Can Birds Eat Raisins? Here's What You Should Know

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Did you know that you can use some leftover food to feed the birds in your yard? And we're not talking about the cold pizza you have in your fridge. Instead, head over to your pantry and look at your dried fruit. Turns out birds can eat raisins. However, don't go frolicking in your backyard just yet. Here's what you should know before you feed this tasty sweet to your feathered garden friends.

Most of your average backyard birds (robins, starlings, blackbirds, and wood pigeons) can dine on raisins. However, birds like owls and falcons should not since their diets contain more meat. If you have a pet bird, research if your specific breed can eat this dried fruit. When it comes to raisin-loving feathered creatures, they enjoy both the dark and light varieties, including sultanas. Now you're convinced and are ready to give it a try, but don't head outdoors just yet. Check out the nutritional benefits raisins have for birds and the best way to give them this tasty treat.

Raisins are not just good for humans, they have many great health benefits for birds as well. These yummy dried snacks offer many different vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, potassium, and calcium. Raisins also help with birds' digestive health since they are a great fiber source and aid with nutrient absorption, regulation of appetite, and prevention of avian obesity. Soak raisins in water before placing them outside to make them easier for birds to eat and to help adult birds give their young water.

Your backyard birds need constant fuel. They have high metabolism rates due to constant flying, moving, and running. Raisins are a great way to keep birds' energy levels up due to their natural sugar content. And, if you're worried that raisins alone contain too much sugar, you can pair this sweet treat with mealworms, seed mixes, and nut blends. There are many places you can buy these blends including purchasing in-store or online from brands like Kaytee or Wagner's. You could even try DIYing your very own birdseed. 

Before you go out, there are a few tips you must know for feeding the birds in your backyard. While you may want to live out your fairytale dream, do not feed raisins to wild birds from your hands. Birds can carry and spread harmful bacteria and diseases like bird flu, salmonellosis, and Newcastle Disease. Feeding your backyard birdies from your hand can also alter their behavior by making them more aggressive. If you do hand-feed a backyard bird, wash your hands immediately afterward. 

Since hand feeding is off the table, you may think scattering raisins on the ground is the next best thing. Ground feeding can be a great way to nourish your backyard friends since it gives them extra space, it's more accessible for older or weaker birds, and it lets them cultivate their natural scavenging instincts. There are some issues that come with tossing your raisins in the grass, though. Without a routine cleaning schedule, leftover feed and raisins can attract pests to your backyard and even end up in the stomachs of your four-legged friends. Raisins are toxic to dogs and cats, causing kidney damage or even kidney failure. Keep your furbabies safe and pests at bay by putting your dried fruit and bird feed mixes in a bird feeder.