Yes — alpacas can eat hay (grass hay).
Good-quality grass hay is the foundation of an alpaca's diet whenever pasture is limited.
- Verdict
- Yes
- Serving size
- Free choice — about 2-3 lb (1-1.5 kg) per alpaca per day
- Preparation
- Feed clean, dust-free, mold-free grass hay in a feeder that keeps it off the ground.
- Food group
- Hay & forage
Risks to know
- Moldy or dusty hay
- Low-quality stemmy hay causes weight loss
Benefits
- Fiber for rumination
- Main nutrient source
How to feed hay (grass hay) safely
- Feed clean, dust-free, mold-free grass hay in a feeder that keeps it off the ground.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — free choice — about 2-3 lb (1-1.5 kg) per alpaca per day.
- 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.
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat hay (grass hay)?
Yes — alpacas can eat hay (grass hay). Good-quality grass hay is the foundation of an alpaca's diet whenever pasture is limited.
How much hay (grass hay) can I give my alpaca?
Free choice — about 2-3 lb (1-1.5 kg) per alpaca per day. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare hay (grass hay) for alpacas?
Feed clean, dust-free, mold-free grass hay in a feeder that keeps it off the ground.
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.