Can Parakeets Eat Cheese? Answered by Vet

VET APPROVED

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Maria Zayas

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Does Polly want a cracker? How about a cheese cracker? Parakeets are highly social birds, and it isn’t uncommon to want to feed your parakeet little bits of what you are eating. So, which foods are safe, and is cheese on that list? Sadly, cheese in any form is not safe for parakeets.

What Is Lactase and Why It Can Be Dangerous

Parakeets, as birds rather than mammals, never nurse at any stage of their life. Nursing animals produce an enzyme called lactase that allows them to digest the lactose in milk and, therefore, in other dairy products. Parakeets do not have this enzyme and cannot digest dairy products like cheese.

When fed cheese, lactose-intolerant animals, such as parakeets, can develop diarrhea and other complications, so they should not eat it.

Is Cheese Dangerous to Parakeets?

While many lactose-intolerant animals often consume cheese in moderation with little repercussions, parakeets can be especially sensitive to it for the following reasons.

1. Lactose Intolerance

Unlike some other animals that may become sensitive to cheese as they age, parakeets are lactose-intolerant from birth and can be even more prone to diarrhea and GI upset than other household pets.

2. Bacteria & Fungi

Cheese can be a vehicle of exposure to bacteria or fungi for parakeets. They have very sensitive GI and respiratory tracts, and some cheeses, especially raw ones, can pose serious health risks.

3. Fats

Parakeets can develop complications secondary to diets high in fat. Usually, we discuss this when advising owners not to feed seed diets to their parakeets, but this is also relevant for cheeses, which are typically high in fat.

4. Other Toxic Ingredients

Cheeses also have other harmful ingredients. High levels of salt, garlic, or onion are not uncommon in certain cheeses, but all of these ingredients can be toxic to parakeets.

Can Other Cheese Products Be Fed Instead?

While cheese crackers or chips contain less cheese per bite than a piece of cheese, no amount of cheese is recommended for parakeets. Other cheese products are also usually high in fats and salts, so while they can technically eat tiny amounts, it is not advisable to choose them as treats. You can feed your parakeet healthier snacks, like fresh, in-season, ripe fruits.

Can Parakeets Eat Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese differs from other cheeses in that most of the lactose has been removed. For other lactose-intolerant animals, cottage cheese is safe to feed in moderation, but parakeets are too sensitive to lactose to have it in any capacity.

What Are the Signs My Parakeet Has Gotten Sick From Eating Cheese?

If a Parakeet Eats Cheese, Is It an Emergency?

In most cases, parakeets eating cheese is not an emergency. If they swallow too large a bite, it may pose a choking or GI obstruction hazard, but that is rare. Parakeets that only ate a small amount of cheese may not display any signs of illness.

The most common consequence of cheese ingestion for parakeets is diarrhea, which will resolve on its own in most cases if they are fed an appropriate diet going forward. If you note breathing changes, loss of appetite, persistent diarrhea, or other changes to their droppings, it is best to contact your veterinarian.

What Do Parakeets Eat?

Parakeets are omnivores that eat primarily nuts, grasses, flowers, fruits, insects, and seeds. Under human care, a balanced parakeet diet consists of 60%–70% high-quality pellets, 30%–40% fruits and vegetables, and up to 10% treats.

When discussing feeding cheese to a parakeet, it is important to keep two things in mind:

Safe Treats for Parakeets

Since feeding cheese isn’t worth the risk, here are other options to feed your parakeet.

Other Unsafe Foods for Parakeets

Conclusion

While cheese and other dairy products can harm most lactose-intolerant animals, parakeets and other birds are especially sensitive to lactose and should not be fed cheese in any capacity.

If your parakeet has been regularly eating cheese, they may benefit from an examination and bloodwork to check on their organs, such as their liver and kidneys. Luckily, parakeets often find a wide variety of foods delicious, so there should be no shortage of alternatives to feed them instead, which leaves more cheese for you!