Dreamcatcher Alpacas
Can alpacas eat… · With caution

Can Alpacas Eat Spinach?

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

Updated 2026-10-02By the Dreamcatcher Alpacas editorial team
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Only with caution — spinach carries real risks for alpacas.

Spinach is high in oxalates. Small amounts are fine; do not feed regularly, especially to males.

Verdict
With caution
Serving size
A few leaves occasionally
Food group
Vegetable
Sugar per 100 g
0.4 g

Risks to know

  • Contains oxalates; large or regular servings can bind calcium and contribute to urinary stones

Nutrition facts (per 100 g)

NutrientAmountWhat it means for alpacas
Water91.4 gHydrating
Energy23 kcalLow calorie
Sugars0.4 gLow sugar
Fiber2.2 gLow fiber
Protein2.9 g
Fat0.4 g
Calcium99 mg
Phosphorus49 mg
Vitamin C28.1 mgNot required — camelids make their own

Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Spinach, raw” (FDC ID 168462).

Sugar compared with other treats

Spinach0.4 gCelery1.3 gCucumber1.7 gPumpkin2.8 gGreen Beans3.3 gCarrots4.7 gStrawberries4.9 gWatermelon6.2 gApples10 gBananas12.2 gGrapes15.5 g

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 spinach?
Only with caution — spinach carries real risks for alpacas. Spinach is high in oxalates. Small amounts are fine; do not feed regularly, especially to males.
How much spinach can I give my alpaca?
A few leaves occasionally. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How much sugar is in spinach?
About 0.4 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.