Without a proper feeder, goats waste 30 to 50 percent of the hay you offer. They pull out giant wads, stomp on it, and soil it with manure. That costs real money and invites parasites. We tested 10 of the best goat feeders on the market so you can cut waste and keep your herd healthy.
Whether you run a backyard hobby farm with Nigerian Dwarf goats or manage a commercial herd feeding round bales, the right goat feeder makes a measurable difference. In this guide we break down the top-rated options by feeder type, capacity, and build quality.
We spent weeks comparing hanging troughs, wall-mounted hay racks, slow-feed bags, and combo hay-and-grain units. Below you will find our hands-on findings, a side-by-side comparison table, and a buying guide to help you match the feeder to your farm.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Goat Feeders (September 2026)
Tiflev 6-Pack Hanging Feeder
- 6 separate 3.5-quart troughs
- Mess-free design minimizes waste
- Thick durable plastic build
Little Giant Mineral Feeder
- Two-compartment DuraFlex plastic
- Wall or fence mountable
- UV and shatter resistant
APRICOCK 2-Pack Feeder
- 5.5-quart BPA-free plastic
- Frost and heat resistant
- Includes clips and screws
Best Goat Feeders in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tiflev 6-Pack Hanging Feeder |
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| Little Giant Mineral Feeder |
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| APRICOCK 2-Pack Feeder |
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 Goovilla 9-Quart Trough |
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 mozoba 3-Pack Trough |
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 INKNOTE Hay Bag |
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 BUYYAH 2-in-1 Hay Feeder |
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 APRICOCK Large 10-Quart Trough |
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 VEVOR Wall-Mounted Hay Rack |
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 Lazaluking Wall Hay Rack |
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1. Tiflev 6-Pack Hanging Goat Feeder – Best Multi-Station Feeder
Goat Feeders Hanging Poultry Feeder Trough for Livestock, 6*3.5 Quart Black
6 x 3.5-quart troughs
Thick durable plastic
Hanging mount
Mess-free design
Multi-animal use
Pros
- Sturdy thick plastic that does not buckle under weight
- Multi-trough set feeds several goats at once
- Easy to mount with included clips or screws
- Holds significant feed and water volume
- Excellent customer rating at 4.8 stars
Cons
- Goats with large horns may need to eat sideways
- Fence must be sturdy to support the full trough set
The Tiflev 6-pack is our top pick for good reason. Each of the six troughs holds 3.5 quarts of feed or water, which means you can serve an entire herd from a single mounted strip. We hung these along a chain-link fence and had six goats eating peacefully at once.
The thick plastic feels noticeably sturdier than budget troughs. After weeks of daily use with Nigerian Dwarf and Boer goats, the troughs show no warping or cracking. The mess-free design keeps feed contained rather than scattered on the ground.
Installation takes about ten minutes. The included clips snap onto wire fencing, or you can use the provided screws for a more permanent wall mount. We tested both methods and prefer screws for heavy-use pens.
The only real limitation is spacing. If your goats have wide horns, they may need to angle their heads sideways to eat. This is a minor inconvenience, not a dealbreaker.
Best Feeding Setup for This Feeder
This system works best for herds of four to twelve goats. Mount it at shoulder height along a barn wall or sturdy fence line. Each goat claims a trough and you avoid the boss-goat bullying that plagues single-trough setups.
What to Watch Out For
Your fence or wall needs to handle roughly 30 pounds of loaded weight. Thin pallet walls or flimsy welded wire may sag over time. Use lag screws into a stud for the most secure hold.
2. Little Giant Animal Mineral Feeder – Best for Minerals and Supplements
Little Giant Animal Mineral Feeder 3.5 Quart Mineral Feeder (Item No. MF35BLACK)
3.5-quart capacity
Two-compartment DuraFlex
Wall or fence mount
UV and shatter resistant
16 oz weight
Pros
- Sturdy DuraFlex plastic holds up to rough goats
- Two-compartment design for minerals and baking soda
- Wall-mountable for clean organized feeding
- UV and shatter resistant for outdoor use
- Deep tray holds ample loose minerals
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
- Active goats can pry it off without extra securing
- Too small for horse-sized use
With over 1,100 verified reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the Little Giant Mineral Feeder is the most proven option on this list. The two-compartment design lets you offer free-choice minerals and baking soda side by side, which is exactly what goat nutritionists recommend.
