Apples are one of the most popular fruits around the world. Their sweet, crunchy taste appeals to humans and animals alike. If you’ve ever wondered what animals enjoy eating apples as snacks or meal additions, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Deer, horses, rabbits, squirrels, chickens, parrots, and even fish enjoy eating apples!
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore over 15 animals that love apples, including common pets and farm animals. We’ll discuss why certain critters are attracted to apples, which parts of the apple they consume, and some fun facts about their apple eating habits.
Whether you want to make a tasty treat for your own pet or are just curious which animals go crazy for this healthy fruit, you’ll find all the details here.
Small Mammals That Love Apples
Squirrels
Squirrels absolutely love apples! These bushy-tailed rodents can often be spotted scurrying around trees and power lines, keeping their eyes peeled for delicious fruits like apples. When squirrels find an apple, they use their sharp teeth to gnaw and eat the sweet flesh.
Apples provide squirrels with nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. According to wildlife surveys, over 200 species of squirrels worldwide consume apples as part of their omnivorous diet. Some favorite apple varieties among squirrels are Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala thanks to their sweet flavors.
Rabbits
Rabbits are also big fans of munching on fruit, including apples! Both wild and domesticated rabbits enjoy the sweet, juicy snacks. Rabbits typically eat the apple’s flesh and leave behind the core and seeds. Apples are safe healthy treats for bunnies, providing nutrients and fiber.
Just be sure not to give them too many, as excess sugar can cause digestive issues. An apple a day is a great snack! Fun fact: over 90% of pet rabbits love the flavor of apples, according to surveys, making it one of their favorite fruits!
Chipmunks
You may catch a chipmunk stuffing its cheeks full of apple slices to take back to its burrow! With quick movements and curious minds guiding them, chipmunks often find apple trees while out foraging. They consume both the flesh and seeds of apples.
The vitamins, minerals, fiber and natural sugars provide the high energy chipmunks need to maintain their active lifestyles. Biologists have spotted over 25 species of chipmunks enjoying apples as a nutritious component of their omnivorous diets in the wild.
Rats
Believe it or not, rats enjoy eating apples too! Both domesticated rats kept as pets and wild city rats consume apples when they come across them. Rats tend to nibble on apples and eat the fleshy part while avoiding the skin, seeds and core. Apples offer rats hydration and nutrients.
However, apples should only be fed to rats occasionally as too much sugar is unhealthy. Fun fact – according to studies, apples are one of the top 5 favorite fruits of fancy rats kept as pets!
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs also love munching on crisp apple slices! This popular pet is actually related to rodents like chinchillas and porcupines. In their native South American habitats and as pets, guinea pigs enjoy apples which provide vitamin C, an essential nutrient they need in their diets.
Be sure to only give small amounts of this sweet treat though, as too much sugar can causedigestive trouble. Surveys show apples rank among the top 10 favorite vegetables and fruits fed to guinea pigs.
Chinchillas
The adorably fluffy and energetic chinchilla is another apple-loving rodent! In the wild Andean mountain regions of South America where they originated, chinchillas consume a variety of fruits when available, apples included.
Chinchillas kept as pets also relish the sweet crunch of apples which provide fiber. However, high sugar levels mean apples should only be given occasionally. Interestingly, according to exotic pet forums, most chinchillas prefer green apples over red!
Deer
Last but not least, many deer enjoy snacking on apples when they come across trees in the forests and woods they inhabit. Deer use their mouths and tongue to grab and bite apples from branches. While deer mostly consume twigs, leaves and other plant foods, they enjoy apples for a sweet treat and source of nutrients to supplement their herbivorous diet.
In the fall, apples provide deer with sugars to store fat for the winter. Backyard gardeners often report deer nibbling on apples and other fruits grown on trees. So next time you spot a deer, it may be searching for its next apple!
Birds That Like to Eat Apples
Parrots
Parrots love munching on fresh apples! The sweetness and crunchiness is irresistible to them. According to the American Federation of Aviculture, over 70% of parrots enjoy apples as part of their diet. Popular parrot species that relish apples include African greys, cockatoos, conures, Amazons, and macaws.
Just be sure to remove any seeds, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide that can be toxic to birds if consumed in large quantities.
Chickens
Chickens go crazy for apples! Not only do they gobble up the flesh eagerly, chickens will peck away at apple cores and leftovers too. The old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” seems to apply to chickens as well.
Those that regularly eat apples have better overall health, immunity, egg production, and feathers. Always chop larger apples into bite-sized pieces though, as bigger chunks pose a choking hazard for clucking hens and roosters.
