How to Get a Llama to Gain Weight

Llamas need a balanced diet that provides a variety of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The animal's age and activity level play an important role in determining their optimal diet. A llama that needs to gain weight will require a protein-rich diet and the nutrients found in hay and alfalfa. Regular checkups by a veterinarian can determine if there are underlying health problems preventing a llama from gaining weight.

Things You'll Need

  • Alfalfa
  • Hay
  • Rice
  • Beet pulp shreds
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your llama a quality hay. Strawlike hay may be low quality and therefore very low in protein, which will hinder weight gain. If you are not sure which hay to buy, ask your feed supplier or veterinarian for advice. To maintain a healthy weight, most adult llamas will need a diet in which 8 to 10 percent of total calories are provided by protein. Lactating or pregnant females will need more protein.

    • 2

      Give your llama alfalfa in combination with the hay. Alfalfa is very high in protein. Feed your llama alfalfa regularly until optimal weight gain has been achieved, then gradually cut back the llama's alfalfa intake. You can purchase alfalfa in pellet or cube form, but you should use the fresh plant if possible.

    • 3

      Buy beet pulp shreds from your local feed store. These are also high in protein. Beet pulp shreds must be soaked before being fed to the llama.

    • 4

      Feed the llama a couple of tablespoons of rice bran meal or one cup of cooked brown rice in combination with its other daily foods.

    • 5

      Shear your llama. It is not known why shearing sometimes helps llamas gain weight; it may be due to the fact that shearing cools them down and therefore increases their appetite. Llamas should not be sheared during months when they will need the warmth of their coat.