Grapes are among the most common and mouthwatering fruits in numerous parts of the world. That’s why many animals love to eat it. Sometimes it will be essential for them to consume this high-sugar fruit.
However, an excess of it can lead to various lethal health problems. Today, in this post, we will discuss the list of common animals that eat grapes. In addition to the list, we have also mentioned the names of animals that cannot eat grapes.
For them, grapes are very harmful and lead to severe health issues. So, without any further delay, let’s begin.
Note: It’s recommended not to exceed the daily limit of grapes for any animal because grapes are high in natural sugar, and excess consumption can lead to many digestive problems, weight gain, and addiction.
Why do animals eat grapes? (Nutritional Benefits)
Like humans, animals also like to eat grapes. The flavor of grapes not only fills their mouths with sweetness but also gives them some nutritional benefits.
If you are an animal lover or have a pet, then you should know what animals like to eat grapes and what animals should eat grapes to get the most benefit from them.
Grapes are a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. Not only this, but grapes also have vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Some studies have proven that eating grapes can reduce the risk of cancer in animals.
But also considering the current scenarios, you should remember to try to give organic grapes or wash them properly because today the use of insecticides and pesticides increases. This may cause certain infections.
15 Animals That Eat Grapes
1) Monkeys
Let’s begin our list with the most common animal that eats grapes, monkeys. According to study.com, nearly all monkeys have been eating grapes since ancient times.
Even though, in the past, they preferred to eat grapes over bananas (here, we are referring to wild bananas with larger seeds, not regular domestic bananas),
That’s because it is very nutritious and high in sugar, and eating grapes gives them a temporary rise in energy to carry out most activities. Like us, nearly all species of monkeys can safely eat grapes. In addition, fruits are a significant part of most wild monkeys’ diets.
2) Raccoons
The next one on our list is a raccoon. We are all well aware that raccoons are very fond of grapes, and many of you have already experienced that these animals are capable of destroying the grape harvest.
Raccoons have a sweet tooth, which means fruits and berries attract them. According to the research, raccoons have more likability towards grapes, and for that, they can even overcome any fences. They have a terrible habit of damaging grape vines to eat the fruit.
3) Deer
In the Wildlife Pests of Grapes list, deer come in third. Deer not only eat grapes but also love to chew grapevines. It will be very problematic when deer eat all the grapevines in the initial stage.
Deer can be attracted by many sweet fruits, and grapes are one of them. Therefore, even a small population of them is enough to chew down the whole garden. Grapes are high in sugar, and deer have a keen sense of taste.
In addition, grapes provide many essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium, that give them the energy to travel long distances. It also helps them stay cool during the summer.
4) Wild Boar
The wild boar is also one of the most common animals that eat grapes. They not only eat grapes but also destroy the wines on a rampage.
Like deer, wild boar also have a liking for this sweet fruit, and eating it gives them energy.
5) Birds
Many bird species love to eat grapes before they get fully ripe. As per the research, birds are the most common wildlife pests for grapevines. They eat grapes in the early ripening stage.
Furthermore, birds typically peck the full-grown grape, eating from inside and leaving the skins on the rachis. Grapes help them stay hydrated and provide the necessary nutritional value. Some common birds that love grapes are American robins, parrots, woodpeckers, catbirds, and starlings.
6) Badgers
Badgers are omnivores and can eat both plant- and animal-based foods. It includes many fruits. Their diet predominately revolves around earthworms, but they also love to eat sweet-tasting fruits, including grapes.
Mainly, badgers eat grapes that have fully ripened and fallen to the ground. But sometimes, it is noticed that sweet-smelling grapes attract them even into the grapevine and harm vines for consuming grapes.
7) Skunks
Another animal on our list is the skunk. Like badgers and boars, skunks also love to eat grapes. The main reason is that grapes have a delightful taste and give them a temporary boost in energy.
Skunks are also omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, fruits, and seeds. Skunks love to eat all types of grapes, like green, black, and red, as well as seedless, less-ripened ones. It is always instructed to feed only a small portion of grapes to them; otherwise, it will make them sick.
8) Opossums
Opossums are semi-arboreal omnivores that feed on dead animals, insects, rodents, plants, fruits, grains, and even human food waste. They will eat most of the fruits, and it includes grapes too.
