Can alpacas eat… · In moderation

Can Alpacas Eat Strawberries?

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

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Yes, alpacas can eat strawberries — in moderation.

Strawberries are safe and lower in sugar than many fruits. Most alpacas enjoy them.

Verdict
In moderation
Serving size
2-4 berries
Preparation
Wash; tops can stay on.
Food group
Fruit
Sugar per 100 g
4.9 g

Risks to know

  • High sugar content can upset the C1 (fore-stomach) microbes and contributes to obesity

Benefits

  • Vitamin C

How to feed strawberries safely

  1. Wash; tops can stay on.
  2. Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — 2-4 berries.
  3. Keep all treats under about 5% of the daily diet; hay or pasture and a camelid mineral come first.
  4. Introduce anything new gradually and watch droppings for the next day.

Nutrition facts (per 100 g)

NutrientAmountWhat it means for alpacas
Water91.0 gHydrating
Energy32 kcalLow calorie
Sugars4.9 gModerate
Fiber2.0 gLow fiber
Protein0.7 g
Fat0.3 g
Calcium16 mg
Phosphorus24 mg
Vitamin C58.8 mgNot required — camelids make their own

Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Strawberries, raw” (FDC ID 167762).

Sugar compared with other treats

Celery1.3 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.

Other good treats

Frequently asked questions

Can alpacas eat strawberries?
Yes, alpacas can eat strawberries — in moderation. Strawberries are safe and lower in sugar than many fruits. Most alpacas enjoy them.
How much strawberries can I give my alpaca?
2-4 berries. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare strawberries for alpacas?
Wash; tops can stay on.
How much sugar is in strawberries?
About 4.9 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.