Can birds eat chocolate?

[Sparklebug]

Yes this is a serious question. I have made home-made fat feeders this year, but MIL came to visit at the weekend and left boxes of treats for the dogs and cat. Cat turned his nose up at his treats which are a milky choc drop. They are white buttons (small) and I wondered as they have quite a high fat content etc. could I put them out for the birds or add them to future bird cake? Obviously they are fit for animal consumption, and have a milk content also - I know Blue Tits like milk?

Anyway, thought I'd ask and see if anyone else has ever tried this?

Cheers J

[htcdude]

No chocolate isn't good for them, in a nutshell.

Chocolate is a highly palatable food. Some of us know that all too well. Unfortunately, many birds seem to love chocolate almost as much as people. Chocolate is not bad for birds just because it is high in calories and fat though, it contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and cats as well, but birds, again due to their smaller size and more rapid metabolism, may be even more susceptible to its toxic effects.

Taken from Old World Aviaries: Toxicoses in Birds

Nige

[Dogghound]

Additionally milk is not good for birds so dont feed them this.

[Lindsay-c]

Originally Posted by htcdude

No chocolate isn't good for them, in a nutshell.



Taken from Old World Aviaries: Toxicoses in Birds

Nige

But the pet treat chocolate doesn't contain theobromine right?...
Also I can see it may still be bad for birds with fat content and all the rest but surely a tiny amount in a bird cake wouldn't do them too much harm...
Main reason I could think of not to give them it is because it is not a natural substance and so by nature they shouldn't eat it
But of course I may be wrong... *shrugs*

[htcdude]

I'd imagine pet treats have been modified somehow, or else they wouldn't sell them.

I'm no expert, maybe some birds would be able to tolerate very small amounts, but the smaller birds wouldn't be able to stomach it, and even small amounts of chocolate could cause birdie to have a funny tummy

Nige

[Hobjob]

Theobromine isn't the only problem surely?

Chocolate contains quite a whack of caffeine.



Pendant mode on/

I am sure birds can eat chocolate, the question is really
should they eat it.

Pedant mode off/

[Farplace]

You could always donate the pet treats to a very needy animal rescue...? please!!
jan

[Dogghound]

Birds carnt digest lactose properly which causes them problems.

[Sparklebug]

OK. Thanks everyone. I never feed my dog's chocolate, as I know it is bad for them, but you can get specially adapted dog and cat treats which obviously isn't harmful. As these are a good brand I assume they are OK for dogs and cats, but given the above feedback, I'll not bother and I'll give them to the local rescue centre next time I visit. Anyway I thought it was worth checking out, just as I was thinking that I always take choc out with me on cold strolls, for energy it may be good for the birds, due to the fat content etc. Anyway, don't panic bird lovers! I won't give it to them, I love the birds and would never want to harm them.

J

[htcdude]

I also don't think chocolate is any good for humans. If people want, they can send me all their chocolate and I can dispose of it safely