Parakeets are omnivorous by nature, meaning they can eat meat and plants. But over recent years, people keeping parakeets as pets tend to introduce different types of foods in their diet. Nothing is wrong with that, though every food you introduce should be suitable for your feathery friends. Yeah, parakeets can eat cheese, though, in moderation. Low-fat cheese is recommended for the parakeets since most dairy products are not suitable for them. However, it should be treated as a snack—not a staple of your parakeet’s diet.
Why You Should Not Feed Parakeets Cheese in Excess It is dangerous to feed your parakeets too much cheese. Here are some factors to consider: Image Credit: Piqsels
Lactose Cheese contains lactose, just like most dairy products. Parakeets can’t digest the sugar found in the lactose because their intestines don’t have an enzyme used for the fragmentation of lactose.
Bacteria Cheese goes through a fermentation process. During that process, it can pick up some bacteria. That bacterial can be dangerous to your parakeets because it causes digestive problems that lead to loose stools and smelly feces.
Fat Cheese has lots of fats, and its calories are dense. That means your parakeets might add some weight if you feed them with cheese regularly. However, the consequences of obese parakeets are not pleasing since they are prone to many diseases.
Salt Cheese contains lots of salt. That’s why you are advised to keep your parakeets hydrated every time you give them cheese. If they eat cheese in excess, they start to diarrhea, and that may cause dehydration. Different Types of Cheese That Parakeets Can Take As you give your parakeets cheese, note that cheese comes in several varieties. Low-fat cheese is recommended. Here are some of the best cheeses you can give your parakeets: Image Credit: Pixabay
Cottage Cheese: This is one of the best cheeses to give your parakeets. Cottage cheese doesn’t have lactose that means it will go easy for their digestive system. But just like any other daily product, don’t overdo it. Give them in moderation.
Mozzarella Cheese: Among other cheeses available in the market, Mozzarella cheese has the least lactose. That means the parakeets will have minimal digestive problems. So, it should be in the first list of the cheeses that you should feed your parakeets with.
Cheddar Cheese: It is mild flavored and good for parakeets. The cheese has low lactose but with a very high sodium value. Sodium is not good for parakeets because of its salt content. If you opt to give your parakeets cheddar cheese, this should be given in minimal quantities.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is also a good option for your parakeets. It has low levels of lactose, and the ideal way to feed the parakeets is by mixing it with other parakeet foods. For example, you can opt to mix with fruits or vegetables or use it as a top dressing to your parakeet’s salad.
How to Prepare Cheese for Your Parakeets Introduce the cheese bit by bit to allow the parakeets to get used to the sour taste and its inconsistency. Because parakeets don’t have the enzyme lactase for digesting the lactose in cheese, it is wise to do it slowly. You can cut the cheese into small pieces where the parakeets can take them without much struggle. Alternatively, mix with their daily foods. For example, if you feed the parakeets with pellet foods, mix with that because it will reduce the ill effects of the cheese. Cheese is tasty. But don’t expose them to dangers that come along with lots of consumption. Also, avoid giving them cream cheese since it has a lot of fat. Otherwise, consider treating your parakeets with a bite of cheese now and then.
See Also: Can Parakeets Eat Peanuts? What You Need to Know!
