Only with caution — silage & haylage carries real risks for alpacas.
Wet fermented forages can carry Listeria and Clostridium botulinum. Most alpaca keepers avoid them; if used, quality must be excellent.
- Verdict
- With caution
- Serving size
- Only well-made, vet-approved and introduced slowly
- Preparation
- Discard anything moldy, warm or foul-smelling.
- Food group
- Hay & forage
Risks to know
- Listeriosis
- Botulism
- Mold
Safer alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat silage & haylage?
Only with caution — silage & haylage carries real risks for alpacas. Wet fermented forages can carry Listeria and Clostridium botulinum. Most alpaca keepers avoid them; if used, quality must be excellent.
How much silage & haylage can I give my alpaca?
Only well-made, vet-approved and introduced slowly. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare silage & haylage for alpacas?
Discard anything moldy, warm or foul-smelling.
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.