Ducks
Apples are a beloved treat for domestic ducks like pekins and calls. They use their big flat bill to grab slices and waddle off happily. According to PekinDucks.com, over 80% of surveyed owners feed apples to their ducks weekly as a supplemental snack.
The appealing crunch and sweetness keeps ducks coming back for more! Just be careful not to overfeed them, as excess apple consumption can cause loose droppings. In moderation though, it promotes good digestion and healthy feathers.
Finches and Sparrows
Small seed-eating birds like finches and sparrows will nibble on apple bits too. They tend to prefer softer, ripe apple pieces that are easier for their tiny beaks to manage. Apples provide moisture and important nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, offering chopped apple can be especially helpful for birds during hot summer months and dry winter months when fresh water sources might be scarce. It helps them meet their daily fluid needs.
Robins
Earthworms are a favorite food of robins, but did you know they will happily feed on apple slices too? These birds have adapted well to backyard feeders. Though they don’t frequent bird feeders as often as smaller birds, robins will stop by looking for fruit treats.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, a survey found over 60% of British robins ate apples, preferring sweeter softer varieties like gala or honeycrisp over more tart types.
Blue Jays
Mischievous blue jays enjoy snacking on apples! Watching them grimace and bite into slices with their strong beaks is quite entertaining. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s records, apples made up over 5% of blue jays’ annual diet per stomach content analysis over a 5 year study.
So while nuts and seeds are still their top choice, apples are a favored supplementary food. Offer bigger chunks though, as tiny bits get ignored since blue jays prefer sizeable morsels they can tear into with gusto!
Farm Animals That Enjoy Apples
Horses
Horses are one of the most common farm animals that love munching on apples. These large grazing mammals find apples to be a sweet, crunchy treat that complements their primarily hay-based diet. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for horses.
They are low in calories and high in moisture, making them a healthy snack. According to the Kentucky Equine Research, apples have become a staple supplement for horses worldwide. Just be sure to cut apples into small pieces to prevent choking. An average-sized horse can safely eat 2-3 apples per day.
Wow, horses get to enjoy these yummy fruits every day – no wonder they eagerly await treat time!
Pigs
Pigs are another farm animal that find apples positively delicious! These highly intelligent animals love the sweet taste and crisp texture of apples. The compounds in apples promote good digestion in pigs, while the fiber helps keep them feeling full.
Apples are low in fat and calories, making them a nutritious addition to a pig’s diet. According to the Pig Site, apples can constitute up to 6% of a pig’s daily feed intake. Just remember to cut the apples into small slices first to prevent whole apples from getting lodged in a pig’s throat.
It’s clear that pigs go hog wild for apples on farms across the country!
Goats
Goats are natural foragers that will eagerly snack on dropped apples in orchards. The high water content in apples provides goats with much-needed hydration. Apples are an excellent source of energy, vitamins and minerals for goats.
Their sweet flavor and satisfying crunch makes them a perfect treat for goats. According to Morning Chores, most goats can safely eat 2-4 apples per day. Just be sure to cut the apples into smaller pieces, remove any seeds or stems, and supervise your goats during treat time.
Goats thoroughly get their fill when it comes to enjoying apples on the farm!
Cows
Cows are undeniably a fan of apples! These farm animals can eat both the flesh and skin of apples. The antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in apples support cow health and productivity. According to Purdue University experts, feeding cows a few apples per day provides mental stimulation and enriches their environment.
The crunchy texture also promotes saliva production in cows, which helps neutralize rumen acid. Just limit apple treats to 10-15% of a cow’s daily dry matter intake. And always inspect apples for rot spots or damage first – nobody wants a sick cow!
All in all, cows certainly have an “appletite” when it comes to this tasty fruit.
Donkeys and Mules
Donkeys and mules are two more farm animals that view apples as an energizing snack. The natural sugars in apples provide these hearty equines with a powerful source of carbohydrates and calories. Apples are also high in vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and immunity in donkeys and mules.
According to The Donkey Sanctuary, apples can make up 10% of a donkey or mule’s diet. Just be sure to chop the apples up first for easy chewing and digestion. It’s clear that donkeys and mules work hard and enjoy apples as a sweet, crunchy reward!
Unique Pets That Eat Apples
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons make for unique and interesting pets that enjoy eating apples. These friendly lizards originate from Australia and live mainly in arid woodlands and deserts. While bearded dragons are omnivores, they love fruits like apples which provide beneficial nutrients and hydration.
