Alpacas are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good quality forage and hays, and not much of it-approximately two pounds per 125 pounds of body weight per day. A single bale of hay can generally feed a group of about 20 alpacas for one day.

Additionally supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals are required to balance their nutrition, especially during winter months and to females in later stages of pregnancy.

Clean fresh water should always be available.