Are almonds okay to feed?

[Kyoto]

I just read a few articles that stated they can contain cyanide! Is this true? I feel super guilty of it is, as I definitely give Kyo almonds once in a while (as an alternative to peanuts which I've read horror stories about as well).

If this is true, what is a good alternative treat nut I can give for her? I typically use them as cage returning treats.

 

[Christinenc2000]

I feed my Macaw almonds every day. First I read about this

I never feed peanuts. Peanut butter once in awhile as a treat

 

[Allee]

No need to feel guilty. Sweet almonds are safe. I think you may have read something about bitter almonds, they aren't edible and they do contain cyanide, they are used only for extracts after the toxins have been removed. Sweet almonds are a much better choice than peanuts, IMHO.

There are lots of nutritious choices for treats. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, pumpkin seed, pomegranate kernels (seriously messy) star anise, cinnamon sticks....

 

[Scott]

I buy shelled almonds in large bags from Costco. They are safe treats for the birds and a great source of protein for humans!

 

[June2012]

Well, it's illegal for bitter almonds to be sold in the US. (It's okay in processed products as the cyanide goes away during the making of whatever almond product.) You can look up the laws surrounding almonds where you're located. Also, a handful of raw almonds can kill an adult human FAST! (If, that is, the person is not too skinny or obese.) If you're giving her almonds while you're eating one, it should be safe to assume that you are consuming sweet almonds.

 

[Kyoto]

Everything I have given is human grade only, so I feel a lot better. I do like to share almonds, as they are one of my favourite treats too

 

[itchyfeet]

Phew, I'm pleased they're okay - they're our clicker treat, and it took weeks to find one that he'd take consistently!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Well, it's illegal for bitter almonds to be sold in the US. (It's okay in processed products as the cyanide goes away during the making of whatever almond product.) You can look up the laws surrounding almonds where you're located. Also, a handful of raw almonds can kill an adult human FAST! (If, that is, the person is not too skinny or obese.) If you're giving her almonds while you're eating one, it should be safe to assume that you are consuming sweet almonds.

What??? So I guess if you're at an optimal weight then, you should be ok?

 

[Flboy]

I buy shelled almonds in large bags from Costco. They are safe treats for the birds and a great source of protein for humans!

Costco also has sliced almonds, great for the smaller fids, and granola! Good prices on walnuts and pecan too! I store everything in the freezer, .

 

[Mimsy01]

Well, it's illegal for bitter almonds to be sold in the US. (It's okay in processed products as the cyanide goes away during the making of whatever almond product.) You can look up the laws surrounding almonds where you're located. Also, a handful of raw almonds can kill an adult human FAST! (If, that is, the person is not too skinny or obese.) If you're giving her almonds while you're eating one, it should be safe to assume that you are consuming sweet almonds.

What??? So I guess if you're at an optimal weight then, you should be ok?

Lol I read it as if you were optimal weight you are dead fast. Being too fat or skinny would be the better choice. I'm sure something got lost in this message.

 

[June2012]

Well, it's illegal for bitter almonds to be sold in the US. (It's okay in processed products as the cyanide goes away during the making of whatever almond product.) You can look up the laws surrounding almonds where you're located. Also, a handful of raw almonds can kill an adult human FAST! (If, that is, the person is not too skinny or obese.) If you're giving her almonds while you're eating one, it should be safe to assume that you are consuming sweet almonds.

What??? So I guess if you're at an optimal weight then, you should be ok?

Poison goes by weight. If someone is underweight, the amount of poisoning needed to kill someone would change. It would be less, compared to someone who is obese -- that amount would need to be increased. I don't know the ratio, so I can't help you there. All I know is that for an average weight (I don't know average, this is just what I've read from multiple articles...), a handful of bitter almonds can kill someone from cyanide poisoning.