Toucanets have a specialized diet that consists primarily of fruits, but also includes insects, small vertebrates, and occasional plant material. Their diet in the wild is vastly different from what they eat in captivity, making it crucial for keepers to replicate their natural feeding habits as closely as possible. A properly balanced diet is essential for preventing nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and iron storage disease (hemochromatosis), which is common in captive toucanets.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what toucanets eat in the wild and how to ensure a healthy diet in captivity.
1. Wild Diet:
Fruits: The Main Food Source
In the wild, toucanets are frugivores, meaning that their diet is primarily fruit-based. They eat a wide variety of tropical fruits, which they find in the dense canopies of rainforests, cloud forests, and woodlands. Fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration, which help them maintain their energy levels and feather health.
Some common fruits eaten by wild toucanets include:
Wild figs (Ficus species) – A major part of their diet, rich in fiber and natural sugars
Palm fruits – Provide essential fatty acids for healthy feathers
Guavas, bananas, and passionfruit – Offer antioxidants and hydration
Berries and small drupes – Packed with vitamin C, supporting immune function
Soft tropical fruits – Easily digestible and high in water content
Since rainforest fruits are naturally low in iron, wild toucanets do not suffer from iron storage disease as they do in captivity. The variety of fruits they consume ensures they receive a balanced intake of nutrients.
Insects & Small Vertebrates: Protein Sources in the Wild
Although fruits make up the majority of their diet, toucanets also eat insects and small animals for added protein, especially during the breeding season when they need extra energy. They hunt by snatching insects from leaves, tree bark, and mid-air.
Their natural protein sources include:
Insects (crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, ants, and termites) – Provide protein and amino acids
Spiders and centipedes – Consumed occasionally as part of their foraging
Small lizards and frogs – Opportunistic prey, eaten when available
Bird eggs and hatchlings – Occasionally raided from nests as a high-energy food source
Since their primary food is fruit, they do not require large amounts of protein. However, the occasional insects and small animals they consume provide essential amino acids and fats that support muscle and feather development.
Clay & Soil Consumption: Detoxification
Wild toucanets are sometimes observed ingesting clay or soil, a behavior known as geophagy. This helps them neutralize toxins found in certain unripe fruits or seeds. The clay also provides trace minerals that may be lacking in their diet.
2. Captive Diet: What to Feed Pet Toucanets?
Fresh Fruits (60-70% of the Diet)
In captivity, a toucanet’s diet should be primarily fruit-based, just as it is in the wild. However, captive diets must be carefully controlled to prevent iron storage disease (hemochromatosis), which can be fatal. The best fruits for captive toucanets include:
Papaya, mango, and bananas – Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew) – Hydrating and easy to digest
Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries) – Provide essential nutrients without excessive iron
Apples and pears (without seeds) – Offer fiber and hydration
Dragon fruit and passionfruit – Exotic, nutritious, and high in natural sugars
Fruits should be served fresh and cut into small pieces. It’s best to rotate fruit varieties to ensure a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) should be avoided, as they enhance iron absorption, which can lead to iron storage disease.
Pelleted Diet (20-30% of the Diet)
Since captive toucanets do not have access to the wild variety of fruits, they require a low-iron pelleted diet to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients while preventing iron overload.
The best low-iron softbill pellets include:
Mazuri Low-Iron Softbill Diet
Zupreem FruitBlend Softbill Pellets
Roudybush Low-Iron Pellets
These pellets are formulated to provide balanced nutrition without the excess iron found in regular bird pellets.
Protein Sources (5-10% of the Diet)
Toucanets in captivity should receive small amounts of protein to mimic their wild diet. However, too much animal protein can increase iron levels, so it must be provided in moderation.
Safe Protein Options:
Boiled or scrambled eggs (no salt or oil) – A great source of amino acids
Insects (mealworms, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, waxworms, superworms) – Best for mimicking wild protein intake
Occasional cooked chicken (unseasoned, in small portions) – Can be offered occasionally but should not be a staple
It is best to offer protein sources only 2-3 times per week to avoid excess iron accumulation.
Hydration & Water Needs
Toucanets get most of their hydration from fruit, but they should always have clean, fresh water available. Since they often dip their food in water before eating, their water bowls should be changed frequently to prevent bacterial growth.
Tips for Proper Hydration:
Provide filtered or dechlorinated water in shallow bowls
Change water at least twice a day
Keep bowls away from perches to prevent contamination
Foods to Avoid: Toxic & Harmful Items
Certain foods can be dangerous or even fatal for toucanets. Always avoid:
Citrus Fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) – Increase iron absorption, leading to iron storage disease
Avocado – Contains persin, which is toxic to birds
Onions & Garlic – Can cause digestive and blood disorders
Chocolate & Caffeine – Toxic to all birds, can cause seizures and death
Alcohol & Sugary Drinks – Disrupt digestion and cause severe health issues
Salty, Processed, or Fried Foods – Harmful to their kidneys and liver
Toucanets have a fruit-dominant diet, both in the wild and captivity. In the wild, they eat a diverse range of tropical fruits, insects, and occasional small animals, while in captivity, they must be given a controlled diet to prevent iron storage disease and nutritional imbalances. A well-balanced captive diet should include fresh fruits (60-70%), low-iron pellets (20-30%), and limited protein sources (5-10%).
By replicating their wild diet as closely as possible, while avoiding high-iron foods and toxic substances, you can help ensure a long, healthy, and active life for your toucanet.
At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.
Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.
Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!
Comments