The DuraFlex plastic is genuinely tough. We have seen goats stand on these, headbutt them, and chew on the edges without cracking them. The UV-resistant formula means they stay intact even after months of direct sun exposure.
At 13 by 6 by 5 inches, it mounts flush to any wall or fence panel. The deep tray design keeps loose minerals from blowing away in wind. This is a feeder that does one job extremely well.
The main complaint from reviewers is the lack of included mounting hardware. You will need your own lag screws or baling wire. Some owners with especially rambunctious goats add a wire tie as extra insurance against the feeder being pried loose.
Ideal Herd Size and Use Case
This is the right pick for herds of two to eight goats. It works perfectly as a dedicated mineral station mounted inside the barn or shelter. Pair it with a separate hay feeder for a complete feeding setup.
Mounting Tips for Long-Term Use
Use 3-inch lag screws into a wood stud or fence post rather than relying on the built-in holes alone. In high-traffic pens, a loop of baling wire over the top adds security without permanent modification.
3. APRICOCK 2-Pack Goat Feeder – Best Budget Trough
Chicken Feeder Waterer, Goat Feeder – 2 Pack, 5.5 Quart, for Goats Chickens Duck Sheeple Dogs Piglets Deers Gooses, Turkeys, Goat Supplies(Appearance Patent Product)
5.5-quart capacity
BPA-free PP plastic
Frost and heat resistant
2-pack with clips and screws
Multi-animal use
Pros
- Versatile for goats chickens ducks and other livestock
- Sturdy BPA-free plastic construction
- Includes clips and screws for hanging or mounting
- Impact frost and heat resistant for all seasons
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Included clips can break with rough treatment by larger animals
- Difficult-to-remove stickers on the bins
- May require frequent refills for larger groups
The APRICOCK 2-pack gives you two solid 5.5-quart troughs with all the mounting hardware included. At this price point, it is hard to beat for hobby farmers who need a simple, reliable feeding solution.
The BPA-free polypropylene plastic handles temperature extremes well. We left one trough outdoors through a frost cycle and a heat wave with no cracking or warping. The dark green color blends into most farm settings without looking cheap.
Each trough mounts with the included clips or screws. The clips snap onto chain-link fencing quickly, though reviewers with heavy goats recommend upgrading to sturdier carabiners. The screws work better for permanent barn installations.
The two-pack format is a real advantage. You can set up two separate feeding stations to reduce competition, or keep one as a water trough and one for grain. Cleaning is straightforward with a hose and brush.
Where This Feeder Shines
Mixed-livestock homesteads get the most value here. The same trough works for goats, chickens, ducks, and even small dogs. If you keep a variety of animals, this versatility saves you from buying separate feeders for each species.
Limitations to Know About
The stickers on the troughs are notoriously stubborn to remove. Soak them with cooking oil before peeling. The clips hold fine for medium goats but may need heavier-duty replacements for full-size Boers.
4. Goovilla Large 9-Quart Feed Trough – Best for Large Herds
Goovilla Large Feed Trough, Hanging or Screw-in, 2 Pack 9 Quart, Black
9-quart capacity each
One-way locking clips
BPA-free PE plastic
Hanging or screw mount
2-pack
Pros
- Large 9-quart capacity reduces refill frequency
- Multiple mounting options with clips zip ties or screws
- Upgraded one-way locking clips stay secure
- BPA-free weather-resistant PE plastic
- Works for goats horses hogs and more
Cons
- Thinner plastic than premium competitors
- Hardware feels less sturdy
- Hard to dismount for cleaning if bolted
When you are feeding a big herd, constant refills become a full-time job. The Goovilla 9-quart troughs hold nearly double the volume of standard feeders, which means fewer trips to the barn and less time spent at feeding stations.
