goats with:

• History of digestive problems
• Obesity or overweight condition
• Urinary calculi (stones) history or risk
• Kidney issues
• Recent illness or recovery period
• Pregnancy complications

Potential Risks and Health Concerns

Several significant risks accompany walnut feeding.

Choking Hazards

Walnuts present serious choking risks:

• Size and texture can lodge in throat
• Hard pieces may not be chewed adequately
• Shell fragments are particularly dangerous
• Critical: Always chop walnuts and remove all shell material

Digestive Issues

Excessive walnuts can cause:

Rumen Acidosis: High fat disrupts pH balance:

• Reduced feed intake
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Depression and lethargy
• Decreased fiber digestion efficiency

Tannin Effects (especially black walnuts):

• Reduced protein absorption
• Digestive irritation
• Potential kidney stress with overconsumption

Bloating: Fat can coat feed particles, causing gas buildup.

Diarrhea: Common response to unfamiliar high-fat foods.

Nutritional Imbalances

Regular walnut feeding creates problems:

Obesity: Extremely high calorie content (about 185 calories per ounce) leads to rapid weight gain.

Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio: Walnuts are high in phosphorus but low in calcium:

• Can contribute to urinary calculi (stones)
• Particularly problematic for wethers and bucks
• May affect bone health with long-term imbalance

Reduced Forage Intake: Goats may fill up on calorie-dense walnuts instead of necessary roughage.

Toxicity and Contamination Concerns

Aflatoxin: Moldy walnuts produce dangerous toxins:

• Causes liver damage
• Suppresses immune function
• Can be fatal in severe cases
• Always inspect walnuts carefully

Juglone: Found in black walnut trees, leaves, and hulls:

• Toxic to many plants and some animals
• Goats are relatively resistant
• Still avoid feeding hulls, leaves, or green walnuts

Rancidity: Old walnuts develop rancid fats:

• Causes digestive upset
• Reduces nutritional value
• Creates unpleasant taste

Signs of Walnut-Related Problems

Monitor goats closely after feeding walnuts.

Immediate Symptoms (Within 24 hours)

• Choking or difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling or cud-chewing difficulty
• Loss of appetite
• Loose stools or diarrhea
• Bloated appearance or discomfort
• Lethargy or unusual behavior

Longer-Term Issues (Days to weeks)

• Persistent digestive upset
• Rapid weight gain
• Decreased interest in hay and browse
• Reduced milk production (dairy goats)
• Urinary problems (straining, blood in urine)
• Dull coat or poor body condition

Emergency Signs

Contact a veterinarian immediately if you observe:

• Severe choking or respiratory distress
• Extreme bloating or signs of pain
• Complete loss of appetite lasting over 24 hours
• Bloody diarrhea
• Signs of urinary blockage (especially in males)

Safer Alternatives to Walnuts

Many better treat options provide nutrition without walnut risks.

Better Seed Options

Sunflower Seeds: Excellent protein source with lower fat content. See our sunflower seeds guide.

Pumpkin Seeds: Good protein, potential deworming properties. Learn about feeding pumpkin.

Flax Seeds: Omega-3 source, smaller and safer.

Safer Nut Alternatives

Peanuts: Lower fat than walnuts, better tolerated (technically a legume). Check our peanuts guide.

Note on Almonds: Similar concerns to walnuts. See almonds guide.

Recommended Treats

Fruits (moderation):

• Apples (remove seeds)
• Carrots
• Watermelon
• Pears

Vegetables:

• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce

Browse and Herbs:

• Dandelions
• Mint
• Basil

Quality Protein Sources:

• Alfalfa hay (15-20% protein)
• Oats
• Commercial goat feed formulated for specific needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can goats eat black walnuts?

Goats can technically eat black walnuts in very small amounts, but they're not recommended due to high tannin content. Tannins can reduce protein digestibility and cause digestive irritation. English walnuts are a safer choice if you must feed walnuts, though all walnuts should be strictly limited.

Can goats eat walnut shells?

No, goats should never eat walnut shells. They're extremely hard, present severe choking hazards, can damage teeth and the digestive tract, and offer no nutritional value. Always completely shell walnuts before offering to goats.

Are walnut leaves safe for goats?

Walnut leaves, especially from black walnut trees, contain juglone and tannins. While goats are more resistant than some animals, these leaves should generally be avoided. Goats may occasionally browse them without issue, but they shouldn't be a regular part of the diet.

Can walnuts increase milk production?

No, walnuts won't increase milk production and may actually harm it. The high fat content can alter milk composition and flavor, and the nutritional imbalances may affect overall health. Better protein sources like quality alfalfa support lactation more effectively.

How many walnuts can kill a goat?

Walnuts aren't acutely toxic and won't "kill" goats in typical amounts. However, large quantities can cause severe digestive upset, rumen acidosis, and long-term health problems. The danger is more from choking, aflatoxin in moldy nuts, or chronic health issues from regular overfeeding.

Can baby goats eat walnuts?

No, baby goats (kids under 6 months) should never eat walnuts. The choking risk is severe, their developing digestive systems can't handle high-fat foods, and walnuts provide no benefits that aren't better obtained from milk and appropriate kid feed.

Can goats eat English walnuts?

English walnuts are safer than black walnuts due to lower tannin content, but should still be fed very sparingly - maximum 2-4 shelled, chopped halves per adult goat every 2 weeks. They must be fresh, unsalted, completely shelled, and chopped to reduce choking risk.

Do walnuts cause urinary stones in goats?

Walnuts can contribute to urinary calculi (stone) formation, especially in wethers and bucks. They're high in phosphorus but low in calcium, creating an imbalance that promotes stone development. This is another reason to severely limit or avoid walnut feeding.

Can goats eat rancid walnuts?

Never feed rancid walnuts to goats. Rancid nuts have spoiled fats that cause digestive upset, provide poor nutrition, and can make goats sick. Check walnuts for freshness - they should smell pleasant and nutty, not bitter or musty.

Can pregnant goats eat walnuts?

Pregnant goats should not receive walnuts. The high fat content, nutritional imbalances, and digestive risks provide no benefit and could potentially cause problems. Pregnant does need balanced nutrition from quality hay, appropriate grain, and proper minerals - not high-fat treats.

Are walnut trees toxic to goats?

Black walnut trees contain juglone in leaves, bark, and hulls, which is toxic to many plants and animals. Goats are relatively resistant and may browse leaves occasionally without issues, but avoid feeding large amounts. The actual nut kernels (not hulls) are the safest part.

Can goats eat walnut butter?

Walnut butter should not be fed to goats. It's too concentrated in fats and calories, presents a choking hazard due to sticky texture, and may contain added ingredients like salt or sugar that are inappropriate for goats.

Conclusion

While walnuts aren't acutely toxic to goats, they're far from an ideal treat. The extremely high fat content (65%), choking hazards from shells and large pieces, tannin content (especially in black walnuts), and potential for digestive upset and nutritional imbalances make them a poor choice for regular feeding. If you offer walnuts at all, strict limitations are critical: no more than 2-4 completely shelled, chopped walnut halves per adult goat, once every 2 weeks at most, and never for young kids.

English walnuts are preferable to black walnuts due to lower tannin content, but even these should be occasional treats rather than regular supplements. Many safer alternatives exist, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, fruits like apples and carrots, and vegetables like celery. Always prioritize quality hay, browse, and properly balanced feeds as the foundation of your goat's diet. When in doubt about walnuts, skip them entirely - your goats will thrive on more appropriate nutritional choices without the associated risks.