Can Cockatiels Eat Pomegranate? (Are the Seeds Safe?)

Cockatiels can eat a pomegranate, yes. Pomegranates are one of the fruits with seeds that are safe for birds to eat. This fruit is rich in many nutrients, making it a healthy snack option for your pet. As long as you offer it in moderation, it can be a fruit your pet will enjoy eating.

Many fruits out there have seeds that are toxic to cockatiels. Thus, it’s no wonder why pomegranate looks worrisome. However, pomegranate seeds are safe for cockatiels, so you shouldn’t let it stop you from offering this fruit.

Still, you may want to learn more about this fruit and how it will affect your pet.

Let’s get into it!

Is pomegranate safe for cockatiels?

As I said earlier, a pomegranate is safe for cockatiels and even for other birds. Its seeds are also safe for a bird’s consumption, so you’re less likely to go wrong when feeding this fruit.

Moreover, pomegranates are rich in nutrients. Thus, it’s not only a safe and great-tasting fruit. It comes packed with nutrients as well.

The primary thing that this fruit boasts is its edible seeds, which we know as arils. Unlike most fruits, pomegranate seeds are safe for cockatiels. Thus, you won’t have to worry about your pet’s safety when feeding.

To understand it better, take a look at these nutrition facts. According to HealthLine, one cup of arils (174 grams) has the following:

  • 144 calories
  • 24 grams of sugar
  • 7 grams of fiber
  • 3 grams of protein

Aside from these components, pomegranate also offers vitamins and minerals such as:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Folate
  • Potassium

One thing to note is that while the pomegranate arils are safe, it can also be too sweet for cockatiels.

For this reason, feeding such should only be in small servings. It’s a great snack or treats, but it shouldn’t be more than that.

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Do cockatiels eat pomegranate seeds?

Cockatiels do eat pomegranate seeds. In fact, it’s the seeds that make up most of the fruit.

The pomegranate seeds take up most of the fruit’s interior. We call these seeds arils, and they are edible not only for us but also for our pets.

Unlike other fruits, pomegranate is one of the fruits you can offer without worrying about the seed’s toxicity.

Thus, compared to other fruits, pomegranate can boast of its seed treats for cockatiels.

Since these birds like to pluck and eat, they would love to eat some arils if you offer some.

How much pomegranate can cockatiels eat?

pomegranate

Although it’s highly nutritious, your pet shouldn’t eat too many pomegranates.

Like other birds, cockatiels need a balanced diet, and pomegranates alone won’t be enough.

Pomegranates, along with other fruit treats, should only take 10% of their daily consumption. Such food treats also include seeds and other food like peanut butter and bread slices.

The most significant percentage should be pellets, making up a total of 60% of their daily diet.

The second one is 30%, consisting of various vegetables such as carrots, cabbages, etc.

As a general rule of thumb, always keep a balance when it comes to feeding. For this reason, you should never feed too many fruits for a day.

Further, it would be best if you didn’t feed, such as the only fruit. Consider getting a variety of options like apples, pineapples, blueberries, and watermelons.

Having a list of other fruits gives your bird balanced nutrition.

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Risks of feeding your cockatiel pomegranate

Pomegranate, with its seeds, contains too much sugar despite not having anything toxic.

Indeed, sugar isn’t a toxic thing for cockatiels. Still, taking in too much sugar can take a toll on them.

It’s the same thing for us. Too much sugar can also lead to complications. The only difference is that we have a bigger build compared to our pet.

Thus, a small amount of sugar for us can already be too high for them.

As long as you feed this fruit in small amounts and not regularly, your pet should stay on the safe side.

Do cockatiels like eating pomegranate?

Pomegranate has that soft and moist texture that every cockatiel would love eating. It’s not only the flesh that’s moist and soft. Even the seeds have that texture as well. Thus, feeding them won’t be much of a problem.

Still, as I said, it doesn’t mean you can give pomegranates as much as you want.

As for treats, pomegranates shouldn’t take up more than a couple of bites. If you overfeed your pet with this fruit, you put it at risk of taking in too much sugar.

To avoid such unwanted incidents, always make sure you limit the peach treats you offer.

For a variety, you can also offer other fruits aside from this one.

Are lettuce and corn safe for cockatiels to eat? Check it out!

Other fruits cockatiels can eat

Fruits like pomegranates play a significant role as treats and snacks. You can offer almost any fruit you can access.

Aside from pomegranates, there are other fruits that you can give. If it’s your first time handling a pet bird, here is a list of safe ones you can offer:

  • Kiwi
  • Papaya
  • Cucumber
  • Grapes
  • Apple (remove seeds)
  • Cherries
  • Oranges
  • Mangoes

It would be best to offer fruits in bite-size pieces. Another thing is to keep the fruit snacks in moderation.

Aside from the fact that it should only be a treat, most fruits also contain sugar. Thus, too much consumption can be harmful to birds.

Summary

Cockatiels can eat a pomegranate, and it’s a safe fruit you can offer even with the seeds. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy snack you can give your pet. The pits, which we call arils, are safe even for bird consumption. However, it’s relatively high in sugar, so feeding it should be in moderation.

Cockatiels need a balanced diet. Thus, feeding fruits like pomegranate give a variety of nutrients to these birds. As long as you provide fruits in small amounts, you can be confident your pet stays on the safe and healthy side.

Resources

Image Credits:

  • Photo by Jonas Renner on Unsplash
  • https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/09/01/17/35/animal-world-3647223_960_720.jpg
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