Donkey Hoof Care and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Why donkey hooves have unique care requirements and how neglect leads to significant welfare problems.

Key Facts

Donkey hooves grow faster and at a different angle than horse hooves, requiring specialist trimming
Donkeys adapted to arid environments are highly susceptible to laminitis in lush pasture
Overgrown hooves in donkeys can cause severe pain and permanent deformity within months
Many working donkeys in low-income countries receive no regular hoof care
Slipper foot, where hooves curl upward, is a preventable welfare crisis seen in neglected donkeys
Specialist farriers with donkey training are needed to provide appropriate hoof care

Welfare Considerations

Donkey hoof neglect is one of the most common and preventable welfare crises globally. Donkeys are stoic animals that rarely vocalise pain, so owners may not notice deteriorating hoof condition until it is advanced. In many working donkey populations, access to trained farriers is limited, and laminitis risk from inappropriate feeding is widespread. Hoof care education for donkey owners — particularly in communities that rely on working donkeys — is one of the most impactful interventions available for these often-overlooked animals.

What You Can Do

Ensure donkeys receive hoof trimming by a donkey-experienced farrier every 6-8 weeks
Learn to recognize early signs of overgrowth and laminitis such as heat in the hoof and changes in gait
Manage pasture access carefully, especially in spring and autumn, to reduce laminitis risk
Support organisations such as The Donkey Sanctuary that provide hoof care training in working donkey communities
Advocate for donkey welfare inclusion in livestock development programmes in low-income countries