In their wild habitat of Australia, Parakeets will sustain themselves on seeds, vegetation, and berries. Pineapple is commercially grown in Australia but is not native to this area, so native birds such as parakeets don’t tend to eat them naturally.
So, can parakeets eat pineapple?
Yes, Parakeets can eat pineapple! This juicy fruit is a good source of essential vitamins such as C and B. In moderation, pineapple adds variety to a parakeet's diet and is often highly enjoyed.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of pineapple and how to feed it to your parakeets safely.
Nutritional Value Of Pineapple
Parakeets love the sweetness of pineapple. This tropical fruit is highly palatable; even some of the pickiest parakeets will enjoy this treat.
Not only is it happily received, but it also acts as valuable nutrition. Some of the key benefits of pineapple for your parakeet include:
- Antioxidants – antioxidants protect cells in the body from exposure to toxins. They can contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Natural sugars – pineapple has the right balance of sugars that offer an energy boost without the adverse effects of processed sugars. It can help keep blood sugar levels in range.
- Bromelain – pineapple is a good source of this enzyme that helps promote healthy digestion and overall health. This enzyme is extracted from pineapple to be used in modern medicine.
- Potassium – promotion of overall muscle and nerve health
Pineapple has many other vitamins and minerals linked to healthy feathers, vision, and bones, in addition to these specific benefits. Amino acids present in pineapple are also linked to reducing inflammation and support aging.
See the table below for a more accurate breakdown of what makes up a pineapple.
| Nutritional Value Of Pineapple (per 100g) | |
| Fat | <0.2g |
| Protein | 0.52g |
| Total Sugars | 12.78g |
| Vitamin C | 33.18 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 13.20g |
| Energy | 61.25kcal |
| Potassium | 115.33mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.08mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.02 mg |
Can Parakeets Eat Pineapple Skin?
The skin of pineapple is avoided by us when we indulge in a snack of pineapple. But the reason we don’t eat it is not that it’s toxic; it’s just because it is not very palatable.
Many parrot species eat the pineapple’s flesh, skin, and leaves in South America, where pineapples grow naturally. With each part of the fruit offering different benefits.
While your little parakeet’s beak may not stand up to the firm skin of pineapple that is usually ripped apart by giant macaw beaks, there’s no harm in feeding them pineapple with the skin.
If they do manage to eat some pineapple skin, it can offer some unique health benefits. A study showed that the carotenoids found in plants that give them their color could be passed onto birds that ingest them, promoting a deep color to their feathers.
Carotenoids in pineapples are denser in the skin, so the skin of the pineapple can offer these same benefits to your parakeet’s feather health. It’s even thought that these carotenoids can help protect cells from toxins and radiation in the environment.
Beta Carotene will not only support a beautiful and colorful plumage in parakeets, but it also supports the absorption of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common dietary issues with pet birds. Vitamin A supports the eye health, vision, and immune system of your parakeet.
Pineapple: Fresh, Canned Or Dehydrated
So we’ve established just how incredible pineapple is as an addition to your parakeet’s diet, but what kind of pineapple is best to feed them?
Pineapples can be purchased in a few different forms. While ultimately, the primary nutritional value will remain the same, despite how the pineapple has been processed, each type of pineapple can have pros and cons. Let’s go over some of them together.
Fresh Pineapple
Generally speaking, fresh, whole pineapple is the best choice. Fresh pineapple maintains the natural and original texture of the fruit to be most stimulating to your parakeet.
Fresh pineapple will also keep the color of the pineapple. In turn, it can then offer those same pigments the opportunity to be absorbed and utilized in the vibrancy of your parakeet.
Fresh pineapple also has a balanced and natural sweetness, so it tends to be the most effortlessly and happily consumed.
Pineapple is a seasonal fruit, so fresh, whole pineapple is not always readily available in-store, and often the price will vary through the seasons.
Canned Pineapple
Canned pineapple is beneficial as it is available all year round, and the price will rarely change. Canned pineapple can be brought in bulk and stored at home easily, without refrigeration, as the canning process naturally preserves the fruit.
Canned pineapple is convenient as there is no need to cut it up as it comes in perfectly sized pieces. Most canned pineapple is canned in syrup with may condense sugar content. It’s advised to drain and rinse the pineapple to get rid of unnecessary sugar.
Dried Pineapple
Dried fruit usually cops a bad reputation for having little nutritional value, but let’s set the record straight. Dehydration removes the water content and does not diminish the nutritional value.
The thing to be aware of when feeding your parakeet dried pineapple is that the result of dehydration makes the fruit denser, meaning it is higher in calories per weight.
Since it is less filling it is easy for dried fruit to be overindulged and fed in high amounts can contribute to obesity in small animals.
That being said, dried fruit is especially tasty and makes a great treat for parakeets as long as it is fed in moderation.
Can Parakeets Eat Too Much Pineapple?
There is such thing as too much of a good thing, particularly when it comes to fruit for parakeets. Pineapple itself is not the culprit; rather, excess fruit can be harmful to parakeets.
Fruit has a high sugar content and in large proportions can contribute to blood sugar issues and obesity. Fruit should make up only 15-20% of your parakeet’s diet.
Too much pineapple can be detrimental if it affects how many other foods your parakeet is eating. Favoring pineapple over other foods can lead them to be deprived of other vital nutrients from the different parts of their diet.
Parakeets just love treats, and they so will not self regulate their eating. You should offer them a balanced and rotating diet to keep your parakeet healthy and stimulated.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple is an excellent choice for a fun, tasty, and healthy treat to add to your parakeet’s diet! Just like anything, make sure you practice moderation. Pineapple can be used as a great source of nutrition and enrichment for your feathered friend.
