Yes — alpacas can eat black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS).
BOSS are a popular supplement for fleece shine and condition, providing fat, protein and vitamin E. Keep portions small because of the fat content.
- Verdict
- Yes
- Serving size
- 1-2 tablespoons per day
- Preparation
- Feed whole black oil seeds (not salted human snack seeds).
- Food group
- Seeds & nut
- Sugar per 100 g
- 2.6 g
Risks to know
- High fat in large amounts
Benefits
- Fleece condition
- Vitamin E
- Calorie boost in winter
How to feed black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) safely
- Feed whole black oil seeds (not salted human snack seeds).
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — 1-2 tablespoons per day.
- 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 | 4.7 g | Dry — offer water |
| Energy | 584 kcal | Calorie-dense — tiny portions |
| Sugars | 2.6 g | Low sugar |
| Fiber | 8.6 g | Good fiber |
| Protein | 20.8 g | |
| Fat | 51.5 g | High fat — limit |
| Calcium | 78 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 660 mg | |
| Ca : P ratio | 0.1 : 1 | Inverted — phosphorus-heavy, limit for males |
| Vitamin C | 1.4 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Seeds, sunflower seed kernels, dried” (FDC ID 170562).
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 black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS)?
Yes — alpacas can eat black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS). BOSS are a popular supplement for fleece shine and condition, providing fat, protein and vitamin E. Keep portions small because of the fat content.
How much black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) can I give my alpaca?
1-2 tablespoons per day. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) for alpacas?
Feed whole black oil seeds (not salted human snack seeds).
How much sugar is in black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS)?
About 2.6 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.