No — don't feed potatoes to alpacas.
Raw potatoes are starchy and a choke hazard, and green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine.
- Verdict
- No
- Serving size
- Do not feed
- Food group
- Vegetable
- Sugar per 100 g
- 0.8 g
Risks to know
- Nightshade family: leaves, stems and green parts contain solanine
- Starch ferments rapidly in the fore-stomach and can cause acidosis and ulcers
- Choke (esophageal obstruction) — alpacas gulp treats; cut into thin strips or small pieces
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 79.2 g | Moderate water |
| Energy | 77 kcal | Moderate |
| Sugars | 0.8 g | Low sugar |
| Fiber | 2.1 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 2.0 g | |
| Fat | 0.1 g | |
| Calcium | 12 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 57 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 19.7 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Potatoes, flesh and skin, raw” (FDC ID 170026).
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 potatoes?
No — don't feed potatoes to alpacas. Raw potatoes are starchy and a choke hazard, and green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine.
How much potatoes can I give my alpaca?
None — choose a safe alternative such as carrot sticks, cucumber or green beans.
How much sugar is in potatoes?
About 0.8 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.