8 Best Toys for Goats: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Are you looking for toys for goats that can keep the boredom at bay and stimulate your ruminants while you’re away?

According to some cognition tests, goats possess complex intelligence. But here’s the catch, you need to stimulate these smart creatures.

Otherwise, they might use their mobile lips and tongues to explore and play with things that can get them into trouble.

But with many options online, how can you choose goat toys worth your money?

If you’re a goat owner looking for entertaining toys for goats and don’t have the luxury of time and the skills to build one for your ruminants, you came to the right place.

In this article, we compiled a list of the best goat toys perfect for physical and mental stimulation.

We’ll also discuss the:

• different types of toys for goats to play with
• what factors should you consider to find good goat toys
• and why are toys important for your ruminants

But before that, here’s a quick overview of the goat toys reviewed in this guide.

Best Toys for Goats Reviewed In This Guide

So, Why Are Goat Toys Important?

Goats are curious creatures who love to explore their environment and search for freedom. 

When not given enough attention and dynamic toys, they may resort to dangerous ways to entertain themselves or develop undesirable behaviors. 

Some goats bully each other, chew on posts, or try to escape the fences.

Others go to extreme lengths to escape by knocking down fences or climbing onto unsafe platforms, which can make them at risk of falling or slipping. 

Due to goats’ curiosity and boredom, they may also chew on posts, fences and debris, and other hazardous items that can cause mouth injuries. 

In worse cases, boredom can cause stress and the development of aggressive behaviors, which can impact their health and their bond. 

That’s why they need a dynamic range of toys to keep them entertained and stimulated. 

What Kind of Toys Are Good for Goats?

Goats aren’t picky with toys since they can play with anything they can get their hooves on. 

So it’s best to provide a variety of toys that will encourage them to improve their balancing and climbing skills or stimulate their natural browsing and explorative behavior without causing damage. 

But some toys are more appealing to them than others. 

So what kind of toys do goats like?

1. Treat-Filled Toys

Ruminants enjoy playing with treat-filled balls just as much as doggies.

So why don’t you give your ruminants a ball filled with grains or pelleted feeds? 

It’s not just fun to play with. It can also fill their tummies with yummy goodness. 

2. Scratching Pad

If you often spend time with your goats, you probably know how fascinated they get when they scratch their head, butts, bellies, or sides onto anything they can rub their body on. 

So give your goats some scratching pads that can be attached to a post. It can help them get rid of the itch while entertaining them. 

3. Climbing Toy

These creatures love exploring and climbing to elevated areas, so a climbing arena with numerous steps and ramps is a surefire way to entertain them. 

4. Goat Tunnel

Goats can’t climb on tunnels, but these can also provide entertainment for your goats! 

You can find many choices online, but you can also utilize old tires to save some bucks. 

But if you have a seesaw, that’s even better! Your goats may need time to learn how a teeter-totter works, but they’ll surely enjoy it once they figure it out. 

5. Headbutting Toys / Balls

Goats like to headbutt anything they can get their horns on.

So, why not provide a headbutting toy that can withstand a goat’s strike with its horn?

A sturdy soccer ball is perfect for this purpose and can surely satisfy your goat’s desire to headbutt. 

Large squishy balls are also a hit with goats. Many goats enjoy scooping it up and throwing it away with their horns.

Sometimes, they like to roll it like a soccer ball. 

6. Hay Feeder

Many goat owners prefer to use troughs over a feeder. But the latter is safer and more cost-effective because it keeps the hay from dirt. 

Remember that goats don’t like eating dirty hay, so if you don’t want to waste hay and alfalfa (which can be quite expensive), it’s best to provide a feeder for your goats.

It’s a practical tool and entertaining equipment for your ruminants.

7. Trampoline

Trampoline isn’t just for acrobatics or gymnastic exercises! You can also utilize them as toys for goats. 

Just place it in a spacious area and let your ruminant explore it.

Once they figure out how it works, they’ll surely be on cloud nine while jumping on a trampoline. 

8. Pool

Goats hate rain, but they enjoy a refreshing water splash during summertime.

It helps them combat heat and boredom and bond with each other.

Now that you know what toys goats love the most, how can you find cost-effective toy options?

We’ll dive into that below.

What to Consider When Choosing The Best Toys for Goats

Before buying any goat toys, here are factors you need to consider to ensure you make the right purchasing decisions. 

