Can Parrots Eat Peanuts? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
By Misty Layne
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This article has been reviewed for factual accuracy by a qualified veterinarian, using information available at the time of publishing. Parrot owners are urged to consult with their veterinarian when making dietary decisions for their pets. This article is designed to provide general information but it does not take into account your pet’s health status or circumstances.
Parrots are a diverse group of birds comprising hundreds of different species. Each species has its unique nutritional requirements, so knowing your species is vital. Species that commonly eat seeds and nuts include Macaws and Cockatoos. Pet parrots usually get all their nutrients from formulated pellet diets, but like us, they can enjoy a bit of variety. What about peanuts?
Some birds are big fans of peanuts, but these foods aren’t always the most nutritionally sound, so you shouldn’t give them to your pet often. When deciding what type of seed or nut to offer your parrot, you may wonder if parrots can eat peanuts. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know before giving your pet this food.
Are Peanuts Good for Parrots?
First, peanuts are not nuts at all. They are the seeds of legume plants (Arachis hypogaea).1
This seed offers your bird some nutritional benefits. Peanuts can provide your parrot with a lot of important nutrients that are vital for health. For example, peanuts have quite a bit of protein, which is essential for muscle growth. There’s also plenty of the antioxidant vitamin E in this seed. Plus, these seeds offer your parrot magnesium and potassium for development and growth.
However, peanuts (like a lot of nuts and seeds) also contain a high amount of fat, which your parrot may not need. So, though peanuts do give your bird a nice nutritional boost, they should only be given considerately to your pet to avoid them having too much fat in their diet. Although again, species differences matter here, as Hyacinth macaws do need a high proportion of fat in the diet.
The Downside of Peanuts
Diets that have a lot of peanuts are commonly associated with fatty liver disease in birds. Signs of liver disease are non-specific but may include reduced appetite, lethargy, green/wet droppings, regurgitation and increased thirst. To keep your bird healthy, offer fatty foods like peanuts sparingly.
Peanuts are also low in calcium but high in phosphorus. These two minerals are closely linked in the formation of bones. Their ratio is important in the diet and should be 2:1 for most parrots. Too many nuts and seeds is considered a poor diet and will lead to a calcium deficiency.
Another significant risk is aflatoxin. What is aflatoxin? Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by mold that can appear on peanuts if the seeds aren’t fresh or haven’t been stored properly. This mold is recorded to cause poisoning in many bird species including poultry and parrots and is potentially deadly if consumed. So, while giving your bird peanuts on occasion is fine, be very careful that they are always fresh. Moisture will cause mold to grow on the peanuts, so sore them in an airtight container in a dry place.
Another thing to be careful with when you’re giving your parrot any peanuts is spices, sugars, and seasonings. Parrots don’t need to eat salted nuts, as too much salt in a bird’s diet can lead to salt poisoning. You also shouldn’t feed your parrot anything that has been sugared or seasoned, such as peanuts dusted with cocoa powder or those seasoned with spices. Only plain, unsalted peanuts should be given to your parrot!
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s plenty more to know about feeding peanuts to your parrot, so here are just a few of the most commonly asked questions.
Are roasted or raw peanuts better for my bird?
Either is completely fine to feed your parrot (though your pet may prefer one kind over the other). Some people believe that roasted peanuts have less chance of developing mold, but this isn’t the case, so you should be sure to properly store both roasted and raw peanuts.
How often can I feed my parrot peanuts?
How often you feed peanuts to your parrot will depend on their species and health. Ask your veterinarian how many would be appropriate for your bird. But, if you have a bird who has fatty liver disease or is overweight it may be best to steer clear of this food.
Can parrots eat the shell of the peanut?
Giving peanut shells to your bird is inadvisable. If aflatoxin has begun to grow on the peanut, it will start in the shell, so this could inadvertently make your parrot very ill. If you only have shelled peanuts in the home, remove the shell before feeding it to your pet!
Is peanut butter okay to give to a parrot?
Yes, peanut butter is safe for your parrot to eat! The same rules apply to peanut butter as to peanuts, though; mainly, give this treat sparingly. A few drops a week should suffice. Also, only give your bird all-natural peanut butter that doesn’t have any added sugar, salt, or flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a bit of variety to your parrot’s diet, peanuts can make a great addition. These seeds can offer your bird a lot of nutrition; however, they also contain quite a bit of fat, which isn’t healthy for your pet, so you should only give them a little bit of this peanut at a time. You can also try giving your bird some peanut butter if you think they might enjoy that more!
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Featured Image Credit: Couleur, Pixabay