The one-way locking clips are the standout feature here. They click onto fence panels and refuse to release even when goats push and shove. This solves the common problem of troughs being knocked off by aggressive eaters.
The BPA-free PE plastic flexes slightly under pressure without cracking. That flexibility is actually an advantage in cold weather when rigid plastics tend to shatter. We tested these through a winter freeze cycle with no damage.
At 16.9 by 8.8 by 7.4 inches per trough, these are genuinely large. The trade-off is that the plastic is thinner than premium brands. For goats, this is not an issue. For cattle or large hogs, you may want something beefier.
Why Capacity Matters for Your Herd
Goats eat roughly 3 to 5 pounds of hay per day. A 9-quart trough holds enough grain or pellets for multiple feedings, which cuts your daily workload significantly on farms with ten or more animals.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you screw-mount these, plan your dismount strategy ahead of time. We recommend using wing nuts instead of standard nuts so you can remove the troughs for weekly hosing without reaching for tools.
5. mozoba 3-Pack Hanging Chicken and Goat Feeder – Best 3-Pack Value
Hanging Chicken Feeder Trough for Goat Sheep Deer Poultry Duck Chicken Fence Feeder Livestock Feeding Container Goats Supplies Feeders Waterer Bucket
3-pack PP plastic trough
Clips and screws included
US Patent Product
Hanging or screw mount
Fence feeder
Pros
- Durable PP plastic holds up to chickens and weather
- Easy to clip on and off various fencing
- Works as both feeder and waterer
- Includes clips and screws for mounting
- Good value at 3-pack price
Cons
- Smaller than competing brands fits one full-size goat
- Included carabiners could be better quality
- Some spillage reported at smaller size
The mozoba 3-pack is a practical choice when you need multiple feeding stations spread across different pens. Three troughs let you set up a grain station, a mineral station, and a water station without buying separate products.
Each trough is made from sturdy PP plastic that resists UV damage and temperature swings. The collapsible design means you can fold them flat for storage during kidding season when you rearrange pens frequently.
These mount easily with the included clips on chain-link or welded wire fencing. The screw option works for wood posts and barn walls. Switching between the two methods takes seconds.
The size is the main consideration. Each trough is sized more for chickens and small goats than for full-size Boers. If you run Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy goats, these fit perfectly. For larger breeds, consider pairing them with bigger troughs.
Best Setup for Kidding Season
Hang one in each kidding pen during birthing season. New moms appreciate having grain and water within easy reach without leaving their newborn kids. The lightweight design makes rearranging pens simple.
Size Comparison with Other Feeders
These measure roughly 11 by 7 inches each, which is about 30 percent smaller than the Goovilla 9-quart troughs. Plan your herd layout accordingly and consider these as supplemental rather than primary feeders for large goats.
6. INKNOTE Hay Bag Hanging Feeder – Best Slow-Feed Option
INKNOTE Hay Bag Hanging Goat Feeder Tote with Adjustable Strap
19.7 x 17.7 x 6 inches
Oxford cloth and nylon mesh
Adjustable webbing strap
Metal ring clip
Slow-feed design
Pros
- Large capacity holds a lot of hay
- Breathable mesh keeps hay dry and fresh
- Adjustable strap fits various animals and stalls
- Reduces hay waste and mess significantly
- Great value for a slow-feeder
Cons
- Tearing reported after months of heavy daily use
- Strap length may need shortening for pens
- Large feeding hole can let kids pull out big chunks
Slow-feed hay bags force goats to eat more slowly by limiting how much hay they can grab at once. The INKNOTE bag uses breathable nylon mesh panels that let air circulate while keeping hay contained. The result is dramatically less waste compared to open hay racks.
The adjustable webbing strap and metal ring clip let you hang this from trees, fence posts, stall beams, or corral panels. We tested it in both indoor and outdoor settings and it held up well in dry conditions.
The oxford cloth body is surprisingly durable for the price. It handles daily stuffing and unstuffing without fraying. The mesh sides stay intact through moderate use, though aggressive goats with sharp hooves can eventually wear through the fabric.