Durability

These ruminant creatures tend to be rough with their toys.

So, you must choose durable toys that withstand elements and rough goats. 

Safety

Goats’ inquisitive nature often makes them at risk of acquiring injuries. So, you must ensure the toys you offer are safe and risk-free. 

Check if the toy is sharp, toxic, or rough, and look for protruding nails, metal staples, screws, paints, plastic fibers, or anything that can injure them. 

Don’t offer toys for goats that are rusty or about to rot, and avoid anything that can get their horns, heads, or hooves stuck inside. 

Portability

If you rotate your goats into different pastures yearly, then the toys for goats must be portable along with your herd.

Since most of the toys on our list are movable, it’s not an issue for you. 

But here’s the last thing you should consider before purchasing good toys for goats. 

Diversity

As time passes, goats will lose interest in their toys, so you must provide various toys and switch them every few weeks.

This way, you can stimulate their curiosity and encourage them to look for new toys around their pen. 

And since bullying and competition are common in goats, you must give them multiple toys.

The dominant goats often claim some of them and don’t share them with the rest of the herd. 

8 Best Toys for Goats

As a busy goat owner, finding time to create DIY goat platforms is challenging since I have a lot on my plate, and I’m not a DIY enthusiast.

So I turned to online toy options that provide goats entertainment and stimulation.

And I’ve compiled all of the cost-effective toys for goats that are worth spending your money on.

1. Best Treat-Filled Toys For Goats: Kong Fetch and Chew Toy

We’re kicking off the list with this popular fetch and chew toy mainly designed for teething dogs.

This vet-recommended bouncy toy contains a hole where you can stuff the snacks like grains.

What I like about this chew toy is it provides mental stimulation for goats while filling their tummies.

And since it comes with a unique shape, it produces unpredictable bounce, which can spark your ruminant’s curiosity and chasing instincts.

It’s made of natural rubber, so it’s very gentle and guaranteed safe for goats.

You can choose between two pretty colors, blue and pink, and four available sizes.

But colors don’t matter to goats because what matters to them is the treat.

You can use it to engage and bond with your goat or distract her.

So make sure to fill it with tasty grains, and they’ll surely go nuts over it.

Pros:

Stimulating

You can use this chew toy to satisfy your goat’s innate desire to chew and keeps her stimulated mentally and physically.

Dishwasher Safe

Another thing I like about this is that it’s dishwasher safe, so you can clean it thoroughly without destroying it. So, upkeeping is quick and hassle-free!

Highly Durable

It’s designed for teething dogs, so we can guarantee it can withstand even aggressive goat chewers.

Doesn’t Give Too Many Treats Too Quickly

Since treats must only be 5% of your goat’s diet or less, and some snacks like grains should be fed in moderation to prevent goat bloating, this treat feeder is an absolute must-have!

It takes several minutes to fish out their food from the inside, so it helps you keep your goats entertained without exceeding the recommended grain intake.

Cons:

Expensive

The downside of this toy is its price. It’s worth $12 per large Kong Toy, which is quite expensive for a relatively small toy (compared to the options below).

But the joy it brings to your ruminant is undoubtedly priceless.

Gets Dirty Easily

This ideal toy for goats can get dirty when rolled in the ground, so you may need to clean it daily if your ruminant brings it to muddy places.

But since it’s washable in a dishwasher, this shall not be a huge problem.

2. Best Scratching Pad for Goats: Scratch N All Itch Pad

If we get frustrated when we can’t reach the itchy part on our back, so as our goats.

So they need scratching pads like this to get rid of the itch.

It also provides goats with mental and physical stimulation and relief from itching.

And our go-to option for scratch pads is Scratch N All.

You have three size options for this toy for goats, and it’s available in seven colors: green, black, blue, brown, pink, bright green, and purple.

Pros:

Easy installation

You can easily install it in your barn, stalls, or posts because it interlocks like a puzzle and comes with the hardware needed for installation.

Multipurpose

This scratching pad can be used for goats and horses, pigs, and other animals who love scratching and rubbing their body.

Sturdy

I find this scratch pad thick and well-made. It does not easily wear out even if your ruminant may get aggressive sometimes.

Cons:

Small Size

It only measures 6 inches x 5 inches and is one inch thick, so if you want to cover a large area or have a larger pad, you need to buy lots of it and mount them together.

