Can Chickens Eat Cheerios (Original, Honey Nut, Chocolate)?

Since 1941, Cheerios has been the staple breakfast food for many American families. The popular oat-fueled O’s are available in delicious flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, blueberry, honey and almond, and pumpkin spice. Humans love it, but can chickens eat Cheerios?

Chickens can eat original Cheerios, made primarily from whole grain oats and packed with 12 minerals and vitamins. The fiber-rich whole grain used to make Cheerios is low in fat and contains iron, zinc, and thiamine, which benefit a chicken’s health when added to a commercial chicken feed diet.

Cheerios are made from whole-grain oats and are much healthier than cereals made from refined oats. When choosing which flavor of Cheerios to feed your beloved chickens, stick to the tried and tested original Cheerios, as it contains mostly oats, no flavorings, and as little as a gram of sugar.

Can Chickens Eat Cheerios?

Chickens can eat Cheerios, and you can feed them to your flock without thinking twice if it is nutritional.

If you’re unsure how often to feed your chickens with a healthy dose of Cheerios, follow the 90/10 rule – 90% of a chicken’s diet should consist of commercial chicken feed, and the other 10% of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritional treats.

Cheerios are a great source of the following nutrients:

• Fiber-rich whole grains: Cheerios are made with whole grains and are fiber-rich, which helps to enhance heart health and reduces cholesterol.
• Iron: Cheerios packs more iron than Iron Man; one cup of Cheerios results in 45% of the daily iron required. Iron is essential in helping oxygen travel through the body and is a great energy source.
• Vitamin A, C, and D: One cup of Cheerios provides 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of required Vitamins A, C, and D, all enhancing immune systems.
• Vitamin B12: Cheerios is a source of vitamin B12 which increases red blood cell production and assists with the functioning of nerves in the body.
• Zinc: Cheerios provides a healthy dose of zinc to the consumer, which helps with the healing of wounds, decreases inflammation, and gives a boost to the immune system.
• Calcium: Cheerios contain calcium which will help to increase bone health and eggshell thickness.
• Thiamine: Also referred to as vitamin B1, thiamine is used by our bodies to help with proper nerve function and helps to convert food into energy. When chickens suffer from thiamine deficiency, it can cause issues affecting the heart and nervous systems. A lack of thiamine can also be the cause of torticollis (wry neck).
• Phosphorus: Cheerios comprise a decent amount of phosphorus, a mineral found in every body cell. Phosphorus builds teeth and bones, plays a massive role in forming both RNA and DNA genetic building blocks, and is a key player in converting oxygen and calories to energy.

Cheerios are low in protein, fat, and calories and can’t be considered a balanced meal. Adding it to a chicken’s recommended commercial chicken feed diet will ensure your feathery flock absorbs additional vitamins and nutritional elements.

Your chickens will love you when feeding them the occasional Cheerios treats.

Can Chickens Eat Honey Nut Cheerios?

Most Americans will have tried Honey Nut Cheerios at some point in their lives as it’s one of the best-selling flavors of Cheerios ever.

Honey Nut Cheerios contain real honey mixed with a dash of natural almond flavor, and it’s gluten-free, kosher compliant, and free of artificial colors or flavors, according to the official Cheerios website.

Marketed as a “heart healthy” cereal with 12 beneficial minerals and vitamins per serving, Honey Nut Cheerios is a firm favorite for children and adults alike.

As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Honey Nut Cheerios contains up to 32 grams of sugar per 100g (about 3.53 oz) serving, which is not a healthy amount to absorb regularly or when introduced as part of a set diet.

Feeding Honey Nut Cheerios now and again won’t kill your chickens, but as an everyday treat, you can endanger the flock’s health. One cup of Honey Nut Cheerios contains a massive 12 grams per serving and will increase sugar levels in the blood, and can give rise to issues such as cancer, diabetes, and heart issues.

If you love your chickens, feed them original Cheerios.

Can Chickens Eat Chocolate Cheerios?

People with sweet tooth tend to love Chocolate Cheerios as it contains sugar and cocoa powder. On the list of foods that should not be fed to chickens are chocolate and sugary treats.

Cocoa comprises a stimulant called theobromine which is very toxic to animals and humans. Due to animals being smaller in size, it affects them quicker and can be deadly if fed regularly.

Can Chickens Eat Frosted Cheerios?

Frosted Cheerios contain added sugar via the vanilla coating found on the O’s, so it should be fed in moderation if you feed it to your chickens. Chickens do not need sugary treats, so it’s best to stay clear of Cheerios with added sugary ingredients.

What Should Cereals Not Contain When Feeding It to Chickens?

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener derived from chemically altered corn and involves turning starch into sugar (fructose), which is not to be fed to your flock.

A diet with too much HFCS can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and liver problems. Too much fructose can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease when too much fat is stored in liver cells.

Fructose can increase triglycerides in the blood, resulting in issues such as the thickening of artery walls and pancreatitis, where the pancreas suffers from inflammation. Check the ingredients label for HFCS when looking at cereals to feed your chickens.

Please stay clear of any food types that contain HFCS, as it is not good for chickens and can lead to serious health issues in the long run. Most flavors in the Cheerios range are made from whole-grain oats. However, some contain additional grains such as corn, brown rice, and added sugar.

Stick with the original when spoiling your chicken flock.

Conclusion

Cheerios, especially the original Cheerios, contain a dozen healthy minerals and vitamins per serving, and being high in fiber and low in calories makes the popular cereal an ideal chicken treat. A balanced chicken diet must always feature commercial chicken feed as the main food source, but a handful of Cheerios will do the job to boost essential mineral and vitamin intake.

Sharing is caring!