Can Parakeets Eat Grapes? [Is This Fruit Safe For Your Bird?]

Being brought up with numerous birds, I have always been curious about the fruits that a Parakeet can eat. What about Grapes? I have conducted some research into the topic that I would like to share with you here today.

Can parakeets eat grapes? Parakeets can safely eat grapes. This is just one of a number of fruits that a Parakeet will enjoy. You should be sure to include a wide range of safe fruits in the diet and Grapes can be one of these. However, you should always feed your Parakeet Grapes in moderation, as too many can cause issues

Now that you know the answer to your initial question, you may have some other thoughts about your Parakeets diet.

Let us now look at why you would want to feed your Parakeet Grapes, and other safe fruits before also looking at what you should avoid feeding them.

Table of Contents

Parakeets and Grapes

Parakeets have evolved throughout history eating a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

In fact, if you were to observe them in the wild you would soon notice that they actively seek them out. Seeds, Nuts, and some specific grains also constitute their nutritious diets.

Therefore, you need to remember that a domesticated Parakeet is no different, and still requires access to these wholesome foods.

Feeding a range of fruits each day will help your Parakeet meet their needs and requirements.

With Grapes, they are able to provide minerals like Potassium and Manganese, which are important for all birds to consume.

Moreover, Grapes are a rich source of Vitamins A, C, and K which all contribute to the good health of a Parakeet.

Other fruits that you can look to include are Apples, Pears, Melon, Kiwi, and berry varieties.

However, it is important that you remove any uneaten fruit within two hours of feeding time.

This is because fruit can quickly start to rot and become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

When it comes to feeding Grapes, consider that your Parakeet may not enjoy them.

Each bird has their own tendencies and preferences, just like us humans.

It’s important to look out for and observe and there is no benefit or reason in why you should ‘force-feed’ your Parakeet foods that they do not enjoy.

Dehydrated Fruits

You may be wondering what about dehydrated fruits? Where do they come into the equation? More specifically what about the dried version of Grapes, Raisins?

The good news is these are safe and healthy to feed. In fact, they are a great solution if you cannot regularly get access to, or afford fresh fruit.

You may even notice that your Parakeet enjoyed dehydrated and dried fruits more. This is due to the increased sweetness and also the texture which can be easier for them to eat.

The Zupreem Pure Fun blend of fruits and seeds is a favorite with Parakeet owners and is available for a great price on Amazon.

You’ll notice that by offering fruit through a product like Zupreem your Parakeets will have no problem in consuming it.

However, when it comes to other fruits and vegetables, you may find that they like some fruits, but not others.

The same is true with Grapes.

Therefore it is always advised to start by feeding a small amount and working your way up once you get an understanding of their own unique preferences.

Interestingly, you may even find that your Parakeet’s preferences change over time. This is to be expected and Parakeets may be fond of a particular fruit and vegetable at different times for different reasons.

The key is to regularly and routinely offer a variety of fruits and vegetables across the course of a week.

This will keep the nutrition of your Parakeet up and will ensure that your Parakeet does not lose interest in its food by having to eat the same thing again and again.

Foods to Avoid

This could be your first time owning a Parakeet, so naturally, you would like to know what foods you should avoid feeding them.

While the majority of fruits and vegetables are safe and welcome in their diet, there are some that you may not realize can be harmful and even dangerous.

The main foods that are toxic to Parakeets are:

Chocolate
Avocado
Onion and Garlic
Fruit Pits from Stone Fruits

Chocolate

Chocolate is dangerous to your Parakeet because of the high levels of Theobromine and Caffeine.

These are methylxanthines that can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and potentially seizures if fed in too high a dose.

Dark chocolate is particularly toxic because it is more concentrated and has more Theobromine and Caffeine.

Avocado

This is another to steer very clear from. Every part of the avocado contains a toxin called Persin.

This is very toxic to birds and if they digest this, it can cause severe sickness and even death.

Small birds like Parakeets are considered to be a lot more susceptible to its effects.

Onion and Garlic

Are very troublesome to most pets, including dogs and cats. Powdered equivalents is even more so as it is more concentrated.

Fruit Pits from Stone Fruits

Should always be removed from specific fruits prior to feeding.

If you were to observe a wild Parakeet you would notice that they strongly avoid these parts of the fruit.

This is because some pits contain a chemical known as Cyanide which can be very problematic to your Parakeet and other birds.

Fruit pits to keep away and are known to be high in this compound are cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches.

Properly Preparing Fruit and Vegetables

As you can see from above, it is imperative that you appropriately prepare any fruit and vegetables for your pet Parakeet. Stone fruits are notably important to prepare by separating the fruit and removing the pits.

Beyond this, another thing you need to ensure you do is to thoroughly wash all fruit and vegetables prior to feeding.

You want to ensure any pesticides, herbicides, or any other chemicals are removed and not accidentally fed and exposed to your Parakeet.

Another good practice is to cut each piece of fruit/vegetable into smaller pieces. This way, your Parakeet can consume the food immediately without needing to try to break it down.

It will also mean that your Parakeet will be far more likely to eat any fruit/vegetable provided and will not neglect it due to it being too challenging to consume.

They can get intimidated by the sheer size of an apple in its natural state.

Keeping it small enough for your Parakeet to eat, around your small finger size and below, is a good rule of thumb (no pun intended).

If you notice that your Parakeet is fond of specific fruits, like Grapes, be careful that they do not start displacing other foods in their diet with it.

Its actually advised to start limiting this food to ensure their diet remains varied and as wholesome as possible.

Remember that fruits and vegetables should accompany the overall diet of your Parakeet, and not displace other important food.

Pellets are much more suitable and advised as a consistent and regular foodstuff for them.

The Zupreem Smart Selects pellet blend that is available on Amazon is a fine example of what you should be feeding your Parakeet the majority of the time.

Seeds are another healthy and nutritious addition, but due to their high energy content, should also not make up the bulk of your Parakeets diet.

Feeding seeds too frequently or in too high a quantity can lead to weight gain in your Parakeet which you will want to avoid for obvious reasons.

You can always sprinkle some in with their daily pellet feed to provide more nutrition and prevent over-consumption.

Here are some good practical takeaways to consider when feeding your Parakeet:

Seeds, Fruits, and Vegetables Infrequently
Make Sure Fruits and Vegetables are cut up, washed, and can easily be consumed.
Provide variety and do not let your Parakeet become dependent on one fruit
Pellets are the best daily and regular diet food source.
Provide fresh water and clean food and water bowls daily.