Expensive

Considering its diminutive size, this is a little expensive, but the quality makes it worth it.

3. Best Goat Tunnel: PigPigPen Kid’s Tunnel

Make playtime even more fun and engaging for your goats by adding a tunnel to your goat toy collection!

This tunnel allows animals like goats to crawl, chase, play hide and seek, and peekaboo with other herd members.

It’s not just a hit for children but also goats. Here’s what we like about this goat toy.

Pros:

Portable Design

It has a soft, breathable material, and it’s built with a pop-up design that folds flat when not in use so you can easily move or store it away.

Guaranteed Safe For Goats

This was designed with your kids’ and animals’ safety in mind because it has no sharp corners, double stitching, and durable material that can withstand wear and tear for a long time.

Suitable for Both Indoors and Outdoors

This toy for goats is perfect for indoor play, but you can also use it outside, rest assured that it’s easy to clean using a damp cloth and mild soap.

Cons:

Look Out for Ripped Fabric

You need to watch if the internal wire that supports its structure is exposed to prevent injuries and prevent it from poking you or your goats.

4. Best Climbing Toy: Simplay3 Explorer’s Activity Climber

Most, if not all, goats love climbing and playing King of the Hill to show they’re dominant.

So one way to fulfill this natural desire and entertain them is by providing climbing toys.

But this is no ordinary climbing toy. It comes with a slide and two climbing options.

This is perfect for adventurous goats with a knack for extra-challenging adventures.

Pros:

Suitable for Both Outdoors and Indoors

This climbing toy for goats is weather and UV resistant, but if you need to bring it indoors, you can easily do so because it can fit into the doors.

Durable and Safe

Its double-wall plastic design ensures it can withstand rough playtime, and the edges are rounded and child-friendly.

So you can rest assured knowing your goats are safe playing with this.

Easy Installation

It contains installation instructions that are easy to follow, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to set this toy up.

Cons:

Not for Large Goats

Before purchasing this goat climbing toy, it’s worth considering the size of your ruminant to ensure it can fit into it and won’t outgrow it too soon.

Expensive

This goat toy is the most expensive on this list, but the joy it brings to goats makes it worth the cost.

5. Best Yoga Ball for Goats: URBNFit Exercise Ball

If you don’t have a yoga ball at home, check this one out.

It’s not just useful in relieving back pain, soothing your aching body, and exercising, but it’s also a great goat toy that can entertain and stimulate your ruminant.

This yoga ball is available in a wide range of colors. With a diameter of 26 inches, this ball is large enough to stimulate your ruminant.

Pros:

Anti-Burst and Slip Property

The anti-burst coating enables you to do rigorous workouts without it busting and losing shape, and the non-slip glaze helps ensure you or your goat can have a firm and safe grip on it.

Multipurpose Ball

You can use this ball to stay in shape, bounce your baby to sleep, and stimulate your goats.

So, even if your ruminant is uninterested in this ball, it won’t go to waste because you can use it yourself.

Cheaper

This yoga ball is half the price of other balls, but it serves its purpose. Furthermore, it comes with a free pump.

Cons:

A Little Flimsy

The downside of this yoga ball is it can barely retain its shape for people and animals weighing around 265 pounds despite the claim that it can handle 600 lbs of weight.

But if your goats weigh less than 250 pounds, this should work well for them.

Needs a Stronger Pump

It takes a long time to inflate the ball without deflating, so you may need an electric pump to do the job faster.

6. Best Trampoline Toys for Goats: ExacMe Outdoor Trampoline

One of the best goat toys on this list is the trampoline. Just as kids enjoy bouncing, goats love such activity too!

It’s an ultimate boredom buster for goats, and they can share it with others, so it helps strengthen their bond too!

Our top choice for a trampoline is this ExacMe outdoor trampoline. This trampoline is available in 6 sizes, and its frame is made of galvanized steel.

Pros:

Heavy Duty and Secure

This is guaranteed durable because it has larger and more springs than others.

Furthermore, it absorbs hard impact, thanks to its foam spring cover, and protects your goats from injury.

And since the galvanized steel is rust-resistant, it can last longer and support big goats.

Waterproof Mat

Another thing I like about this trampoline is the waterproof, UV-resistant, and fade-resistant property that enables it to withstand the wear and tear caused by different elements.

