Alpaca Food: What to Feed and What to Avoid?

Alpacas are known as frugal eaters. They can thrive on relatively simple food, while still getting all the necessary nutrients from their diet.

As herbivores, the diet of alpacas consists mainly of plant material. They mainly eat grass, herbs and various types of plants. In their natural environment, the grasslands and mountain slopes of South America, they graze on grassy vegetation that is abundant.

The digestive system of an alpaca is particularly well adapted to digesting high-fiber roughage. With three stomach compartments, they can effectively process difficult-to-digest plant materials such as grass. This adaptation makes their digestion ideal for processing high-fiber food.

Grass and hay as a base

In addition to grass, alpacas also receive hay, which is an essential part of their diet, especially when fresh grass is not available, such as in the winter months. Hay, especially grass or timothy hay, provides the necessary fiber and supports healthy digestion.

Although alpacas do not eat large amounts of fruit or vegetables, small amounts can be given as a treat. However, it is important to know that some vegetables, such as potatoes and onions, are toxic to alpacas and should therefore be avoided.

Specially developed alpaca pellets

An alpaca's diet should consist mainly of grass and hay, as these foods are the main sources of fiber that alpaca's digestive system needs.

On average, an alpaca eats about 2% of its body weight in roughage daily, which amounts to 1 to 1.5 kg per day.
A horse pasture with different types of grass comes closest to the natural nutritional needs of an alpaca.

In addition to grass and hay, alpacas receive a limited amount of specially developed alpaca pellets. These pellets contain high-quality ingredients and are enriched with minerals that improve biological absorption, which contributes to their overall health.

Hydration is essential

Finally, it is crucial that alpacas always have access to clean, fresh water. This ensures that they stay well hydrated, especially after exertion or during warm weather conditions.

Alpagas de Luziers only feeds Alpamin as alpaca pellets (as a supplement to grass and hay).
Small amounts of fruit can occasionally be given as a treat, never as main food.

• “Read also: The weight of an alpaca”

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What should an Alpaca not eat?

There are several foods that can be harmful or even toxic to alpacas. It is important to know what you should absolutely not give your alpaca. Here is a list of foods to avoid:

• Potatoes (and other nightshade crops): 

Especially the peels and green parts of potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can be harmful to alpacas and other animals.

• Onions and garlic

These contain substances that can be harmful to the red blood cells of alpacas, which can lead to anemia.

• Avocado

Avocado contains persin, a toxin that is dangerous to various animals, including alpacas.

• Chocolate

As with many other animals, chocolate is toxic to alpacas due to the theobromine, which can damage their heart and nervous system.

• Tomatoes (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain solanine and can be harmful to alpacas.

• Leaves of the rhododendron

Rhododendron plants contain grayanotoxin, which is toxic to alpacas and other animals.

• Raw or spoiled food

Raw meat or spoiled fruits and vegetables can contain bacteria or fungi that are harmful to the health of the alpaca.

• Pods or beans

Some pods or beans may contain toxic substances that are harmful to alpacas, so it is important to avoid them.

• Too much sweet fruit

Although a little fruit can be a tasty treat, alpacas should not be given too much sweet fruit, such as apples, pears or grapes, as this can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea.

Summary and advice