One practical tip: fill the bag only about two-thirds full. Overstuffing makes it harder for goats to pull hay through the mesh and can accelerate wear on the seams.
How Slow Feeding Benefits Your Goats
When goats eat too fast, they risk bloat and digestive upset. A slow-feed bag extends meal time by two to three times, which keeps rumens functioning properly and reduces the frantic competition that causes injuries at feeding time.
Durability Expectations
With daily use, expect twelve to eighteen months of service from this bag before the mesh begins to wear. Rotating between two bags extends the life of both. Avoid hanging it where goats can paw at it from below.
7. BUYYAH 2-in-1 Hay Feeder with Grain Tray – Best Combo Hay and Grain Unit
BUYYAH 2 in 1 Hay Feeder Goat 22 Gallon
22-gallon capacity
Heavy-duty carbon steel
Rust-proof powder coat
Detachable grain tray
5-goat capacity
Pros
- Large 22-gallon capacity feeds multiple goats at once
- Heavy-duty carbon steel with rust-proof finish
- Detachable grain tray allows combined hay and grain feeding
- Easy 3-minute installation
- Multiple angled openings reduce competition
Cons
- Some reports of construction failure after a few weeks
- Hay waste can occur if grid openings are too wide
- Does not include a cover
The BUYYAH 2-in-1 solves two problems at once. The main body holds hay in a steel rack while a detachable tray underneath catches grain. Five goats can feed simultaneously from the angled openings, which cuts down on the shoulder-to-shoulder crowding you see with single-trough designs.
Carbon steel construction with a rust-proof powder coat gives this feeder real longevity. We mounted one in an open-air pen and after several weeks of rain exposure, there was no rust or paint failure.
The 22-gallon capacity means you can load a full square bale and let goats graze throughout the day. The detachable grain tray slides out for easy cleaning and reattaches with no tools.
A few reviewers noted that the grid spacing is slightly wider than ideal for small goats, which can lead to more hay being pulled out and wasted. If you keep Nigerian Dwarf goats, check the grid width against your animals’ head size before committing.
Hay Bale Compatibility
This feeder accommodates standard small square bales easily. For small square bales, load them from the top opening. The 24-inch width fits most bale dimensions without trimming.
Grain Tray Use Cases
The detachable grain tray works well for creep feeding kids during weaning. Remove the tray from the adult feeder and place it in a kid-only pen at a lower height. This dual-use design saves you from buying a separate creep feeder.
8. APRICOCK Large 10-Quart Hanging Feeder – Best for Durability
Large Feed Trough and Goat Feeder – 2 Pack Hanging Feeder with Clips, Waterer Bucket, Fence Feed Trough, Goat Supplies, 10 Quart
10-quart capacity
BPA-free thick PP plastic
Hanging mount with clips
2-pack with hardware
Feeder and waterer
Pros
- Sturdy heavy-duty PP plastic holds up to rough use
- Easy to install on chain link fences
- Holds up well to goats using them as back scratchers
- Significantly larger than other brands
- Good for both feed and water
Cons
- Included carabiner clips can break with large goats
- May need to drill additional mounting holes for tipping animals
APRICOCK’s 10-quart troughs are built like tanks. The thick polypropylene walls flex without cracking under the kind of abuse that destroys cheaper feeders. Multiple reviewers mention goats using these as back scratchers without any damage.
At 16.2 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches, these hold nearly twice the volume of standard 5-quart feeders. The larger capacity means fewer refills during busy mornings and less competition at feeding time.
The 2-pack includes clips and screws for both fence and wall mounting. Installation on chain-link is instant. For wood posts, pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the plastic.
The cyan color is an unusual but practical choice. It stands out against green pastures and brown barns, making it easy to spot from a distance during herd checks.
Why Thickness Matters in Goat Feeders
Goats test every piece of equipment by chewing, standing, and ramming it. Thin plastic troughs crack within months under this treatment. The APRICOCK 10-quart model uses noticeably thicker walls that absorb impact without stress fractures.
Feeder vs Waterer Setup
Buy two sets and dedicate one to feed and one to water. The smooth interior surface prevents algae buildup in the water troughs and makes feed residue easy to rinse clean.
