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No. Grapes are not suitable for donkeys. They are very high in sugar and small and round – two reasons in themselves to leave them out. Grapevine cuttings, grape leaves, pomace or fermented grapes should not be anywhere near your donkey.
Why grapes should not be part of a donkey's feed
Donkeys come from barren regions. Their digestive system is designed for high-fiber, low-energy, low-sugar feed. Grapes are among the highest-sugar fruits commonly found in a normal kitchen. Too much sugar and too rich a diet promote obesity and are considered a major risk factor for laminitis in donkeys. Poor feeding can also promote colic.
There is also a very practical problem: grapes are tempting. One grape is quickly given, and then another, and another. What seems like a harmless gesture can quickly turn into a handful of sugar. A clear rule – no grapes – is much easier to stick to in everyday life.
Small and round: the problem with the shape
For all treats, the rule is: cut fruit and vegetables into wedges or strips lengthwise, no round pieces, no whole fruit. The reason is the choking hazard. Round pieces can get stuck in the throat.
A grape is exactly that: a small, round, whole fruit. Of course, you could halve or quarter it. But that only solves the shape problem, not the sugar problem. With apples or carrots, the effort is worth it for an occasional small treat. With grapes, there is no reason for it.
From raisins to pomace: grapes in all forms
You don't only encounter grapes fresh from the fruit bowl. They also do not belong in a donkey's feed in other forms:
| Form | For donkeys? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Table grapes, white or black | No | Very high in sugar, small and round |
| Raisins, sultanas | No | Concentrated sugar, sticky |
| Baked goods and muesli leftovers with raisins | No | Sugar, starch, often other ingredients |
| Grape juice | No | Pure fruit sugar without fiber |
| Pomace, grape pulp | No | Ferments, can mold |
| Fermented grapes on the ground | No | Fermentation, mold, wasps |
| Grape leaves, grapevines, vine cuttings | No | Plant remains do not belong in feed |
Baked goods are not donkey feed anyway. Why, we explain in Can donkeys eat bread?.
Grapevines, pergolas, vine cuttings: grapes all around the pasture
Most donkeys do not get grapes from the fruit bowl, but from their surroundings. You should pay attention to this:
- Grapevines by the fence or house wall: If grapes or grape leaves are within reach, your donkey will find them. Plant with a distance from the donkey area or enclose securely.
- Fallen grapes: In late summer, fermented berries quickly lie under the vines. Collect regularly.
- Vine cuttings and pomace: After harvest or pruning, plant remains are produced. Sometimes they are offered as "feed" with good intentions. That is not a good idea.
- Garden waste over the fence: What comes over the fence cannot be controlled. A sign "Please do not feed" helps. More about green waste in Can donkeys eat grass cuttings?.
What a well-thought-out donkey area can look like, you can read in the post about Donkey keeping with sand instead of pasture. And on the go: never feed strange donkeys without the owners' permission.
Frequently asked questions
Can donkeys eat raisins?
No. Raisins are dried grapes, the sugar in them is in an even more concentrated form. Also pay attention to raisins in baked goods or muesli leftovers.
Can donkeys eat grape leaves or grapevines?
No. Grapevine cuttings, grape leaves and vine cuttings do not belong in a donkey's feed. It is better to plant grapevines with a distance from the donkey area.
My donkey ate grapes – what should I do?
Stay calm and observe him: Is he eating normally, passing stool, moving as usual? In case of restlessness, lack of appetite, lameness or other abnormalities, call your veterinarian. If he has eaten a larger quantity or fermented grapes, you can also call as a precaution.
What can I give instead of grapes?
If at all, a small piece of apple cut into wedges or a few lengthwise cut cucumber strips – see Can donkeys eat cucumbers?. By the way, bananas are also very high in sugar, more about that in Can donkeys eat bananas?. The overview is given to you by What donkeys are allowed to eat: the complete feed list.
This post provides general guidance on feeding donkeys. If you have questions about your animal, pre-existing conditions or abnormalities, please contact your veterinarian.
You want to do something good for donkeys without keeping one yourself? With a donkey sponsorship, you support donkey farms in Germany. And those who are curious about the food that we stand for as DON DONKEY'S® will find our donkey milk here.