Image Credit: Steve Buissinne, Pixabay Related Questions Is Cheese Safe for Parakeets? Just like other dairy products, cheese is not very safe for parakeets. Though most people give them cheese, the vets advise otherwise. If you can avoid giving them, the better. However, as we noted, if you must, do it in moderation. Can Parakeets Eat Raw Cheese? Yes, parakeets can eat raw cheese. But note that raw cheese has very high fats. That means it is not so good for them if you incorporate it into their everyday foods. So as always, do it in moderation. Give them as a treat occasionally. Image Credit: Piqsels Can Parakeets Eat Cheese Puffs? Cheese puffs or cheese balls are also good for your parakeets. Though they don’t have any nutritional value to your parakeets, they have some orange flavor that your parakeets may enjoy. So, you can give them as a treat. However, don’t overfeed them with cheese puffs. Should I Give My Parakeets Cheese Crackers? Parakeets can take cheese crackers, especially the ones made of whole grains. These don’t contain much cheese, so they are safe for them. However, if you choose the flavored ones, note that they have less nutritional value, though they are also ideal. What Diseases Can Parakeets Get if They Take Cheese Daily? Here are some diseases that can affect parakeets if they take cheese daily: Image Credit: Rob Jansen, Shutterstock
Heart rate fluctuations
Poor metabolism and slow growth
Kidney disease
Chronic diarrhea
Final Thoughts Cheese is safe for your feathery friends when done in moderation. However, most vets recommend that you avoid it. But as a way of treating your parakeets, you can opt to give them cheese. If you take the right precautions, cheese doesn’t have to be dangerous for your birds. Ensure you observe any sign of sickness in your parakeets if they eat cheese. If you realize they have bouts of diarrhea or any other sickness, you can always engage your vet.
Here’s another thought: Can Parakeets Eat Bread? What You Need to Know!
Featured Image Credit by lcb, Pixabay
Parakeets are omnivorous by nature, meaning they can eat meat and plants. But over recent years, people keeping parakeets as pets tend to introduce different types of foods in their diet. Nothing is wrong with that, though every food you introduce should be suitable for your feathery friends.
Yeah, parakeets can eat cheese, though, in moderation. Low-fat cheese is recommended for the parakeets since most dairy products are not suitable for them. However, it should be treated as a snack—not a staple of your parakeet’s diet.
Why You Should Not Feed Parakeets Cheese in Excess
It is dangerous to feed your parakeets too much cheese. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Lactose
Cheese contains lactose, just like most dairy products. Parakeets can’t digest the sugar found in the lactose because their intestines don’t have an enzyme used for the fragmentation of lactose.
2. Bacteria
Cheese goes through a fermentation process. During that process, it can pick up some bacteria. That bacterial can be dangerous to your parakeets because it causes digestive problems that lead to loose stools and smelly feces.
3. Fat
Cheese has lots of fats, and its calories are dense. That means your parakeets might add some weight if you feed them with cheese regularly. However, the consequences of obese parakeets are not pleasing since they are prone to many diseases.
4. Salt
Cheese contains lots of salt. That’s why you are advised to keep your parakeets hydrated every time you give them cheese. If they eat cheese in excess, they start to diarrhea, and that may cause dehydration.
Different Types of Cheese That Parakeets Can Take
As you give your parakeets cheese, note that cheese comes in several varieties. Low-fat cheese is recommended. Here are some of the best cheeses you can give your parakeets:
Cottage Cheese: This is one of the best cheeses to give your parakeets. Cottage cheese doesn’t have lactose that means it will go easy for their digestive system. But just like any other daily product, don’t overdo it. Give them in moderation.
Mozzarella Cheese: Among other cheeses available in the market, Mozzarella cheese has the least lactose. That means the parakeets will have minimal digestive problems. So, it should be in the first list of the cheeses that you should feed your parakeets with.
Cheddar Cheese: It is mild flavored and good for parakeets. The cheese has low lactose but with a very high sodium value. Sodium is not good for parakeets because of its salt content. If you opt to give your parakeets cheddar cheese, this should be given in minimal quantities.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is also a good option for your parakeets. It has low levels of lactose, and the ideal way to feed the parakeets is by mixing it with other parakeet foods. For example, you can opt to mix with fruits or vegetables or use it as a top dressing to your parakeet’s salad.
How to Prepare Cheese for Your Parakeets
Introduce the cheese bit by bit to allow the parakeets to get used to the sour taste and its inconsistency. Because parakeets don’t have the enzyme lactase for digesting the lactose in cheese, it is wise to do it slowly.
Cottage Cheese: This is one of the best cheeses to give your parakeets. Cottage cheese doesn’t have lactose that means it will go easy for their digestive system. But just like any other daily product, don’t overdo it. Give them in moderation.
