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During winter, we all like to gorge on peanuts and other dry fruits. This delicious winter snack not only provides warmth but many other health benefits as well. If you have kept geese in your backyard, you may have probably thought of giving it to them at some point.
This thought also brings many questions like can they eat peanuts? Is it safe for Geese to eat peanuts? If yes, what type? Read on to know more about feeding peanuts to geese.
Can Geese Eat Peanuts?
Yes, geese can eat peanuts as it has all that is good for the health of the bird. It can be a nutritionally beneficial, delicious wintry snack for geese.
High in vitamins and minerals, this winter treat can help geese maintain their overall health.
It is healthy, undoubtedly, but it should not make up a large part of the goose’s diet. As long as it’s just a few, geese will be fine and perfectly healthy.
Is It Safe For Geese To Eat Peanuts?
Yes, it is completely safe for geese to eat peanuts if it is being served in a moderate amount. Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, fat, and several healthy nutrients.
Geese show no tantrums when it comes to eating peanuts, so, make sure that they are not going overboard.
Moreover, not all types of peanuts are good for geese to eat, only specific ones not seasoned with spices.
Types of Peanuts NOT Safe For Geese
Not all peanuts are good for the bird to eat, some types should be struck off from the feeding list.
Raw peanuts are not recommended because they reduce protein absorption. However, if the geese eat one or two peanuts off the ground, it would not do much damage.
Salted peanuts are a big no-no and can be quite damaging to their health because of the excess sodium. Even lightly salted peanuts are not healthy for the goose.
Peanut Types Safe For Geese
Choose roasted and unsalted varieties to feed your feathered pets. Additionally, you can make a peanut paste, not the peanut butter, but the one without the additives.
It could be homemade, containing only peanuts, or can be mixed with some nuts.
Nutritional Benefits of Peanuts
Every pet owner wants to choose the healthiest treats with nutritional benefits for their pets. Well, you can expect some health benefits from pts.
- Protein – Peanuts are high in protein and more than 22% of the peanut calories come from protein. Geese require amino acids for muscle repair and strengthening feathers. A protein deficiency in geese leads to muscle loss, stunted growth, and reduced egg-laying ability.
- Niacin – Niacin or Vitamin B3 is critical for the health of various digestive organs and skin. Niacin deficiency results in loss of appetite, general weakness, and diarrhea.
- Potassium – Peanuts are high in potassium which is particularly important for their health. It aids in metabolism, muscle activity, nerve function, and overall health. Grapes for geese as an alternative to potassium.
- Magnesium – Magnesium is required for the digestibility of feed. High Magnesium intake ensures brain, nerve, digestive, and reproductive health. Feed Sunflower seeds to geese as an alternative.
- Fiber – Fiber makes up over a third of the carbohydrates in peanuts beneficial for gut and digestive health. Learn bread for geese benefits and risks.
Can Geese Eat Peanut Shells?
It is not suggested to feed peanut shells to geese as they are not nutrient-dense, only containing dietary fiber. Excess dietary fiber intake can interfere with the digestion process.
Besides lacking nutrients, they are large and have the perfect shape for choking. Give a small number of peanut shells after grinding up.
Preparing Peanuts For Geese
- Chop peanuts into fine pieces to feed geese as the whole peanut can get stuck in the goose’s crop.
- Give no more than two peanuts a day.
- Serve them as a snack, not a whole meal.
Risks of Feeding Peanuts
The high-fat content of peanuts can cause obesity in geese. High-fat diets can lead to serious liver damage as the fat is retained in the abdomen and liver.
Moldy peanuts and grains can be fatal for geese, ducks, and other birds because of the presence of mycotoxins.
Conclusion
If you serve unsalted and roasted peanuts in a limited amount, geese will eat and process them without any problems. In fact, the high nutritious value will keep the goose perfectly fit.
