Yes, alpacas can eat bell peppers — in moderation.
Sweet peppers are safe; the plant is a nightshade, so do not feed leaves.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- A few strips
- Preparation
- Remove stem.
- Food group
- Vegetable
- Sugar per 100 g
- 4.2 g
Risks to know
- Nightshade family: leaves, stems and green parts contain solanine
How to feed bell peppers safely
- Remove stem.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a few strips.
- Keep all treats under about 5% of the daily diet; hay or pasture and a camelid mineral come first.
- Introduce anything new gradually and watch droppings for the next day.
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 92.2 g | Hydrating |
| Energy | 26 kcal | Low calorie |
| Sugars | 4.2 g | Moderate |
| Fiber | 2.1 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 1.0 g | |
| Fat | 0.3 g | |
| Calcium | 7 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 26 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 127.7 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Peppers, sweet, red, raw” (FDC ID 170108).
Sugar compared with other treats
Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat bell peppers?
Yes, alpacas can eat bell peppers — in moderation. Sweet peppers are safe; the plant is a nightshade, so do not feed leaves.
How much bell peppers can I give my alpaca?
A few strips. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare bell peppers for alpacas?
Remove stem.
How much sugar is in bell peppers?
About 4.2 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.