Only with caution — cherries carries real risks for alpacas.
Cherry flesh is safe, but pits, stems, leaves and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides. Wilted cherry leaves are deadly.
- Verdict
- With caution
- Serving size
- A few pitted cherries
- Preparation
- Remove all pits and stems.
- Food group
- Fruit
- Sugar per 100 g
- 12.8 g
Risks to know
- Pits and leaves: cyanide
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 82.2 g | Moderate water |
| Energy | 63 kcal | Moderate |
| Sugars | 12.8 g | High — small portions |
| Fiber | 2.1 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 1.1 g | |
| Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Calcium | 13 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 21 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 7.0 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Cherries, sweet, raw” (FDC ID 171719).
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
ApplesIn moderationBanana PeelsIn moderationBananasIn moderationBlackberriesIn moderationBlueberriesIn moderationCantaloupeIn moderation
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat cherries?
Only with caution — cherries carries real risks for alpacas. Cherry flesh is safe, but pits, stems, leaves and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides. Wilted cherry leaves are deadly.
How much cherries can I give my alpaca?
A few pitted cherries. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare cherries for alpacas?
Remove all pits and stems.
How much sugar is in cherries?
About 12.8 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.