"What do they eat?" is one of the most common questions we hear on tours, usually right after "Do they spit?" (Rarely at people. I promise.) Alpacas have a pretty fascinating relationship with food, so let's dig in.
The main course: grass and hay
Alpacas are grazers. Their diet is mostly grass when it's available and hay when it isn't, which in Wisconsin means a good chunk of the year. Good quality hay is the backbone of an alpaca's diet, so we take hay seriously around here.
Alpacas are also very efficient eaters. Compared to a lot of livestock, they eat a fairly small amount for their size and get a lot of nutrition out of it. That's part of why they're considered such easy keepers and so gentle on the land.
A stomach with three compartments
Alpacas have a three-compartment stomach (cows have four). Like cows, they chew cud, which means they bring food back up from the stomach to chew it again and break it down even more. If you see an alpaca lying down and chewing away with nothing in its mouth, that's what's happening. It's a little gross and a lot fascinating.
No top front teeth
Here's a fun one for the kids: alpacas don't have top front teeth. Instead, they have a firm, gummy pad on the top of their mouth. They use their bottom teeth and split upper lip to grab grass and tear it off. Their lips are super flexible and help them be picky about exactly what they eat.
Water and minerals
Like all animals, alpacas need constant access to fresh, clean water. They also need the right minerals and nutrients, which can vary depending on the soil and hay where they live. A balanced diet keeps them healthy and helps them grow beautiful fleece.
Communal manners (sort of)
Alpacas are social eaters, and they definitely have a pecking order at mealtime. You might see a little snorting or even some spitting at feeding time as they sort out who gets to eat first. It's mostly bluster, but it's very entertaining to watch. Fun bonus fact: alpacas also use communal dung piles, which makes keeping the farm clean much easier.
Please don't share your snacks
We know those big eyes are hard to resist, but please don't feed our animals anything from your pockets. Alpacas have sensitive digestive systems, and foods that seem harmless to us can make them really sick. If feeding is part of an experience, our staff will guide you on what's safe.
Come watch mealtime
Watching the alpacas graze, chew and politely (or not so politely) jockey for position is one of the most relaxing things you can do on the farm. Plan your visit on our farm tours page and see the herd in action.
