Alpacas evolved grazing on sparse, low-nutrient grasses in the high Andes, which made them remarkably efficient at turning forage into energy. In fact, they convert up to 80% of what they eat into usable energy — more than most other livestock. 

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But here in the U.S., the challenge is often the opposite: our alpacas eat too well. 

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The Risks of Over-Conditioning 

Rich pasture and abundant hay can easily lead to over-conditioning — a polite way of saying your alpacas are too fat. While fluffy fleece can make it hard to spot, excessive body weight can cause serious problems: 

• Reduced fertility and conception rates 

• Difficulty maintaining pregnancy 

• Increased risk of dystocia (difficult births) 

• Fiber coarsening (fat animals often produce harsher fleece) 

 

Several studies confirm that fiber quality improves when an over-conditioned alpaca returns to a healthy weight. Just like people, alpacas thrive when fed the right amount of the right food. 

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What Should They Eat? 

Forage should make up at least 80% of a healthy alpaca’s diet. That includes pasture grass and hay, with minor supplements added as needed. On average: 

• An adult alpaca requires about 1.5% of its body weight in feed per day 

• Most of this should come from pasture or quality hay 

• A small handful of alpaca pellets per day is usually sufficient 

• Provide free-choice mineral supplements (formulated for alpacas) 

• Clean, fresh water must always be available 

 

To avoid overfeeding or underfeeding, regularly monitor Body Condition Scores (BCS) — aiming for a healthy range between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 5-point scale. 

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Forage Quality: Not Too Rich, Not Too Poor 

In North America, pastures tend to fall at one of two extremes: low-quality or exceptionally rich. Neither is ideal if left unmanaged. The best way to strike a balance is to: 

1. Test your forage — Understand the nutritional content of your hay and pasture 

1. Test your soil — Your local extension agent can help you analyze and amend as needed 

1. Apply fertilizer and lime — Fall or spring are ideal times, especially before over-seeding 

1. Choose appropriate grasses — More on that below 

 

Choosing the Right Grasses 

The most widely recommended grass for alpacas is orchard grass. It has excellent nutritional value and balances well with most alpaca supplements. 

• Orchard grass works well alone or with up to 20% alfalfa 

• It performs well for 4–5 years with good management 

• Orchard grass also produces high-quality second-cut hay, ideal for alpacas 

• Avoid fescue, which often harbors an endophytic fungus linked to reproductive problems and even abortion in pregnant females 

 

A diverse pasture that includes multiple grass types (e.g. orchard, timothy, brome) can also improve resilience and forage balance across seasons 

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Paddock Planning and Grazing Rotation 

Proper pasture management is essential not just for nutrition, but for controlling parasites and minimizing damage to the land. 

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Good pasture can support around 6–8 females or 8–10 males per acre, depending on climate and forage quality 

All pastures should have: 

• Good drainage 

• Shade and shelter 

• Safe fencing 

• Plentiful, clean water (watch iron and sulfur levels) 

 

Rotational grazing is key: 

• Divide your pasture into multiple paddocks 

• Rotate animals every 2–3 weeks to allow grass to rest and regrow 

• Rested pastures recover better and help break the life cycle of intestinal parasites 

 

On very lush pastures, controlled grazing may be necessary to avoid obesity: 

• Restrict grazing to 3–4 hours per day for alpacas with a BCS above 3.5–4.0 

• Use dry lots, gravel pens, or small sacrifice areas to limit intake when needed 

 

Pastures are more than just “green space” — they’re the foundation of your herd’s health and your farm’s productivity. With thoughtful grazing practices and regular assessment, your pastures can sustain happy, healthy alpacas for years to come.