Alpaca Walking & Llama Trekking

Hensting Alpacas
BOOK AN ALPACA WALK NOW

Feeding Alpacas in the UK – A Guide to Balanced Nutrition & Supplements

From hay and grazing to supplements like Camelibra and Fibregest, here’s how to keep your alpacas healthy and well-nourished all year round

Feeding Alpacas in the UK – A Guide to Balanced Nutrition & Supplements

Alpacas are herbivores and grazers, meaning they prefer to eat small amounts of plant-based foods throughout the day. A balanced diet is essential for their long-term health and fleece production. This guide covers what to feed alpacas, how much they need, and how to support their nutrition with proven supplements.

What to Feed Alpacas

A healthy alpaca diet should include:

  • Hay: Clean, dust-free hay should make up the majority of their diet
  • Pasture Grass: Natural grazing is ideal — free from pesticides or chemicals
  • Legumes: Clover, alfalfa, and similar legumes provide excellent protein (in moderation)
  • Vegetables: Carrots, squash, sweet potatoes (as occasional treats)
  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears (cut into small pieces and fed in small amounts)
  • Grains: Rolled oats or barley (only for working or pregnant animals)
  • Supplements: Mineral licks or custom alpaca supplements help round out their nutrition

How Much Should an Alpaca Eat?

Alpacas eat approximately 2–3% of their body weight in dry matter daily. For a 100kg alpaca, this means 2–3kg of hay and pasture per day. Adjust for:

  • Season (they eat more in winter)
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Activity levels or work (e.g. walking events)

Always provide access to fresh, clean drinking water.

Tips for Feeding Alpacas

  • Feed during cooler parts of the day (morning/evening)
  • Use clean troughs or hay racks to avoid contamination
  • Avoid overfeeding rich foods like alfalfa or fruit
  • Monitor weight and condition scores monthly
  • Introduce dietary changes gradually

Supplementing with GWF Camelibra and Fibregest

At Hensting Alpacas, we recommend GWF Camelibra and Fibregest to enhance daily nutrition, especially in winter or during growth and breeding periods.

What They Do:

  • Camelibra: High-energy supplement with protein, vitamins, and minerals
  • Fibregest: Fibre-based, low-energy supplement for digestive health

Feeding Guidelines:

  • Adults: 1 part Camelibra to 2 parts Fibregest
  • Cria or younger animals: 1 part Camelibra to 3 parts Fibregest

Storage:

  • Keep feed in a cool, dry, sealed container
  • Use within 6 months of opening

These supplements are an excellent way to maintain optimal condition in all seasons.

Conclusion

Feeding alpacas a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your herd healthy and your fleece high quality. With the right hay, grazing, and optional supplements like Camelibra and Fibregest, your alpacas will thrive in the UK climate.