Buyer protection
Contents
Donkeys should have their teeth checked by a veterinarian or a qualified equine dental professional at least once a year. Their molars move forward throughout their lives and wear down as they chew. If something goes wrong and sharp edges or misalignments develop, the donkey may no longer be able to grind its food properly.
How donkey teeth work
Donkeys are adapted to eating high-fiber, tough food. To break it down, their molars grind it with side-to-side chewing motions. Their teeth are very long and move forward over many years as they wear down on top. This works well as long as the donkey chews slowly and steadily—especially when eating straw and hay.
Typical dental problems
| Problem | What causes it |
|---|---|
| Sharp edges | caused by uneven wear and can injure the cheeks and tongue |
| Hooks and steps | misalignments that interfere with chewing |
| Loose or missing teeth | common in older donkeys |
| Gaps | food can get stuck and may promote inflammation |
Warning signs you should know
- food falls out of the mouth while chewing or remains in clumps
- the donkey eats noticeably slowly or leaves food behind
- weight loss despite sufficient food
- long, undigested fibers in the manure
- increased drooling or bad breath
- swelling of the head or one-sided nasal discharge
- tilting the head while chewing
Donkeys are often very reserved about showing discomfort. Find out more in Understanding Donkey Body Language. If you notice any of these signs, you should seek veterinary advice promptly.
How a dental check works
- Preparation: The donkey stands quietly, often with a familiar person at its head.
- Examination: A muzzle basket is used to keep the mouth open, and each tooth is checked.
- Treatment: Sharp edges are filed down if necessary. Depending on the findings, mild sedation may be required.
- Documentation: The findings are recorded so that any changes over time become apparent.
Feeding older donkeys with dental problems
Donkeys often live to be over 30 years old. In their later years, their teeth wear down or fall out. Long straw can then become a problem. The following often helps:
- soaked, high-fiber alternative feed such as hay cubes or chopped roughage
- several small meals instead of a few large ones
- a separate, quiet feeding area so that the slow-moving senior is not displaced
- regular weight checks
It is best to discuss the exact composition with your veterinarian. Find out more about the amount of food in How Much Does a Donkey Eat? and about age in How Long Do Donkeys Live?
Can you tell a donkey's age by its teeth?
As with horses, a donkey's age can be roughly estimated from its teeth. This is fairly accurate in younger animals but becomes less precise in older ones.
Healthy donkeys on our partner farms
Only donkeys that eat well and feel comfortable can reliably provide their foals with milk. Good care is therefore the foundation of every bottle of donkey milk. Find out more about its origin in How Is Donkey Milk Produced?
Donkey milk from partner farms
Hand-milked, flash-frozen at −40 °C and laboratory-tested in Germany. Try fresh donkey milk or start with the Mini Duo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should donkey teeth be checked?
As a guideline, they should be checked at least once a year. More frequent checks may be advisable for older donkeys or those with known dental problems.
Who performs dental treatment on donkeys?
Veterinarians with experience in equine dentistry. They should also be familiar with donkeys.
Do donkeys need to have their teeth brushed?
No. Suitable roughage and regular checks are important.
Can a donkey live without molars?
Donkeys with significant tooth loss can be well cared for with adapted, soaked feed—in close consultation with a veterinarian.