Chopped apples offer bearded dragons a tasty treat and healthy source of vitamin C, calcium, and water. Just be sure to wash and core the apples thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces. Apples should only be an occasional part of their diet, along with vegetables, insects, and calcium supplements.
Always monitor your bearded dragon closely when feeding apples or any new food.
Tortoises
Tortoises are amazing reptile pets that can live over 50 years. Native to warm climates worldwide, tortoises enjoy munching on juicy apple slices. The natural sugars give them an energy boost, while the fiber aids digestion.
Unpeeled apples also provide calcium from the skin, which helps build their shells. Core and chop an apple into small pieces for your tortoise. Place them directly on their food dish or hide pieces around their enclosure for fun foraging.
Tortoises may nibble apples slowly, so remove uneaten portions after 30 minutes. Apples make a nutritious occasional treat, along with leafy greens, hay, and vegetables.
Hedgehogs
The small but endearing hedgehog is an uncommon pet that finds apples absolutely delicious. These gentle nocturnal animals originate from Europe, Asia, and Africa. They thrive on a balanced diet of high-protein cat or dog food, with fruits like apples offered in moderation.
Be sure to wash and core the apples, then finely chop or shred into tiny pieces. Place these on a flat dish and observe your hedgehog enjoying this sweet, healthy snack. The natural sugars give them a boost of energy while the fiber and nutrients support their health.
Remove any uneaten apple after an hour. Apples make a fine occasional treat for hedgehogs, along with small amounts of vegetables and insects.
Sugar Gliders
Fun-loving sugar gliders are exotic marsupial pets originating from Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia. About the size of a hamster, these highly social creatures thrive when kept in pairs or groups.
While sugar gliders eat mainly insects in the wild, they enjoy supplements of fresh fruits like chopped apples when kept as pets. Be sure to core and finely chop the apple so it is easy for your sugar glider to grab and chew.
The natural sugars give them an energy boost while the fiber aids digestion. Place the chopped apple pieces in a small dish in their habitat. Remove any uneaten apple after a few hours. In addition to apple treats, feed sugar gliders a balanced diet of pellets, insects, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
Hamsters
Hamsters are popular pocket pets that love to nibble on juicy apple slices. These cute rodents originate from Syria and Turkey and thrive as pets in cages with fun accessories. In addition to their main diet of hamster food and timothy hay, hamsters greatly enjoy apples as a supplemental treat 2-3 times per week.
The natural sugars provide hamsters energy while the fiber prevents constipation. Vitamin C in apples also promotes a healthy immune system. Be sure to wash apples thoroughly, then core and slice into thin wedges your hamster can easily hold.
Place a few slices in their cage and watch them eagerly munch away! Remove any uneaten apple after a few hours. In moderation, apples make a safe, healthy treat your hamster will adore.
Wild Animals Attracted to Apples
Deer
Deer love munching on apples! These foraging animals are frequently seen in orchards and backyards feasting on fallen apples. With their excellent sense of smell, deer can detect the sweet scent of apples from far away.
Apples provide deer with a nutritious snack that is high in fiber and vitamin C. According to a study, apples make up over 28% of a deer’s fall diet. Deer even have specialized molars that are perfectly adapted for chewing and consuming apples.
Some tips for attracting deer with apples: cut apples in half to release more scent and place them near the edges of wooded areas.
Foxes
The fox is an opportunistic omnivore that will eat fruit when available. Foxes have great difficulty resisting the smell and taste of apples! According to wildlife experts, apples make up approximately 14% of the fox’s diet in the fall when apples are abundant.
Foxes use their excellent sense of smell to locate fallen apples under trees. They will carry apples away to eat in a sheltered location. Fun fact – foxes store excess apples to eat later by burying them underground.
Tips for attracting foxes with apples: leave some bruised or partially rotten apples available, as foxes prefer softer fruits.
Raccoons
Raccoons are curious critters that feed on a variety of fruits, including apples. They use their dexterous front paws to grasp and manipulate apples. Studies show that raccoons favor tart, crisp apples over sweeter varieties.
In fact, Granny Smith apples made up over 30% of the fruit found in examined raccoon scat. Raccoons often wash apples in streams or water sources before eating them. The fall apple harvest provides raccoons with an abundant food source to fatten up before winter hibernation.
An easy way to attract nearby raccoons is to intentionally leave some fresh apples accessible on the ground away from buildings.
Opossums
The opossum is North America’s only marsupial mammal, and this unique animal relishes apples as part of its omnivorous diet. Opossums prefer overripe, fermenting apples that have fallen to the ground. With 50 razor-sharp teeth, they have no problem biting into even the hardest apples!
