The majority of people can have chocolate without issue, but there are some people who cannot eat chocolate due to sensitivities or allergies (yes, I feel bad for them too!). Luckily, such people aren’t completely out of luck because there is a chocolate alternative that does come pretty close in flavour. It’s called carob. By now, you probably already know that chocolate is toxic to parrots. But this leads me to the question, can parrots eat carob as a chocolate alternative as well? Or is carob, like chocolate, toxic to birds?
The answer to this question is yes, parrots can eat carob as a chocolate alternative. This is because the main ingredient in chocolate that makes it so toxic to parrots is not found in carob. In addition, carob is much lower in sugar content than chocolate. And the best part? Not only is carob safe for parrots, but it may also have some health benefits.
But what benefits does carob have and what ingredient is it missing that makes it safe to eat? Today I will answer these questions along with many more, so let’s not waste another minute.
What is Carob?
As mentioned above, Carob is a popular alternative to Chocolate. Many people (and birds) that cannot have chocolate can eat carob as a substitute.
But what exactly is Carob? Native to the Mediterranean, but now grown around the world, carob is derived from (no surprise here) the Carob tree. In nature, Carobs begin as a pod that contains a sweet pulp. These pods are dark brown and filled with tiny seeds (in addition to the pulp). The pods are approximately 1/2 to 1 foot in length and approximately 1 inch in width. They are harvested in the fall, and when dried, roasted, and ground into a powder, these pods can be turned into chocolate chips.
Of course, this isn’t real chocolate, but the taste is similar. Having said that, most people define carob as sweeter than chocolate, which is why it doesn’t require any added sugar.
Why isn’t carob toxic?
Unlike chocolate, carob is not toxic to parrots. This is because carob does not contain the same compounds as chocolate.
More specifically, chocolate is toxic to parrots because it contains Theobromine, which is commonly found in cocoa beans.
Cocoa beans and Theobromine are not only toxic to parrots, but also to most household pets including dogs and cats.
This toxic compound is often classified under the same category as caffeine and can pose an extreme risk to parrots, even when consumed in small doses. And this is why parrots should never be fed chocolate.
The good news is, carob doesn’t contain cocoa, theobromine, or caffeine. In return it’s completely safe for parrots to eat and can make a delicious snack that they will love!
Does carob contain caffeine?
No. While most chocolates contain some amount of caffeine, carob is completely caffeine free. For your bird, this is great news.
Why? Because like chocolate, caffeine is toxic to parrots.
Allowing your parrot to indulge in caffeinated drinks or treats could lead to increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyperactivity, and even cardiac arrest.
Luckily this isn’t something you have to worry about with carob because it contains 0 grams of caffeine!
Are there any health benefits of carob for parrots?
Yes! Not only is carob a safe snack for parrots, but it can also be a healthy snack. Here are a few benefits of carob and how they affect parrots:
Calcium
- Provides structure for strong bones and beak
- Provides structure for connective tissues and feathers
- Helps to stabilize mood
Vitamin A
- Prevents Vitamin A deficiency which can lead to breathing difficulties, dry feathers, ulcers, hearing loss, and mortality.
Vitamin B2, Vitamin 3, Vitamin B6
- Help to break down food and absorb nutrients
- Aide in stress reduction
Copper
- Helps to keep blood vessels, bones, and connective tissues healthy
Calcium
- Required for a healthy metabolism and fertility
Manganese
- Essential for proper bone growth and reproduction
Magnesium
- Required for healthy heart and bone formation
- Aides in metabolism
Zinc
- Aides in the production of insulin
- Aides in the functioning of Vitamin A
- Helps to develop cartilage and bones, and plays a role in feather health
Selenium
- Aides in growth, reproductive success, and the production of thyroid hormones
- Lack of selenium may result in loss of feathers, poor digestion, abnormal skeletal formation, and diminished immune functioning
As you can see, there are many health benefits that come along with feeding your parrot carob! And why not try a bite for yourself while you’re at it – you may find you like it more than chocolate!
What’s the difference between Chocolate and Carob?
The main difference between carob and chocolate is the health benefits. While chocolate contains cocoa and sugar, carob is completely natural. It also contains 3 times as much calcium as does cocoa powder!
But while carob can be used as a substitute for chocolate, some people do find a difference in the flavors. Many people classify carob as naturally sweeter, with more of a dark roasted and nutty flavor. Some people prefer the flavor of carob to chocolate, while others prefer the flavor of chocolate to carob.
The good news? You parrot won’t care! We might know the difference between chocolate and carob, but your parrot will just be happy to be getting a treat!
Can my parrot have Carob Easter eggs?
A lot of you want to celebrate Easter with your feathered friend and want to know if they can eat Carob Easter Eggs. The answer to this question depends on the type of eggs that you buy. Some Carob eggs contain cocoa butter, while others do not. As such, it’s always important that you look at the ingredient list before feeding your parrot any type of Carob easter egg. Again, anything that contains cocoa or cocoa butter can be deadly and should not be fed to your parrot. If the eggs you select do not contain cocoa, then they should be safe when given as a small treat.
How much Carob can my parrot have?
Even though Carob is safe for parrots, it should be given in moderation. Carob should never be fed to your parrot as a full meal. Rather, it should only be given as an occasional treat. Though Carob does contain a variety of nutritional components that are safe and healthy for parrots, it also contains natural sugars. In fact, just two tablespoons of carob powder has over 6 grams of sugar. Even when it comes in other forms (like chocolate chips or Easter eggs), the sugar content within carob treats can really add up.
The problem with too much sugar? Though sugar is not toxic to parrots, it’s not exactly beneficial either. In small doses, natural sugars can be okay. But when sugar content is too high, it can have a negative impact on a parrots digestive system and can lead to numerous unbeneficial health outcomes.
So while it’s okay to give your parrot the odd carob treat, it should be kept to small quantities.
To recap, yes, your parrot can have carob but only in small amounts. Carob can be a great substitute for chocolate and does have many health benefits for birds. With that being said, it also contains a large amount of natural sugars, which can be dangerous for birds if not moderated. As such, you can use carob as a treat once in a while, but don’t allow your parrot to overindulge.