Providing Your Llama with Proper Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

When caring for your llama, there are many vitamins and minerals that you need to be sure are included in its diet. Some of these include:

• Selenium: injectable selenium may be necessary if your llama has a deficiency, but keep in mind that injectable selenium typically elevates selenium levels for a week or two.
• Copper: Copper-to-molybdenum rations should be between 6:1 and 10:1. Since most non-regional llama formulas do not contain enough copper, you may have to supplement if your llama does not get enough.
• Zinc: Zinc deficiencies can cause skin problems. Most llamas do not need heavy zinc supplementation, but some live in areas that are zinc deficient and do require supplementation.
• Iron: Some llamas have difficulty absorbing iron, which means they also do not respond well to iron supplementation. Llamas with anemia or with an internal parasite may need short-term oral iron supplementation.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: Calcium and phosphorus supplements are often needed for pregnant, growing and lactating llamas. In this case, Vitamin D is also needed for proper utilization of the minerals.
• Salt: Salt should be made available for the llama to consume as it sees fit. Soft mineral blocks are generally recommended for llamas.

Through the proper care of your llama, it should live a long and healthy life. When the time comes that it passes away, however, you can trust The Last Ride to remove your llama’s body in a respectful and efficient manner.