No — don't feed onions to alpacas.
Onions damage red blood cells and cause anemia in livestock.
- Verdict
- No
- Serving size
- Never
- Food group
- Vegetable
- Sugar per 100 g
- 4.2 g
Risks to know
- Heinz-body anemia
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 89.1 g | Hydrating |
| Energy | 40 kcal | Low calorie |
| Sugars | 4.2 g | Moderate |
| Fiber | 1.7 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 1.1 g | |
| Fat | 0.1 g | |
| Calcium | 23 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 29 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 7.4 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Onions, raw” (FDC ID 170000).
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
ArtichokeIn moderationArugulaIn moderationAsparagusIn moderationBeetsIn moderationBell PeppersIn moderationBok ChoyIn moderation
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat onions?
No — don't feed onions to alpacas. Onions damage red blood cells and cause anemia in livestock.
How much onions can I give my alpaca?
None — choose a safe alternative such as carrot sticks, cucumber or green beans.
How much sugar is in onions?
About 4.2 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central).
Can baby alpacas (crias) eat it?
No.
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.