Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Home > Birds > What Fruit Can Canaries Eat? 8 Vet-Approved Options

What Fruit Can Canaries Eat? 8 Vet-Approved Options

canary bird on branch with flowers

Vet approved

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg  Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg

Veterinarian, DVM

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

Learn more »

Beautiful, cheerful little birds like canaries absolutely love to munch on scrumptious, colorful fruits. You can add a variety of fresh fruits and veggies to any canary diet, which should account for approximately one-fourth of their daily intake.

But it’s really nice to know which fruit is best and how to prepare it. Let’s discuss these tasty fruits individually and their health benefits.

divider-birds

What Fruit Can Canaries Eat?

1. Bananas

sliced banana in a pot
Image By: Paulo Vilela, Shutterstock

Bananas provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Vitamin A: terrific vitamin for vision
Vitamin B6: plays a huge role in immune system function and metabolism
Vitamin C: offers an immunity boost
Magnesium: strengthens bones and mediates blood pressure
Potassium: helps maintain normal fluid in the cells

Bananas are a very desirable snack for your canaries. This soft fruit is easy to eat and packed with a wallop of health perks. Bananas are easy to find at grocery and department stores. We recommend buying organic for your bird if you can.


2. Strawberries

strawberries
Image By: FilipFilipovic, Pixabay

Strawberries provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Vitamin C: offers an immunity boost
Manganese: helps the formation of connective tissue
Fiber: regulates the digestive tract

Strawberries are a delicious red berry you and your bird can enjoy. These summer favorites provide many health benefits to your canary, including hydration. Strawberries will be a real hit for your canaries. These semi-tart, sweet fruits are easy to pick apart and contain no harmful seeds.


3. Grapes

grape fruit
Image By: Shutterbug75, Pixabay

Grapes provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Vitamin C: is responsible for making red blood cells and strengthening nerve cells
Manganese: improves eyesight, cell health, and nerve function
Fiber: strengthens bones and clots blood

Grapes come in many flavors and textures, so they will always be a welcome surprise for your sweet canaries. Grapes can be a sweet delight for your bird but exercise caution. Grapes have a lot of fructose, which isn’t good for your pal in excess.


4. Peaches

peaches
Image By: Sara Cervera, Unsplash

Peaches provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Vitamin C: offers an immunity boost
Carotenoids: protect your canary from disease
Polyphenols: keep blood vessels healthy and flexible
Vitamin E: nourishes skin and feathers
Vitamin K: strengthens bones and clots blood

Your canary will surely love juicy, fresh peaches. This fruit should be chopped into tiny pieces for your canary, but it will quickly become a snack-time favorite. Peaches offer a wide selection of benefits. Make sure to remove any pits or stems beforehand.


5. Pears

three pears on wood
Image By: 27707, Pixabay

Pears provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Iron: works to create hemoglobin in red blood cells
Calcium: strengthens bones
Magnesium: strengthens bones and mediates blood pressure
Vitamin B3: boosts brain function
Vitamin C: offers an immunity boost

Your canaries will love the gritty, sweet pear when they have a hankering for a treat. The soft, delicious fruits are readily available and very beneficial.


6. Melon

Sliced watermelon
Image By: P-fotography, Shutterstock

Melon provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Potassium: helps maintain normal fluid in the cells
Copper: responsible for making red blood cells and strengthening nerve cells
Vitamin B6: helps the immune system function and metabolism
Vitamin K: strengthens bones and clots blood

Your canaries can have several types of melon, including cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. Canaries even have a melon named after them called the canary melon. The seeds and flesh are safe for your canary friends.


7. Cherries

Image By: stevepb, Pixabay

Cherries provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Vitamin C: offers an immunity boost
Vitamin K: strengthens bones and clots blood
Vitamin A: terrific vitamin for vision
Copper: responsible for making red blood cells and strengthening nerve cells
Manganese: helps the formation of connective tissue

Cherries are a delicious, tart fruit that your canaries will surely enjoy. These might take a little preparation before they are canary-safe, but they will really enjoy the outcome. While cherries are delightful, you must remove the seeds and stems before serving.


8. Nectarines

Fresh Yellow nectarine
Image By: MERCURY Studio, Shutterstock

Nectarines provide these vitamins and minerals for your bird:

Calcium: strengthens bones
Folate: plays a role in cell formation
Phosphorus: creates strong bones and teeth
Vitamin K: strengthens bones and clots blood

Nectarines are similar in shape, size, and taste to Peaches, minus the fuzz. Your canaries will love them just as much, and they offer valuable vitamins and minerals too. Nectarines need to be sliced and diced for your canary. Make sure to remove the pit and any stems or leaves.

divider-bird

Preparing Fruit for Your Canary

When you prepare food for your canary, it’s best to wash all fruits thoroughly before serving. This removes any toxic chemicals or components on the flesh that might negatively impact your bird. Once you’ve rinsed the fruit, it’s time to dice it. All fruit should be in bite-size pieces to make the eating experience easier.

Always ensure your canary gets plenty of canary feed, so they have a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Fruits, vegetables, and grains should take up approximately 20% to 25% of their daily diet. Otherwise, you should stick to the standard commercial bird food specifically designed for their dietary needs.

divider-birds

Conclusion

So, now you know there are plenty of scrumptious fruits you can share with your canaries. As long as they are prepared correctly, the fruit will benefit their overall health and tantalize their taste buds.

Remember that fruit is only a small portion of their daily diet since too much fruit can deplete the birds of other valuable nutrients.


Featured Image Credit: Terentieva Yulia, Shutterstock

Our vets

Want to talk to a vet online?

Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers!

Our vets