Promoting Healthy Camelids with Stillwater Minerals

Key Takeaways 

• Llamas and alpacas evolved in high-altitude South America, where sunlight and mineral-rich forage shaped their nutritional needs; in North America, lower sunlight and different forage mean they require additional mineral support.
• Stillwater Minerals formulas are designed to match the natural mineral composition these animals would consume in their native environment, offering species-appropriate nutrition for llamas and alpacas.
• The products are fed free-choice and function as both an attractant and a limiter due to their salt base; typical daily intake is ~0.7 oz for llamas and ~0.3 oz for alpacas.
• Three formulas support various needs: Llama-Min 101 for overall health, Llama-Min 102 for stress and hydration support, and Llama-Min 104 for year-round alpaca nutrition and winter llama support, including ingredients that improve fiber growth and quality.
• High-quality forage plus tailored minerals help improve fiber quality, reduce disease risk, and support overall health, with noticeable differences in animals that receive these products.

Llamas and alpacas are native to the high altitudes of South America, where sunlight is abundant but forage is scarce. In this environment, these animals rely on a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to meet their nutritional needs. However, North American llamas and alpacas don’t receive as much sunlight, which means they require additional support to maintain the same health.

This is where Stillwater Minerals comes in. Formulated to provide the same nutritional value as the vitamins and minerals naturally available to camelids in South America, Stillwater Minerals helps meet the dietary needs of llamas and alpacas in North America, where their natural forage may not be sufficient.

Tailored for North American Camelids

“When we developed our formula, we had a researcher go down to South America to test the soil,” says Bob Riley, founder of Stillwater Minerals with his wife, Jo. “Sure enough, it matched the composition of our formula. Tailored to reflect what llamas and alpacas were eating genetically in South America while growing up there.

You should feed Stillwater Minerals free choice, meaning you provide plenty of it and let the animals eat as much as they want. Since it's a salt-based product, it acts as both an attractant and a limiter. Remember to remove other sources of salt, such as salt blocks, when feeding Stillwater Minerals. A llama typically consumes about 0.7 ounces per day, while an alpaca usually eats around 0.3 ounces.

Product Breakdown

Llama-Min 101, the original formula, is balanced with calcium and phosphorus in the ideal 2:1 ratio, along with Vitamins A, D3, E, Zinpro 180 and selenium. This formula promotes the health and productivity of llamas and alpacas.

Llama-Min 102 is an electrolyte supplement ideal for times of high stress. It contains Vitamins A, B, D3, and E, along with zinc, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, and electrolytes to encourage water intake and help animals thrive under stress.

Formulators create Llama-Min 104 for alpacas year-round and for llamas in the winter. This premium mineral includes Vitamins A, B, D3, and E, zinc, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, and electrolytes to support hydration. It also contains B-Plex Five and DL-methionine, an essential amino acid, which promotes fiber growth and quality.

Real Impact in the Ring

“We had a customer using our high copper formula, and at alpaca shows, they consistently won best fiber quality,” Riley says.

Copper is crucial in the formula because it improves fiber quality in llamas and alpacas and enhances their resistance to disease. However, llamas can be susceptible to copper toxicity if they consume too much, so it’s essential not to add excess copper to the minerals.

Advice From the Founder

“A piece of advice I have for llama and alpaca owners is to ensure you’re feeding good quality forage along with our minerals,” Riley says. “I don’t recommend grain unless it’s under severe winter conditions when they need extra calories.” 

Alpacas are less prone to weight gain because they are fiber producers, with the extra protein they consume converting into fiber. In contrast, llamas convert it into fat or muscle, making it harder to manage their weight.

Heathier, Happier Animals

“Our products have made the llama and alpaca industry much more healthy,” Riley says. “You can tell the people who use our product versus those who don’t.”

By providing tailored nutrition and real-world solutions, Stillwater Minerals is helping to improve the health and quality of life for llamas and alpacas across North America.

Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our Stillwater Minerals at ValleyVet.com