Only with caution — dates carries real risks for alpacas.
Very high sugar (about 65%). Only as a rare reward.
- Verdict
- With caution
- Serving size
- 1 date, pitted
- Preparation
- Remove the pit.
- Food group
- Fruit
- Sugar per 100 g
- 66.5 g
Risks to know
- High sugar content can upset the C1 (fore-stomach) microbes and contributes to obesity
- Pit choke hazard
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 21.3 g | Dry — offer water |
| Energy | 277 kcal | Calorie-dense — tiny portions |
| Sugars | 66.5 g | Very high — rare treat only |
| Fiber | 6.7 g | Good fiber |
| Protein | 1.8 g | |
| Fat | 0.1 g | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 62 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.0 : 1 | Fine in small amounts |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Dates, medjool” (FDC ID 168191).
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 dates?
Only with caution — dates carries real risks for alpacas. Very high sugar (about 65%). Only as a rare reward.
How much dates can I give my alpaca?
1 date, pitted. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare dates for alpacas?
Remove the pit.
How much sugar is in dates?
About 66.5 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.