Only with caution — tangerines & mandarins carries real risks for alpacas.
As with oranges: safe in tiny amounts but acidic.
- Verdict
- With caution
- Serving size
- 1-2 segments
- Preparation
- Peel.
- Food group
- Fruit
- Sugar per 100 g
- 10.6 g
Risks to know
- High sugar content can upset the C1 (fore-stomach) microbes and contributes to obesity
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 85.2 g | Hydrating |
| Energy | 53 kcal | Low calorie |
| Sugars | 10.6 g | High — small portions |
| Fiber | 1.8 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 0.8 g | |
| Fat | 0.3 g | |
| Calcium | 37 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 20 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 26.7 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Tangerines, (mandarin oranges), raw” (FDC ID 169105).
Sugar compared with other treats
Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.
Safer alternatives
ApplesIn moderationBanana PeelsIn moderationBananasIn moderationBlackberriesIn moderationBlueberriesIn moderationCantaloupeIn moderation
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat tangerines & mandarins?
Only with caution — tangerines & mandarins carries real risks for alpacas. As with oranges: safe in tiny amounts but acidic.
How much tangerines & mandarins can I give my alpaca?
1-2 segments. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare tangerines & mandarins for alpacas?
Peel.
How much sugar is in tangerines & mandarins?
About 10.6 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.