Can alpacas eat… · In moderation

Can Alpacas Eat Bok Choy?

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

~

Yes, alpacas can eat bok choy — in moderation.

Mild brassica; safe in small amounts.

Verdict
In moderation
Serving size
A few leaves
Food group
Vegetable
Sugar per 100 g
1.2 g

Risks to know

  • Brassica family: in large amounts can cause gas, goiter (iodine interference) and anemia

How to feed bok choy safely

  1. Wash and cut into small pieces.
  2. Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a few leaves.
  3. Keep all treats under about 5% of the daily diet; hay or pasture and a camelid mineral come first.
  4. Introduce anything new gradually and watch droppings for the next day.

Nutrition facts (per 100 g)

NutrientAmountWhat it means for alpacas
Water95.3 gHydrating
Energy13 kcalLow calorie
Sugars1.2 gLow sugar
Fiber1.0 gLow fiber
Protein1.5 g
Fat0.2 g
Calcium105 mg
Phosphorus37 mg
Vitamin C45.0 mgNot required — camelids make their own

Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Cabbage, chinese (pak-choi), raw” (FDC ID 170390).

Sugar compared with other treats

Bok Choy1.2 gCelery1.3 gCucumber1.7 gPumpkin2.8 gGreen Beans3.3 gCarrots4.7 gStrawberries4.9 gWatermelon6.2 gApples10 gBananas12.2 gGrapes15.5 g

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

Other good treats

Frequently asked questions

Can alpacas eat bok choy?
Yes, alpacas can eat bok choy — in moderation. Mild brassica; safe in small amounts.
How much bok choy can I give my alpaca?
A few leaves. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How much sugar is in bok choy?
About 1.2 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.