What Llamas Eat

Llamas stand 6-feet high at the head, weigh 250 pounds and are South American relatives of the camel. Llamas serve several purposes, from being a willing pack animal to supplying wool and leather. Because of their docile temperament and agile footing, llama herds are used to transport large amounts of goods over the Andes Mountains. As herbivores, llamas are equipped to tolerate several species of grasses.

  1. Pasture and Hays

    • All llamas graze on grasses native to their terrain. Much like cows, llamas regurgitate a cud to chew. They do not eat bark, strip trees nor eat nearly as much pasture as goats and sheep. If fresh pasture is not an option, sweet grass hays can be fed as a stable diet or additional feed option. However, high-nutrient hays like alfalfa should be given sparingly or as a treat. Because pasture and hays are the llamas' main diet, they rarely require pelleted foods.

    Commercial Pellet Food

    • Some circumstances call for a pelleted diet to supplement nutrients that may be lost during breeding season or severe weather conditions. Livestock supply stores carry llama foods formulated to nutritional needs that should be fed in addition to pasture. On occasion, a goat feed mix can also be used, and like llama pellets, it should make up a small portion of the animal's diet. A handful of pellets can also be used as a treat to reward a followed command or good behavior.

    Llama Behavior

    • Llamas generally have a gentle nature and more stubborn than aggressive. In herds, though, they quickly resort to spitting, chest butting, neck wrestling and kicking to control less dominant herd members. Having several mangers in a covered pasture shed can reduce waste and offer less dominant llamas an opportunities to feed. Males are more aggressive than females, so a herd of females will be less likely to create field drama.

    Considerations

    • Llamas are highly resilient to illness and disease, but all hays should be free of mold and dust and have a clean, dry smell. Grains and other feed should be free of mold, moisture and pests. Hays and grains should be stored in dry areas and protected from the elements. Clean, fresh water should be provided at all times. Because of their social nature, llamas should never be pastured alone; pairs are best, but sheep also make good field companions.