Steve Edwards and James Weatherford
How to Create a Strong Feed and Nutrition Program for Your Mule or Donkey
Learn the basics of a five-star feed and nutrition program and then scroll down for next steps.
Say "No" To Free Feed
Folks, you can’t leave your mule or your donkey out to pasture. I know it’s hard to say “no” to all that free feed but mules can’t stand prosperity. They are going to gorge themselves and that’s going to lead to all sorts of problems.
Read my article Mules Can’t Stand Prosperity
If you want a happy, healthy mule or donkey keep them in their own 10×20 stall. There are three
- You want them to see you as herd leader and in a 10×20 stall they rely on you for everything. Out at pasture, they don’t need you for anything. And believe it or not, out at pasture they’re establishing a pecking order and that pecking order will have them above you.
- You want to monitor exactly what they take in as far as feed, roughage, and water. If they’re out at pasture you can’t monitor what or how much they’re eating.
- You want to monitor their poop and pee. Out at pasture you’re going to miss their droppings and that means you could miss a problem that is developing.
We think, “Oh, they’re going to be lonely, they need to be out with their buddies.” First off, that’s not true. The thing they want more than anything else is comfort. You leaving them alone is a reward to them. Second, if you’re going to riding, driving, packing, or working these animals, you want them dependent upon you for everything.
Start your feed and nutrition program by separate them into their own space and establishing yourself as the herd leader.
Basic Feed Ingredients
This is a recommended starting point for building your own feed and nutrition diet. Take this list of ingredients into your local feed shop and ask, “What do you have that is like this?”
- Crude Protein min. 11%
- Crude Fat min 2%
- Crude Fiber max 30%
- Calcium min 0.7%
- Calcium max 1.2%
- Phosphorous min 0.2%
- Copper min 15ppm
- Selenium min 0.2ppm
- Zinc min 50ppm
- Vitamin A min 300IU/LB
- Ash max 12%
- Added Minerals max 1%
You’ll want to get a vet check as well as a blood or hair follicle sample done to determine the precise needs of your animal. Some animals are deficient in one mineral while another will be fully sufficient.
Build a feed program based upon your animal’s unique needs.
Take the Lead: Two Steps to a Better Mule or Donkey
These two simple steps will give you the tools, confidence, and knowledge to lead your mule or donkey with clarity and control.
Step One
Begin Ground Foundation Training
Before you ride, drive, or pack—you need trust, respect, and control on the ground.
The Ground Foundation Starting Kit gives you just that. Inside, you’ll get Steve Edwards’ custom-designed Come-A-Long Rope, an Adjustable Rope Halter, and the Problem Mule: Building a New Foundation training video.
Used correctly, this isn’t just a rope—it’s the most powerful communication tool you’ll ever hold. Mules that once pulled away, plowed through pressure, or refused to load begin responding with lightness, calm, and respect.
It doesn’t take force. It takes clarity.
And that’s exactly what this kit gives you.
Step Two
Get Every Question Answered
The best gift you can give your mule or donkey is a better-informed handler.
The Ask Steve Show is your go-to library of knowledge—with over 300 hours of free video content, it’s packed with real questions and real answers about behavior, feeding, training, trailer loading, and more.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a challenge or just looking to sharpen your skills, this weekly Q&A show gives you insight that makes a difference.
You don’t have to wait. You can start watching right now.
👉 Explore the Ask Steve Show on YouTube
Smarter training. Happier mules and donkeys. Fewer surprises.