Cons:

No Enclosure

While not putting an enclosure helps ensure your goat can access this toy 24/7, it also makes them at risk of falling when they’re having a blast.

Lightweight

Since it’s lightweight, you can move it anywhere you wish, but the downside is it may flip across your yard. But you can prevent it by securing the legs.

7. Best Pool for Goats: SELLOTZ Inflatable Pool

This goat toy is a must-have for summer, so your goat can take an occasional splash party in your backyard.

This blue pool measuring 120 x 72 x 22 inches, can hold up to 312 gallons of water, providing enough space for ruminants.

It comes with three individual air chambers, a double intake, and a free-flow exhaust valve in each chamber that prevents air leakage.

Pros:

Highly Durable

This pool is twice thicker than other options in the market, so you don’t need to worry about punctures.

Safe for Goats

What I like about this pool is it’s Phthalate and lead-free, and BPA-free, so it’s safe for animals and humans.

Deflatable

You can quickly deflate this pool when not in use, thanks to its 90° vertical drainpipe, and store it or move it to a different location.

Cons:

Look Out for Holes

Despite its thick material, you still need to watch out for holes upon arrival of your purchase because it’s one of the most common complaints about this kind of pool.

8. Best Hay Feeder: Capuca Treat Ball Goat Toys

We’re wrapping this list with this tiny hay feeder for your goats.

Unlike the Kong Dog Toy above, this round-shaped hanging toy is mainly for hay and large toys like carrots.

This was designed to encourage your goat’s natural foraging behavior while preventing boredom and stress.

Its diameter measures 5.111 inches, and it comes with a 6mm nylon rope.

Pros:

High Elasticity

Due to its silicone material, it’s bite and stretch resistant, so you can rest assured it’s safe for goats.

Very Entertaining

Since this is a hanging toy, this may swing a lot and make it more challenging for your ruminant to catch and enjoy the treat.

Multipurpose

You can also use this toy for goats, sheep, calves, cows, horses, and other animals.

Even if your ruminant rejects it, other animals can benefit from it.

Cons:

Small Size

Since this is tiny, it’s not suitable for the main feed.

This toy is best only for treats and entertainment purposes.

But you may need to refill it more often due to its minuscule size compared to your ruminants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toys for Goat

What toys do goats like to play with?

Goats enjoy playing with scratching posts, tunnels, seesaws, trampolines, and mineral blocks.

These boredom busters provide entertainment and prevent them from being destructive and escaping. 

How do you keep a goat entertained?

The easiest way to entertain goats is by providing things they can climb on, like a climbing arena with multiple steps or ramps.

They’d also love playing with food enrichment toys and scratchers so they can get rid of the itch in their bodies.

What kind of balls can goats play with?

These animals also enjoy playing with soccer, yoga, and squishy balls.

But you can also utilize rolling plastic bottles as an alternative if you can’t find those balls in your home. 

Do goats like to play with humans?

Ruminants like goats also like playing with or challenging their humans.

Sometimes, they butt or poke their humans to get attention or prevent their owners from getting their feed. 

What is the most playful goat?

Pygmy and Nigerian dwarves are often the most social and playful ruminants. But Nubians, LaManchas, Alpines, Boer, Toggenburg, Saanen, Oberhasli, Sable, and Kiko goats are also friendly goats who need lots of mental stimulation. 

How do I make my goat happy?

You can make your goat happy by building or setting up platforms where they can climb on and play “king of the hill.”

They also enjoy a variety of toys, including hay feeders, scratching pads, headbutting toys, and balls. 

Final Tips on Choosing The Best Toys for Goats

Goats are active creatures and without stimulating activities, they’ll easily get bored and develop undesirable behaviors.

But by providing engaging toys for goats, you can help them stay happy and healthy.

There is a gazillion of goat toy options, such as treat-filled toys, scratch pads, tunnels, climbers, yoga balls, trampolines, and mini feeders.

But you can also repurpose old tires or build platforms so you don’t have to spend a fortune stimulating your ruminants.

Which of the toys above do think is fitting for your ruminants?

Share with us your thoughts in the comment section below.

And if you need more goat toy options, check out the article below for more DIY-able toy ideas.

READ NEXT: 11 DIY Goat Enrichment Toys to Keep Boredom Away