Animal Feed

Preparation and Storage for Large and Small Animals

When we think about preparedness, it’s easy to focus on food, water, and supplies for people. But if you rely on animals—whether livestock, poultry, or pets—they must be part of the plan. Healthy animals mean food, labor, companionship, and even security in a survival situation. Proper preparation and storage of animal feed is one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of long-term readiness.

Key Factors in Animal Feed Preparedness

1. Know Your Animals’ Needs

Each type of animal has different nutritional requirements:

• Cattle, goats, sheep – Require bulk roughage like hay, with grains or protein supplements in winter.
• Horses – Depend heavily on high-quality hay, with grain only as needed. Moldy hay can be deadly.
• Poultry – Need balanced rations with protein and calcium for egg production.
• Rabbits – Thrive on hay with some pellets and greens.
• Dogs and cats – Require specialized feed that’s harder to replicate on the homestead.

Knowing the specific dietary requirements of each species you care for prevents waste and protects animal health.

2. Storage Environment

Feed spoils quickly if not stored properly. Key principles include:

• Cool and dry – High heat and humidity cause mold, which is dangerous to most animals.
• Rodent and pest proof – Mice, rats, and insects not only eat the feed but also contaminate it.
• Dark storage – Prevents nutrient breakdown, especially in vitamins.

Metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids, food-grade barrels, or heavy-duty plastic bins can protect feed from pests and moisture.

3. Shelf Life Considerations

• Hay – Best stored under cover with air circulation; avoid direct ground contact. Can last a year or more if kept dry.
• Grains – Whole grains last longer than ground feed. Cracked corn, for example, loses nutrition faster than whole kernels.
• Pellets and commercial rations – Usually last 3–6 months before nutrients degrade. Rotate stock and buy only what you can use within that time.
• Canned or dehydrated supplements – Excellent for long-term storage if available.

4. Bulk Buying vs. Local Sourcing

For preparedness, balance between:

• Bulk storage – Cost-effective and ensures supply in shortages.
• Local sources – Fresh feed, hay, or forage may be more nutritious and doesn’t require as much long-term storage.

Growing your own supplemental feed—such as fodder systems (sprouted grains), root crops, or forage plots—adds resilience.

5. Rotation and Inventory

• Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure older feed gets used before it spoils.
• Keep a feed log to track usage and project future needs.
• Rotate stocks at least every 6 months, even if stored in sealed containers.

6. Emergency Substitutions

Sometimes standard feed may run out. Having knowledge of substitutes can keep animals healthy:

• Goats and sheep – Tree trimmings, weeds, and browse.
• Chickens – Garden scraps, insects, sprouted grains.
• Rabbits – Garden greens, dried leaves, bark.
• Dogs – Meat scraps, rice, oats, garden vegetables (avoiding toxic ones like onions).

Final Thoughts

Animals are a vital part of many preparedness plans, but only if they remain healthy and well-fed. Storing feed properly, rotating stocks, and planning for both short-term and long-term nutrition ensures your animals can continue to provide eggs, milk, meat, fiber, labor, or companionship when you need them most.

Preparedness isn’t just about people—it’s about the whole ecosystem of your homestead.