No — don't feed cheese & dairy to alpacas.
Adult alpacas cannot digest lactose well. Crias that need supplementation should get goat milk, camelid colostrum or a vet-approved milk replacer.
- Verdict
- No
- Serving size
- Never (except colostrum/milk replacer for crias)
- Food group
- Human food
- Sugar per 100 g
- 7.7 g
Risks to know
- Digestive upset
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 53.1 g | Dry — offer water |
| Energy | 239 kcal | Moderate |
| Sugars | 7.7 g | Moderate |
| Fiber | 0.0 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 16.7 g | |
| Fat | 14.0 g | |
| Calcium | 562 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 712 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 0.8 : 1 | Inverted — phosphorus-heavy, limit for males |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Cheese, american cheddar, imitation” (FDC ID 169901).
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 cheese & dairy?
No — don't feed cheese & dairy to alpacas. Adult alpacas cannot digest lactose well. Crias that need supplementation should get goat milk, camelid colostrum or a vet-approved milk replacer.
How much cheese & dairy can I give my alpaca?
None — choose a safe alternative such as carrot sticks, cucumber or green beans.
How much sugar is in cheese & dairy?
About 7.7 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central).
Can baby alpacas (crias) eat it?
No.
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.