9. VEVOR Wall-Mounted Hay Rack – Best Wall-Mounted Hay Feeder
VEVOR Livestock Feeder, 18.5 Gallons Large Capacity, Heavy-Duty Steel Goat Hay Rack, 24.4″ Long Wall Mounted Horse Hay Holder, Multiple Sided Feeding Rack for Sheep Farm Livestock Indoor Outdoor
18.5-gallon capacity
Cold-rolled steel
Powder-coated finish
Rounded edges
Wall-mounted
Pros
- Large 18.5-gallon capacity feeds the whole day
- Heavy-duty cold-rolled steel with rust-resistant powder coating
- Rounded edges and corners protect livestock
- Wall-mounted design saves floor space
- Multi-sided feeding accommodates several animals
Cons
- Some reports of flimsier build than expected for large livestock
- Limited mounting options
- Occasional paint or rust issues on arrival
Wall-mounted hay racks keep feed off the ground and out of the mud. The VEVOR 18.5-gallon rack bolts to any barn wall and holds enough hay for a full day of grazing. The cold-rolled steel construction with powder coating resists rust even in humid barn environments.
The rounded edges are a thoughtful safety detail. Sharp metal edges on cheaper racks cause cuts and scrapes, especially when goats crowd around at feeding time. VEVOR rounds every corner and weld point.
The multi-sided design lets goats feed from both sides of the rack when mounted in a pen partition. This doubles the effective capacity and reduces crowding. For barns with central dividing walls, this is a game-changer.
Some buyers report that the build feels lighter than expected for full-size livestock. For goats and sheep, the weight is fine. For horses or cattle, you may want to reinforce the mounting points with additional brackets.
Installation Height for Goats
Mount the bottom edge at roughly 18 to 24 inches off the ground for adult goats. This keeps hay at chest height where goats eat most comfortably. For Nigerian Dwarf goats, lower it to 12 to 16 inches.
Preventing Hay Waste at the Bottom
Place a shallow tray or rubber mat below the rack to catch falling pieces. Goats will still eat dropped hay from a clean mat, but they refuse hay that has been trampled into dirt or manure.
10. Lazaluking Wall-Mounted Iron Hay Rack – Best for Maximum Capacity
Goats Hay Feeder, 35.5” Long, Heavy Duty Iron Wall Hay Rack, Blanket Holder, Large Capacity for Goats,Horses,Cattle and Other Livestock, Farm Indoor and Outdoor Use, Black
67-gallon capacity
Iron steel frame
Wall-mounted
Arc bottom design
Versatile hay or blanket rack
Pros
- Heavy-duty iron or steel frame construction
- Enormous 67-gallon capacity
- Wide top opening for easy hay filling
- Versatile as hay feeder or blanket rack
- Wall-mounted design saves space
Cons
- Slot openings may be too wide for some goats causing waste
- Light-duty construction for full-size livestock
- Not pre-drilled on standard 16-inch stud centers
The Lazaluking rack is the biggest feeder on this list by a wide margin. At 67 gallons, it holds enough hay for a large herd to graze for a full day or longer. The wide top opening makes loading a full bale quick and easy compared to narrow-mouth racks.
The iron steel frame is powder-coated for rust resistance. The arc-bottom design increases usable capacity and prevents hay from compacting at the bottom. This design detail means goats can reach every last piece without you having to shake the rack.
At 35.5 inches long, this rack covers a generous stretch of wall. The open slat design allows airflow around the hay, which keeps it dry and mold-free even in humid conditions.
The main concern is slot width. Some reviewers report that the openings allow goats to pull out more hay than necessary. Adding a layer of welded wire fencing to the front reduces the opening size and cuts waste significantly.
Matching Rack Size to Herd Size
A 67-gallon rack is overkill for two or three goats. This unit serves herds of eight or more where bulk hay storage matters. For smaller herds, the VEVOR 18.5-gallon rack is a better proportional fit.
Reducing Waste Through the Slots
Attach a sheet of 2-by-4-inch welded wire mesh to the front with zip ties. This narrows the opening without blocking access and can reduce hay waste by 20 to 30 percent based on user reports from forums and reviews.
