Our livestock guardian dog (LGD), a Great Pyrenees, keeps our goats safe from coyotes and other predators. The challenge is feeding the dog because the goats and raccoons like to eat his feed. How can we ensure our dog is getting the nutrition he needs?
Feeding is a common problem among LGD owners and the solution often involves providing a self-feeder, which is convenient and frees you from committing to a specific time to feed your dog each day. Self feeders are available in a range of sizes and prices, with or without automation.
You will want a self-feeder with enough capacity (25 to 50 pounds) to provide your dog food for as long as possible without spoiling or becoming infested with insects. How much your dog eats each day, heat, humidity and insect activity will affect the amount of food you can effectively store in your feeder while providing your dog quality food.
Preventing Access to Goats and Other Animals
The self-feeder by itself will probably not be enough to deter goats and other animals from eating the food. Surround the feeder with a sturdy fence and cut a hole in the fence that is too high and too small for a goat. The hole, however, should be the right size and height for your dog.
Another option is to place hog panels, cattle panels or utility panels around the feeder with a hole cut that is the right size and height for your dog. Remove any sharp edges or points so the dog can squeeze through the hole without injury.
You will likely want to place a secure roof on your feeder to prevent animals such as raccoons and other dogs from jumping into your feeder and ruining your dog food.
Keeping Your LGD Healthy
Your LGD must be healthy to effectively protect your goats or other livestock. Provide your dog quality commercial food, vaccinate him and visually inspect your dog three or four times a week to confirm he has proper body condition.
You will need to increase the amount of food you offer your dog during extremely cold weather. LGDs often remain outdoors during all weather conditions and their metabolic action may increase in response to severe weather.
Many LGD owners also provide a higher energy food when coyotes pressure a flock and work the dogs. Higher energy food should also be provided during cold weather months.
LGDs are trustworthy, protective and attentive. Proper care for your LGD will ensure effective livestock protection against predators.