Opossums are fond of sweet fruits, leaves, and vegetables. There are more than 30 species of opossums in Australia; out of them, only the common ringtail possum can eat grapes.
It will become sick. Otherwise, other opossums, even the baby one, can eat grapes in a limited quantity.
9) Lemurs
Like other animals on the list, lemurs also love to eat grapes. Lemurs are basically omnivores; however, their diet primarily comprises plant-based materials, including flowers, fruit, herbs, leaves, lianas (woody vines), pollen, sap, seeds, shrubs, and tree bark.
Excluding this, they sometimes prefer eggs, insects, and other small vertebrates.
A limited number of grapes are also healthy and perfect for Lemurs’ diet. They have a keen sense of taste for sweet fruits and love to eat any type of grape.
10) Fish
Now, time to add marine animals to our list of “animals that eat grapes.” Many fish, including the aquarium ones, love to eat grapes.
It provides them with nutritional values such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium that help them grow.
Grapes are entirely safe for fish if served in a limited amount, and they can digest them without bloating. Marine animals’ digestive systems work differently.
Grapes also provide them with the nutritional value of fiber. Here, we highly recommend you read how to feed grapes to fish on the internet before feeding them.
11) Horses
Horses are herbivores and eat almost any type of fruit and vegetable. Grapes are safe for horses and provide them with various health benefits. However, too many grapes are unsuitable for them and can cause weight gain.
Also, horses often become addicted to sweet fruits and refuse to eat other daily foods like hay and grain.
So, feeding them only one or two times a week as a treat and only 10 to 20 grapes is best. It will be very beneficial for them.
12) Sheep
Like horses, sheep can also eat grapes, and they love them. In fact, grapes are very beneficial for them and provide many nutritional benefits.
Not only this, but they also love to eat other vegetables and fruits. But they also have the same case as horses. The excessive number of grapes can lead to weight gain and a dislike for other daily foods.
13) Squirrels
The next one on our list is a cute little squirrel. This little animal likes to eat grapes a lot. Moreover, you can catch them eating grapes during the winter when they need a good source of calories and carbohydrates.
Do you know these animals found grapes a tasty as well as calorie-rich option for them?
If you have a pet squirrel, including grapes in their diet can be a nutritious treat. You might be wondering if it will be beneficial for them.
Then, let us tell you, that grapes provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, which can help boost a squirrel’s immune system and overall health.
14) Cockatiels
Another grape-eating animal is the cockatiel. Also, this bird likes to eat a lot of fruits, including oranges and lemons. Most fruits are safe for birds, and cockatiels love to eat them
. However, grapes have a high level of sugar in them; one should remember that they must be given in a minimum amount.
Moreover, if you want to give your pet cockatiels or baby cockatiels, it is better to give them small chunks to avoid choking their throat.
15) Chipmunks
Chipmunks like to eat a variety of dry foods, including fruits and vegetables. Also, overfeeding can be dangerous for their health.
Choose healthy foods like grapes, apples, avocado, pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, oats, and raisins. Moreover, when bred in captivity or kept as pets, a varied diet is essential.
Grapes, a supplementary part of their regular diet, can help build strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, remove the seeds and cut the fruit into pieces before giving it to your pet.
16) Ducks
Ducks like to eat alot of different food. In some of the regions ducks are petted in the backyard of the houses. Mostly, ducks enjoy various fruits, vegetables, and root vegetables, including berries, melon, grapes, bananas, plums, watermelon, pears, and peaches. They find cooked or grated vegetables easier to eat, making them a nutritious treat.
17) Bears
As we all know bears are omnivores. Most of the time we think bear eats fishes and honey. But there are alot more things that bear likes to eat. Among all those bears can eat a variety of foods, including fruits. Grapes, being a type of fruit, could potentially be consumed by bears.
18) Goats
Goats are herbivores and ruminants with four stomachs, allowing them to digest food through their main stomach. They primarily eat fresh grass or hay, fermenting their food and absorbing nutrients in their stomachs. Grapes are safe for goats to eat, as they are not toxic or poisonous. Goats have a hearty appetite and can even strip bark from trees to increase fiber intake.
Additional knowledge: Possum grapes are poisonous, even for us. Therefore, it is better to keep these fruits away from your pets.