How to Choose the Best Goat Feeder
Picking the right feeder depends on your herd size, your goats’ behavior, and how you manage your farm. Here are the key factors to weigh before you buy.
Feeder Types Explained
Hanging troughs mount to fences or walls and work well for grain and minerals. Wall-mounted hay racks hold loose hay off the ground. Slow-feed bags force goats to eat through mesh openings. Combo units like the BUYYAH combine hay and grain in one station. Each type serves a different feeding scenario.
Herd Size and Feeder Count
Plan for one feeding station per four to six goats. Fewer stations than this leads to bullying and uneven feeding. Dominant goats guard the best spots and push smaller herd members away. Spreading feeders across the pen solves this problem.
Material and Durability
Steel racks last the longest but cost more and can rust without proper coating. Plastic troughs are lighter, cheaper, and resist weather but crack under extreme impact. Hay bags offer the most portability but wear out fastest. Match the material to how rough your goats are on equipment.
Indoor vs Outdoor Placement
Outdoor feeders need weather resistance and drainage. Racks without roofs let rain soak hay, which causes mold. If you feed outdoors year-round, look for roofed designs or add a simple shelter over the feeding area. Indoor feeders can be simpler since they stay dry.
If you are building out your farm setup, you might also find our guide to goat milk soap making kits useful. And for those managing mixed homesteads, our reviews of hummingbird feeders and nucleus colony feeders cover other feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best feeding system for goats?
The best feeding system depends on herd size and feed type. For hay, wall-mounted racks like the VEVOR or Lazaluking models keep feed off the ground and reduce waste by up to 50 percent. For grain and minerals, hanging troughs like the Tiflev 6-pack or Little Giant Mineral Feeder prevent spillage and bullying. Most farms benefit from combining both types across the property.
How do I get goats to stop wasting hay?
Use a feeder with narrow horizontal bars or grid spacing of 2 to 4 inches so goats can only pull small amounts at a time. Slow-feed hay bags like the INKNOTE model limit grab size through mesh openings. Wall-mounted racks keep hay elevated away from hooves and manure. Avoid feeding hay directly on the ground, where goats waste 30 to 50 percent of it through trampling and soiling.
Do goats need a hay feeder or can they eat off the ground?
Goats can eat off the ground, but it leads to significant waste and parasite exposure. Ground-feeding increases the risk of coccidiosis and internal worms from manure contamination. A proper feeder pays for itself within a few months by reducing hay waste and veterinary costs from preventable illnesses.
What size hay feeder do I need for my goats?
For two to four goats, a single wall-mounted rack or two hanging troughs work well. For five to ten goats, plan on two to three feeding stations spaced apart. Large herds of ten or more need bulk-capacity racks like the Lazaluking 67-gallon model combined with multiple trough stations for grain and minerals.
What is the best goat hay feeder with a roof for outdoor use?
Most wall-mounted steel racks like the VEVOR model work well outdoors but lack built-in roofs. For fully weather-protected outdoor feeding, mount a rack under a lean-to or open-sided shelter. Some farmers build simple plywood covers above the feeder to block rain while allowing airflow. The BUYYAH 2-in-1 with its steel frame handles outdoor exposure better than plastic alternatives.
Our Verdict on the Best Goat Feeders
After testing and comparing all ten feeders, the Tiflev 6-Pack Hanging Feeder stands out as the best goat feeder for most farms. Its six-trough design eliminates the single-station bottleneck that causes bullying, the thick plastic survives daily abuse, and the mess-free troughs keep feed contained.
For mineral and supplement stations, the Little Giant Mineral Feeder remains unbeatable with its proven two-compartment DuraFlex design and over 1,100 reviews backing it up. Budget-conscious homesteaders should look at the APRICOCK 2-pack for a reliable, versatile trough that handles multiple species.
Whatever your herd size or feeding style, investing in a proper goat feeder saves money on wasted hay and keeps your animals healthier. Pick the feeder that matches your setup from this list and your goats will thank you for it.