Providing high-quality loose minerals is crucial for goat health, milk production, growth, and fertility. Unlike mineral blocks, which are too hard for goats to get enough nutrients, loose minerals ensure better absorption and balanced nutrition.
So, what are the best loose minerals for goats? This guide covers:
✔ Top loose mineral brands for goats
✔ What to look for in a good mineral mix
✔ How to feed minerals correctly
What to Look for in Loose Goat Minerals
✔ High Copper (1500–3000 ppm) – Prevents deficiency, rough coats, & fertility issues.
✔ Adequate Selenium – Prevents white muscle disease & reproductive problems.
✔ Balanced Calcium & Phosphorus (2:1 ratio) – Supports bone health & prevents urinary calculi in males.
✔ Zinc, Manganese, & Iron – Essential for growth, immunity, & hoof health.
✔ No Added Iron or Salt – Goats get enough iron from their diet, and salt should be offered separately.
🛑 Avoid mineral mixes meant for sheep—they have low copper levels that aren’t enough for goats!
Best Loose Minerals for Goats (Top Picks)
1. Sweetlix Meat Maker 16:8 – Best Overall
✔ Copper: 1750 ppm
✔ Selenium: 50 ppm
✔ Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Perfect balance of minerals for all goats.
- No unnecessary fillers or added iron.
- Highly palatable—goats eat it readily.
🔹 Best For: All goat breeds (meat, dairy, and pets).
2. Purina Goat Mineral – Best for Dairy Goats
✔ Copper: 2500 ppm
✔ Selenium: 50 ppm
✔ Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- High copper level for strong hooves & shiny coats.
- Fortified with Vitamin A, D, & E for immune support.
- Great for does in milk.
🔹 Best For: Dairy goats (Nubians, Alpines, Saanens, etc.).
3. Manna Pro Goat Mineral – Best Budget Option
✔ Copper: 1350 ppm
✔ Selenium: 20 ppm
✔ Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Affordable but still provides essential minerals.
- Contains ammonium chloride to help prevent urinary calculi in bucks & wethers.
- Good for general maintenance, but may need extra copper supplementation.
🔹 Best For: Goat owners on a budget or those supplementing with copper boluses.
4. New Country Organics Goat Mineral – Best Organic Option
✔ Copper: 2400 ppm
✔ Selenium: 50 ppm
✔ Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Certified organic & non-GMO.
- High in copper and selenium for optimal health.
- No artificial additives or fillers.
🔹 Best For: Organic farms & those avoiding synthetic minerals.
5. Right Now Onyx Mineral – Best for High-Stress Goats
✔ Copper: 1500 ppm
✔ Selenium: 26 ppm
✔ Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 2:1
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Formulated for goats under stress (breeding, kidding, extreme weather).
- Contains high levels of Vitamin E & selenium for immune health.
- Good for herds experiencing mineral deficiencies.
🔹 Best For: Goats under stress or high production.
How to Feed Loose Minerals to Goats
✅ Provide Free-Choice Access – Place minerals in a weather-proof mineral feeder.
✅ Keep Minerals Fresh – Replace old, clumpy minerals every few days.
✅ Separate Salt Blocks – Goats should get loose minerals & a plain white salt block separately.
✅ Supplement if Needed – If your goats show copper deficiency signs (faded coat, fish-tail, rough hooves), consider copper boluses.
🔹 Pro Tip: Avoid placing minerals near water—moisture can cause them to harden and become unusable.
Common Mineral Deficiencies in Goats & How to Fix Them
🚧 Goats Have Rough, Faded, or Reddish Hair?
✔ Likely Cause: Copper deficiency.
✔ Solution: Use a high-copper mineral (Purina, Sweetlix) or copper boluses.
🚧 Goats Have Weak Hooves or Joint Issues?
✔ Likely Cause: Zinc or selenium deficiency.
✔ Solution: Offer a balanced mineral mix & selenium gel if needed.
🚧 Bucks & Wethers Have Urinary Blockages?
✔ Likely Cause: Too much phosphorus & not enough ammonium chloride.
✔ Solution: Choose Manna Pro Goat Mineral or supplement with ammonium chloride.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Loose Minerals for Goats
Providing the right loose minerals ensures healthy coats, strong hooves, proper growth, and disease prevention.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Overall? Sweetlix Meat Maker 16:8
✔ Best for Dairy Goats? Purina Goat Mineral
✔ Best Budget Option? Manna Pro Goat Mineral
✔ Best Organic Option? New Country Organics Goat Mineral
✔ Best for Stressed Goats? Right Now Onyx Mineral
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