Only with caution — barley carries real risks for alpacas.
Starchier than oats; ferments quickly.
- Verdict
- With caution
- Serving size
- Not recommended except in a balanced ration
- Food group
- Grain
- Sugar per 100 g
- 0.8 g
Risks to know
- Starch ferments rapidly in the fore-stomach and can cause acidosis and ulcers
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 9.4 g | Dry — offer water |
| Energy | 354 kcal | Calorie-dense — tiny portions |
| Sugars | 0.8 g | Low sugar |
| Fiber | 17.3 g | Good fiber |
| Protein | 12.5 g | |
| Fat | 2.3 g | |
| Calcium | 33 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 264 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 0.1 : 1 | Inverted — phosphorus-heavy, limit for males |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Barley, hulled” (FDC ID 170283).
Sugar compared with other treats
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 barley?
Only with caution — barley carries real risks for alpacas. Starchier than oats; ferments quickly.
How much barley can I give my alpaca?
Not recommended except in a balanced ration. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How much sugar is in barley?
About 0.8 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.