Yes — alpacas can eat dried nettles.
Dried nettle is mineral-rich and safe; fresh nettles sting.
- Verdict
- Yes
- Serving size
- A handful mixed into hay
- Preparation
- Dry first to remove the sting.
- Food group
- Herbs & green
Benefits
- Minerals, protein
How to feed dried nettles safely
- Dry first to remove the sting.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a handful mixed into hay.
- 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 dried nettles?
Yes — alpacas can eat dried nettles. Dried nettle is mineral-rich and safe; fresh nettles sting.
How much dried nettles can I give my alpaca?
A handful mixed into hay. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare dried nettles for alpacas?
Dry first to remove the sting.
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.