Yes, alpacas can eat pumpkin seeds — in moderation.
Safe. Often claimed to be a natural dewormer — there is no good evidence for this in camelids, so do not rely on it for parasite control.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- A small handful
- Preparation
- Raw, unsalted.
- Food group
- Seeds & nut
- Sugar per 100 g
- 1.4 g
Risks to know
- No proven deworming effect
Benefits
- Protein, zinc
How to feed pumpkin seeds safely
- Raw, unsalted.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — a small handful.
- 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 | 5.2 g | Dry — offer water |
| Energy | 559 kcal | Calorie-dense — tiny portions |
| Sugars | 1.4 g | Low sugar |
| Fiber | 6.0 g | Good fiber |
| Protein | 30.2 g | |
| Fat | 49.0 g | High fat — limit |
| Calcium | 46 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 1233 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 0.0 : 1 | Inverted — phosphorus-heavy, limit for males |
| Vitamin C | 1.9 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Seeds, pumpkin and squash seed kernels, dried” (FDC ID 170556).
Sugar compared with other treats
Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, alpacas can eat pumpkin seeds — in moderation. Safe. Often claimed to be a natural dewormer — there is no good evidence for this in camelids, so do not rely on it for parasite control.
How much pumpkin seeds can I give my alpaca?
A small handful. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare pumpkin seeds for alpacas?
Raw, unsalted.
How much sugar is in pumpkin seeds?
About 1.4 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.