Can alpacas eat… · With caution

Can Alpacas Eat Persimmons?

A quick, vet-informed answer on feeding persimmons to alpacas, with serving sizes, nutrition data and safer alternatives.

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Only with caution — persimmons carries real risks for alpacas.

Unripe persimmons are rich in soluble tannins that can form hard masses (phytobezoars) in the stomach of livestock and horses.

Verdict
With caution
Serving size
A slice of ripe fruit at most
Preparation
Feed only fully ripe; remove seeds.
Food group
Fruit
Sugar per 100 g
12.5 g

Risks to know

  • Phytobezoar/obstruction risk

Nutrition facts (per 100 g)

NutrientAmountWhat it means for alpacas
Water80.3 gModerate water
Energy70 kcalModerate
Sugars12.5 gHigh — small portions
Fiber3.6 gGood fiber
Protein0.6 g
Fat0.2 g
Calcium8 mg
Phosphorus17 mg
Vitamin C7.5 mgNot required — camelids make their own

Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Persimmons, japanese, raw” (FDC ID 169941).

Sugar compared with other treats

Celery1.3 gCucumber1.7 gPumpkin2.8 gGreen Beans3.3 gCarrots4.7 gStrawberries4.9 gWatermelon6.2 gApples10 gBananas12.2 gPersimmons12.5 gGrapes15.5 g

Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.

Safer alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Can alpacas eat persimmons?
Only with caution — persimmons carries real risks for alpacas. Unripe persimmons are rich in soluble tannins that can form hard masses (phytobezoars) in the stomach of livestock and horses.
How much persimmons can I give my alpaca?
A slice of ripe fruit at most. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare persimmons for alpacas?
Feed only fully ripe; remove seeds.
How much sugar is in persimmons?
About 12.5 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.