Other List
- Baboons
- Turkeys
- Turtles
- Geese
Animals that cannot eat grapes:
Although the excessive number of grapes is not beneficial for anyone, even humans, However, there are some animals to whom we should not feed grapes. Grapes are poisonous to them and can lead to major health issues, including kidney failure. Those animals are:
1) Dogs
Dogs of any breed, age, or gender have a potential threat of kidney failure when they intake grapes. Any form of grape, whether it is cooked, seedless, peeled, dried, or fresh, is harmful to dogs.
Do you know a small grape can put your dog in danger? Also, it is important to refrain from offering grape-based products such as raisins, grape juices, jelly, or jam to your dog.
2) Cats
Do you know it is not safe to give grapes to cats? It’s important to be aware that grapes and raisins can potentially lead to kidney failure in cats. You might be thinking that we can at least give a small amount.
So let us tell you. Even a small quantity can have adverse effects on your cat.
If your cat eats a grape, they can suffer from repeated vomiting and hyperactivity. However, not all cats may exhibit any immediate issues.
3) Gerbils
Gerbils eat a lot of seeds but don’t give them grapes because, being rodents, they will be harmful to them. But if you want to check, then give them a very small amount and check whether they react to it or not.
4) Hamsters (occasionally):
Hamsters have an omnivorous diet and can consume various foods, including grapes. However, excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues, especially in Chinese dwarf hamsters.
Do you know this breed of hamster is at a higher risk of diabetes?
Grapes are high in sugar and should be given sparingly, as overindulgence can upset the stomach, contribute to weight gain, and even cause diabetes. Therefore, hamster species prone to diabetes should avoid grapes in their diet.
5) Ferrets
Ferrets can face the danger of kidney failure if they eat grapes. Like cats and dogs, these animals may find danger if they consume grapes.
So, grapes and raisins can also be harmful to ferrets and should not be part of their diet.
6) Guinea pigs
We can’t say that you cannot feed grapes to Guinea pigs. But it should be given in consideration of the amount; experts say you can give one to two medium-sized grapes per week to your pet.
You should remember that grapes contain high sugar levels, making it unwise to feed them in larger quantities or more frequently.
According to the RSPCA, grapes or rhubarb are harmful to rodents. That’s why we have placed rodents on this list.
Here, we conclude our article on “List of Common Animals That Eat Grapes,” along with valid reasons. We hope you like the post. We will be back with another article. Till then, stay tuned with us and read the articles given below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1) Why can’t animals eat grapes?
Ans) Animals can’t eat grapes because grapes can be toxic to some animals, particularly dogs and cats.
Q2) Which animals eat grapes?
Ans) Some animals that can eat grapes include raccoons, birds, and some primates.
Q3) Do monkeys eat grapes?
Ans) Yes, monkeys can eat grapes.
Q4) Do rabbits eat grapes?
Ans) Yes, rabbits can eat grapes.
Q5) Can ducks eat grapes?
Ans) Yes, ducks can eat grapes in moderation.
Q6) Can cats eat grapes?
Ans) Cats should not eat grapes.
Q7) Will one grape hurt a dog?
Ans) One grape can potentially harm a dog, especially smaller breeds.
Q8) Do rats eat grapes?
Ans) Some rats may eat grapes if offered, but they should not be a primary part of their diet.
Q9) Will birds eat your grapes?
Ans) Birds may eat grapes, but it depends on the species.
- Q10) Do tortoises eat grapes?
Ans) Yes, fruit-eating tortoises can eat grapes.
Q11) Do donkeys eat grapes?
Ans) Donkeys can eat grapes in moderation, but it’s not a recommended part of their diet.
References:
- https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.mngrapes.org/resource/resmgr/Growing_Grapes_in_MN_Best_Practices/Chapters/Ch_14_Wildlife_Pests_of_Grap.pdf
- https://animals.mom.com/what-fruits-do-pet-skunks-eat-12505742.html
- https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/gerbils/diet
- https://study.com/academy/answer/do-monkeys-eat-grapes.html
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As a content writer, I like to write about different niches. I have a curiosity about nature and animals. And like to learn about them. Through my writing, I like to share my experience and knowledge with you. I hope you are enjoying it too.