Mozzarella Cheese: Among other cheeses available in the market, Mozzarella cheese has the least lactose. That means the parakeets will have minimal digestive problems. So, it should be in the first list of the cheeses that you should feed your parakeets with.
Cheddar Cheese: It is mild flavored and good for parakeets. The cheese has low lactose but with a very high sodium value. Sodium is not good for parakeets because of its salt content. If you opt to give your parakeets cheddar cheese, this should be given in minimal quantities.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is also a good option for your parakeets. It has low levels of lactose, and the ideal way to feed the parakeets is by mixing it with other parakeet foods. For example, you can opt to mix with fruits or vegetables or use it as a top dressing to your parakeet’s salad.
- Cottage Cheese: This is one of the best cheeses to give your parakeets. Cottage cheese doesn’t have lactose that means it will go easy for their digestive system. But just like any other daily product, don’t overdo it. Give them in moderation.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Among other cheeses available in the market, Mozzarella cheese has the least lactose. That means the parakeets will have minimal digestive problems. So, it should be in the first list of the cheeses that you should feed your parakeets with.
- Cheddar Cheese: It is mild flavored and good for parakeets. The cheese has low lactose but with a very high sodium value. Sodium is not good for parakeets because of its salt content. If you opt to give your parakeets cheddar cheese, this should be given in minimal quantities.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is also a good option for your parakeets. It has low levels of lactose, and the ideal way to feed the parakeets is by mixing it with other parakeet foods. For example, you can opt to mix with fruits or vegetables or use it as a top dressing to your parakeet’s salad.
You can cut the cheese into small pieces where the parakeets can take them without much struggle. Alternatively, mix with their daily foods. For example, if you feed the parakeets with pellet foods, mix with that because it will reduce the ill effects of the cheese.
Cheese is tasty. But don’t expose them to dangers that come along with lots of consumption. Also, avoid giving them cream cheese since it has a lot of fat. Otherwise, consider treating your parakeets with a bite of cheese now and then.
- See Also: Can Parakeets Eat Peanuts? What You Need to Know!
Related Questions
Is Cheese Safe for Parakeets?
Just like other dairy products, cheese is not very safe for parakeets. Though most people give them cheese, the vets advise otherwise. If you can avoid giving them, the better. However, as we noted, if you must, do it in moderation.
Can Parakeets Eat Raw Cheese?
Yes, parakeets can eat raw cheese. But note that raw cheese has very high fats. That means it is not so good for them if you incorporate it into their everyday foods. So as always, do it in moderation. Give them as a treat occasionally.
Can Parakeets Eat Cheese Puffs?
Cheese puffs or cheese balls are also good for your parakeets. Though they don’t have any nutritional value to your parakeets, they have some orange flavor that your parakeets may enjoy. So, you can give them as a treat. However, don’t overfeed them with cheese puffs.
Should I Give My Parakeets Cheese Crackers?
Parakeets can take cheese crackers, especially the ones made of whole grains. These don’t contain much cheese, so they are safe for them. However, if you choose the flavored ones, note that they have less nutritional value, though they are also ideal.
What Diseases Can Parakeets Get if They Take Cheese Daily?
Here are some diseases that can affect parakeets if they take cheese daily:
Heart rate fluctuations
Poor metabolism and slow growth
Kidney disease
Chronic diarrhea
Heart rate fluctuations
Poor metabolism and slow growth
Kidney disease
Chronic diarrhea
- Heart rate fluctuations
- Poor metabolism and slow growth
- Kidney disease
- Chronic diarrhea
Final Thoughts
Cheese is safe for your feathery friends when done in moderation. However, most vets recommend that you avoid it. But as a way of treating your parakeets, you can opt to give them cheese. If you take the right precautions, cheese doesn’t have to be dangerous for your birds.
Ensure you observe any sign of sickness in your parakeets if they eat cheese. If you realize they have bouts of diarrhea or any other sickness, you can always engage your vet.
- Here’s another thought: Can Parakeets Eat Bread? What You Need to Know!
Featured Image Credit by lcb, Pixabay