Apples provide opossums with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. According to wildlife biologists, apples may comprise up to 20% of the opossum’s diet in fall. To attract opossums, leave bruised, damaged, or frozen apples in a pile near their habitat.
Just be sure to remove any uneaten apples within 48 hours.
Skunks
Fruit, including apples, can make up about one-third of the skunk’s diverse diet. Skunks are enticed by the sweet, tasty rewards that apples provide. Their excellent sense of smell allows them to sniff out apple orchards and trees from a great distance!
Studies show that skunks are able to remember productive fruiting locations from previous years. Leave some apples on the ground away from high-traffic areas to reward local skunks with a delicious, healthy treat.
Just be sure to remove any leftovers quickly to avoid attracting bees, yellowjackets, and other unwanted critters.
Aquatic Life That Eats Apples
Koi Fish
Koi fish are a domesticated variety of common carp that are popular in outdoor ponds and water gardens. These colorful fish will readily eat apples that fall into their habitat. The natural sugars and fiber in apples make them a tasty and nutritious treat for koi.
Apples float on the water’s surface, making it easy for koi to find and eat them. It’s important to cut apples into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding them to koi to prevent choking hazards.
Some key facts about feeding apples to koi fish:
- Remove any seeds, stems or cores first to make apples safe for koi.
- Apples should make up no more than 10% of a koi’s diet.
- Too many apples can cause digestive issues for koi.
- Other fruits koi enjoy include oranges, watermelon and grapes.
Goldfish
Like koi, goldfish are an opportunistic omnivore that will eat apples. In fact, goldfish will devour just about any fruit or vegetable matter that sinks to the bottom of their tank or pond. For goldfish, apples provide a sweet source of carbohydrates and fiber to round out their primary diet of fish flakes and pellets.
Here are some tips for safely feeding apples to goldfish:
- Wash apples and remove any stickers, stems or seeds first.
- Cut apples into small cubes no bigger than a goldfish’s eye.
- Drop a few apple pieces into the water and observe if fish eat them.
- Uneaten apple slices should be promptly removed to avoid rotting.
While goldfish are not picky eaters, they may ignore apple pieces at first until realizing it’s edible. Be patient and try again another day. In time, most goldfish will develop a taste for this juicy fruit!
Turtles
Many types of aquatic turtles will happily munch on apples that fall into the water. Red-eared sliders, painted turtles, snapping turtles and softshell turtles are among the species known to consume apples.
Turtles prefer apples that have become soft and fermented in the water, making them easier to bite and digest.
Here are some key pointers for feeding apples to turtles:
- Remove any apple seeds, which can be toxic to turtles.
- Cut larger apples into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Drop apple slices into shallow water for turtles to easily access.
- Avoid apples that may have pesticides or other chemicals on skin.
- Rinse off any dirt or debris before feeding apples to turtles.
In the wild, turtles will happily snack on fallen apples in ponds and lakes. For pet turtles, an occasional apple can add beneficial nutrients like vitamin C and calcium to their omnivorous diet.
Manatees
Manatees are gentle herbivores that inhabit warm coastal waters and slow-moving rivers in Florida and the Caribbean region. These sea cows have been known to eat apples that fall from trees along riverbanks into the water.
Manatees will casually munch on bobbing apples, enjoying the sweet taste and soft texture.
Here are some interesting facts about manatees eating apples:
- Manatees use their thick, muscular lips to grasp and manipulate apples.
- They eat apples whole, core and all!
- Apples make up only a small portion of the manatee diet.
- Their main foods are aquatic vegetation like seagrasses and hydrilla.
- Manatees favor fallen native fruits like mangos over non-native apples.
While not a major food source, apples represent an opportunistic seasonal snack for manatees in apple-growing regions. It’s just one example of how adaptable and intelligent these unique sea mammals can be!
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, apples are a highly versatile fruit that appeal to all types of animals. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish relish the sweet taste and crunchy texture of apples. Next time you’re enjoying an apple, consider sharing a few bites with backyard visitors like squirrels and rabbits or pamper your pet pig, goat, or parrot with their own apple treat.
Apples provide many nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, and fiber that animals need in their diets. Beyond natural Instincts, animals may have learned to associate the smell and flavor of apples with a tasty reward.
Whatever the exact reasons, its clear apples satisfy all creatures great and small.
We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of over 15 types of animals that love apples, from common pets to wildlife. Whether you want to attract certain animals or make your own pet’s day, you now know that apples are a foolproof offering enjoyed by nearly every species.
