Can Macaws Eat Apples?

Macaws need to eat a healthy and balanced diet that consists of pellets, fresh water, seeds, cereals, vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

Naturally, as a new owner, you have some questions about what you can and cannot feed your bird and, ‘can macaws eat apples?’, is a very valid question.

If you’re considering adopting a macaw, it’s important to know about their dietary needs beforehand. If they’ve been on a diet that is not well suited for them in the past then you’ll need to gradually switch their feedings over time until they are fully adjusted to what will be best for them now!

Good news, the answer is YES. Macaws can eat apples and, in fact, they love them and thrive off of fresh, juicy apples. When you bring your bird home, one of the first foods you can offer him is some sliced Braeburn apple.

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What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Apples To Your Macaw?

Apples are a good source of minerals and vitamins for your bird, such as;

• Vitamin A – which allows your bird to see in low light and aids vision
• Vitamin C – which is especially important to macaws as it aids in the production of hemoglobin which is in red blood cells.  Hemoglobin transports oxygen around your bird’s body.
• Vitamin E – this vitamin aids in healthy skin and feathers as well as good vision
• Folate is a type of vitamin that comes in two different forms, Folic acid, and folate. These can be found naturally in many foods, but they’re also added to processed or semi-processed foods for extra nutrition.
• Fiber – This helps with digestion.
• Manganese – Protects against the Development of Scaly Face Disease and other Skin Conditions common in Macaws because it has been shown to stimulate healthy bone structure and a response to infection.
• A macaw needs a diet that is both healthy and balanced for their body in order to stay fit. They drink fresh water, eat seeds, cereals

This is just a small list of the benefits a macaw can receive from apples.

How To Feed Apples To Macaws

You can also cut your apple up into wedges before feeding it to the macaw, which will allow for a more comfortable grip.

Serve them whole or in wedges without the seeds. Apple seeds have been known to be quite toxic for many parrots. You can remove the core or seeds with a knife and then cut them into wedges.

Alternatives To Apples You Can Feed To Your Bird

The great thing about apples is, one kind or another is always in season. However, if apples are not in season you can substitute them for any of the following common fruit or vegetables that macaws love.

• pears
• peaches
• grapes
• watermelon
• strawberries
• blueberries
• raspberries
• nectarines
• figs

If you have more range and access to tropical fruit. This will be your bird’s preferred fruit. Your macaw will be delighted to eat tropical fruit such as;

• mangoes
• papaya
• cantaloupes
• fresh peppers
• peanuts
• raspberries
• kiwi
• pineapple
• star fruit

Another great treat you can try giving your macaw is a cooked gourmet parrot meal. Parrots love them! These sample packs are best to learn which ones your bird prefers the most. They are also very nutritious for your bird!

Can I Feed My Sick Macaw Apples?

If your bird is sick or displaying signs of weakness, it will be better if you feed him soft food or purée apples. Additional food sources to feed your sick bird are moist biscuits or egg paste.

To prepare the apple purée, you can use a blender or food processor. For soft food, you will need to chop the apples into smaller pieces; or you can even cook the apple for them and add it to their meal.

In addition to the apple purée, you can mix in some poppy seeds, which will not only help with their digestive system but also provide them with a healthy dose of fat while calming their stomach.

The bird should be given soft food for no more than two weeks. After that, you can gradually increase the amount of solid food your macaw is being served.

Can You Feed Your Macaw Too Many Apples?

Macaws thrive off of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and pellets. But, can you feed your macaw too many apples?

The fact is, if your bird is eating a balanced diet of pellets, fresh foods, treats and fruits he will get all the necessary vitamins and minerals he needs and thus, cannot eat too many apples. It is alright to feed your bird a portion of apples every day if you’d like!

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can feed your macaw apples. However, it is important to know of the nutritional value of all foods you give them. It’s also very important to know that some fruits have toxic seeds and even the whole fruit if not ripe or fermented properly. Do your research before feeding your bird any type of food, so that they are getting everything they need from their diet. 

Fruits Can Be A Healthy Treat For Macaws To Eat! As long as you are feeding them the right fruits in moderation and on a daily basis, your macaw will be healthy and happy because of it!