Lexi Webster
Doves are primarily herbivores, with a diet consisting of seeds, grains, greens and fruits. In the wild, they may occasionally eat snails, earthworms and insects, but this is less common. Doves have small beaks, so vegetables and fruits should be shredded or cut up into tiny pieces. They also need access to fresh water at all times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Seeds, grains, greens, fruits, vegetables, insects, snails, earthworms, commercial pellets |
| Dietary Concerns | Calcium deficiency, toxicity from avocado, lactose intolerance |
| Dietary Supplements | Crushed eggshells, oyster shells, grit |
| Feeding Behaviour | Feed on the ground, in trees, or on telephone wires |
| Feeding Pattern | Set meals, specific amounts |
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What You'll Learn
Seeds and grains
Doves eat a variety of seeds, including white millet, safflower, and sunflower seeds. They also eat cracked corn, which is a type of grain. In addition, they may eat wheat and milo, which are also grains.
Seeds should make up no more than 50-60% of a dove's total diet. This is because, while seeds are a good source of energy, they are also high in fat and can be nutrient-deficient. A diet of only grains can lead to calcium deficiency in the long term. To avoid this, doves can be given a small amount of crushed eggshell or digestible oyster shell grit, which aids in the breakdown of seeds and provides a source of calcium.
Commercial seed mixes for doves may contain 2-5 different kinds of seeds. These mixes are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of doves and often contain added vitamins and minerals. However, some doves may selectively eat only certain seeds, so it is important to ensure they are getting a balanced diet.
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Fruits and vegetables
Doves have small beaks, so fruits and vegetables should be shredded or cut into tiny, manageable pieces. Fruits and vegetables should be offered separately from pellets and other foods. If your bird develops a preference for one food item, reduce its volume or stop feeding it temporarily to encourage the consumption of other foods. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Depending on the quality of your tap water, you might consider using bottled water. Dishes must be cleaned daily with soap and water.
Some fruits and vegetables to give your dove include lettuce, kale, broccoli, carrots, and apples. Avoid giving your dove avocado, as it contains persin, a chemical that can be toxic and even deadly to birds. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals. Pale vegetables, such as iceberg/head lettuce and celery, generally have a high water composition and little nutritional value, so they should not be offered.
In the wild, doves eat a variety of grains, seeds, greens, berries, and fruits. They will occasionally eat insects, snails, and earthworms. Commercially formulated pelleted diets have been developed to meet the nutritional needs of pigeons and doves.
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Insects and snails
Doves are not usually found eating insects in nature as they are vegetarians. They are also known to eat seeds and grains such as wheat, millet, corn, sunflower, and milo.
In captivity, doves are typically fed seeds and grains, and perhaps some fruits and vegetables, as part of a formulated diet. Insects and snails are not usually offered to pet doves, nor are they generally recommended as part of a dove's diet by veterinarians.
Overall, while doves may occasionally eat insects and snails in the wild, it is not a significant part of their diet, and they are much more likely to be eating seeds, grains, and plant matter.
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Commercially-formulated pellets
When introducing pellets to your dove's diet, it is important to do so gradually. Start by mixing the pellets in with your bird's seeds, increasing the proportion of pellets over time. Eventually, you should aim for pellets to make up around 50% of your dove's diet, with the remainder consisting of seeds, fresh produce, and supplements as recommended by your avian veterinarian.
It is important to note that doves have small beaks, so any fruits and vegetables included in their diet should be shredded or cut into tiny, manageable pieces. These can be offered in a separate dish from the pellets and other foods. Be sure to remove any uneaten fruits or vegetables from your dove's cage after two hours and always provide clean, fresh water.
The advantage of commercially-formulated pellets is that they provide a balanced diet for your dove, ensuring it receives all the necessary nutrients. This is in contrast to an all-seed diet, which can be high in fat and nutrient-deficient. However, it is still important to monitor your dove's appetite and overall health, as changes in appetite can be an early sign of illness.
In addition to pellets, seeds, and fresh produce, you may also consider offering your dove some crushed eggshells or digestible oyster shell grit to aid in the breakdown of food and provide a source of calcium. However, be cautious when offering grit, as opinions vary on whether it is necessary for doves. Always consult with your avian veterinarian to determine the best diet for your bird's unique needs.
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Bread
While it may seem harmless to feed bread to birds, it is best to avoid doing so. Bread is not toxic to birds, but it is also not nutritious. Bread is full of empty calories and carbohydrates, which fill up birds quickly, preventing them from eating healthy foods. This can lead to malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, which can have serious, even fatal health consequences.
Spotted doves, which are common in Australia, primarily eat seeds and grains. They may also supplement their diet with insects. They are often seen foraging on the ground in small flocks or pairs, and they are monogamous breeders.
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Frequently asked questions
Doves are primarily vegetarian, eating a variety of seeds and grains like wheat, millet, corn, and sunflower seeds. They also eat greens, fruits, and berries.
Pet doves can be fed seeds, grains, and fruits and vegetables. The seeds should be no more than 50-60% of the total diet.
Avocados are toxic and deadly to birds. Dairy products should be consumed in moderation as birds are lactose intolerant. Chocolate, salty foods, alcohol, and caffeine may also be toxic.
