{"id":8518,"date":"2022-10-07T18:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T18:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=8518"},"modified":"2022-10-07T19:05:04","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T19:05:04","slug":"what-do-alpacas-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/what-do-alpacas-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do Alpacas Eat: Tips On Feeding Alpacas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many people who are considering keeping alpacas<\/a> wonder what do alpacas eat. The short answer is that they mostly eat grass and hay, and in comparison to their size, they don’t eat much of it. The typical alpaca weighs about 125 pounds and eats about three pounds of grass, hay, vegetation and feed daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we discuss alpaca feeding and provide sound tips for success. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Alpacas Need So Little Feed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"why<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unlike goats and cattle, which are full ruminants with four stomachs, alpaca are pseudo-ruminants. They have one stomach with three compartments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like full ruminants, they do chew a cud and produce rumen. This allows them to process small amounts of food very efficiently to get the most nourishment from every bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alpacas chew their cud with the molars located at the backs of their jaws. They only have one set of front teeth, on the bottom. On the top is a dental pad or hard gum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lower front teeth grow continuously and need to be worn down through grazing. Alpacas use these lower front teeth and the gum pad to shear off food and then swallow it whole. They regurgitate it and chew it with their molars in the form of a cud which is then re-swallowed and digested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alpacas Need Good Grazing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alpacas have short tongues, so they cannot pull grass up by the roots, as can sheep, goats and cattle. This means that alpacas are easy on pasture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pasture should consist mostly of good grass, such as Bermuda or Timothy. Small stands of Yarrow, dandelions, clover and other wild, native plants are also desirable but should not make up the most part of alpacas grazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hardy little animals may also enjoy being able to nibble on some shrubs and trees. Check with your local agricultural extension to find out which native shrubs and trees in your area are safe for alpaca and general livestock consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Alpaca\u2019s Diet Should Not Be Too Rich<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When adding feed to your alpaca’s daily diet, it is wise to choose commercially prepared mixes that are especially formulated for llamas and alpacas. Shredded beet pulp may also be added for extra fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the most part, less rich, grass hay is preferable to protein rich alfalfa hay. Even so, small amounts of alfalfa can be fed. Animals that are in need of extra nutrition, such as lactating and\/or pregnant females, can benefit from added vitamin and mineral supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Feed Alpacas In The Winter When Grazing Is Limited<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"what<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the wintertime when grazing is limited, you’ll need to increase the amount of hay you are feeding. Sometimes hay can be in short supply too. This is when soaked beet pulp is especially valuable as a source of fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although some people feed alpacas dry beet pulp, it is actually always preferable to feed it soaked. Dry beet pulp is a choking hazard, additionally, when you soak it in warm water you help your animals stay hydrated through the cold, dry winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding a warm, beet pulp mash also provides a bit of comfort food during cold weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paca Tuesday – Winter Feeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n