Can alpacas eat… · With caution

Can Alpacas Eat Apricots?

A quick, vet-informed answer on feeding apricots to alpacas, with serving sizes, nutrition data and safer alternatives.

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Only with caution — apricots carries real risks for alpacas.

Flesh safe; pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Verdict
With caution
Serving size
1-2 slices
Preparation
Remove pit.
Food group
Fruit
Sugar per 100 g
9.2 g

Risks to know

  • Pits: cyanide + choke

Nutrition facts (per 100 g)

NutrientAmountWhat it means for alpacas
Water86.3 gHydrating
Energy48 kcalLow calorie
Sugars9.2 gHigh — small portions
Fiber2.0 gLow fiber
Protein1.4 g
Fat0.4 g
Calcium13 mg
Phosphorus23 mg
Vitamin C10.0 mgNot required — camelids make their own

Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Apricots, raw” (FDC ID 171697).

Sugar compared with other treats

Celery1.3 gCucumber1.7 gPumpkin2.8 gGreen Beans3.3 gCarrots4.7 gStrawberries4.9 gWatermelon6.2 gApricots9.2 gApples10 gBananas12.2 gGrapes15.5 g

Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.

Safer alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Can alpacas eat apricots?
Only with caution — apricots carries real risks for alpacas. Flesh safe; pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
How much apricots can I give my alpaca?
1-2 slices. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare apricots for alpacas?
Remove pit.
How much sugar is in apricots?
About 9.2 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central).
Can baby alpacas (crias) eat it?
Crias should get milk, then hay and pasture. Hold off on treats until they are weaned and eating forage well, and always use tiny pieces.

See the complete list of foods alpacas can and can't eat, our feeding guide and the toxic plant checker.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.