Yes, alpacas can eat mint — in moderation.
Safe; strong taste limits intake.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- A few sprigs
- Food group
- Herbs & green
How to feed mint safely
- Wash and cut into small pieces.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a few sprigs.
- 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.
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 85.5 g | Hydrating |
| Energy | 44 kcal | Low calorie |
| Fiber | 6.8 g | Good fiber |
| Protein | 3.3 g | |
| Fat | 0.7 g | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 3.3 : 1 | Fine in small amounts |
| Vitamin C | 13.3 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Spearmint, fresh” (FDC ID 173475).
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat mint?
Yes, alpacas can eat mint — in moderation. Safe; strong taste limits intake.
How much mint can I give my alpaca?
A few sprigs. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
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.