Kinkajous (also known as honey bears) are adorable tree-dwelling mammals native to Central and South America. With their big eyes, prehensile tails, and gentle personalities, it’s easy to see why many people are drawn to them.

While kinkajous can be fun companions in the right hands, they are not easy pets. Feeding these cute tree climbers a proper diet is time consuming and expensive – and it’s also one of the most critical aspects of pet kinkajou care.

A balanced species appropriate diet is essential for a kinkajou’s health and quality of life. Unfortunately misinformation and improper feeding are common causes of health problems in pet kinkajous.

We want to help change that.

Whether you’re researching what to feed a potential pet kinkajou or you already have a nocturnal pal at home, this guide will help you understand what they eat in the wild, how to replicate their natural diet at home, and what foods you should never feed your pet kinkajou.

Kinkajous are primarily frugivores (which means fruit makes up the majority of their diet) but they’re not strictly fruit-eaters.

This diverse natural diet provides a mixture of nutrients, sugars, fiber, vitamins, protein, and fat – all of which are crucial to keeping these little creatures healthy and thriving.

To keep your pet kinkajou healthy and thriving, your goal should be to mimic their natural dietary patterns as closely as possible.

So how exactly do you mimic a kinkajou’s natural diet? Let’s dive in.

Pet Kinkajou Diet Outline

Pet kinkajous should receive a diet composed of:

• 80% produce – primarily fruits with a balanced mix of vegetables
• The remaining 20% should include nectars, proteins, dry foods, and occasional healthy treats

PRO TIP: To support dental health, it’s helpful to offer firm vegetables, freeze dried meats, and appropriate chew items that help clean their teeth.

1. Fresh Fruits

Fruits are the foundation of a kinkajou’s diet, but not just any ordinary fruit will do.

Safe Fruits For Pet Kinkajous

Acai	Dates	Mango	Plums
Apple	Dragon Fruit	Melons	Pomegranate
Apricot	Durian	Nectarines	Prickly Pear
Avocado**	Eggplant	Oranges**	Quince
Banana	Figs	Papaya	Rambutan
Blackberry	Gooseberry	Passionfruit	Raspberry
Blueberry	Grapes	Peaches	Starfruit
Cantaloupe	Guava	Pears	Tamarind
Cherry	Honeydew Melon	Peppers	Tangerines**
Chico fruit	Jackfruit	Persimmon	Tomatoes
Cranberry	Kiwi	Pineapple	Watermelon
Cucumber	Lychee	Plantains	Zucchini

**MODERATION ONLY – No pit or skin

PRO TIP: Avoid feeding your kinkajou excessive citrus as this can upset their stomach and cause runny stools.

2. Leafy Greens & Vegetables

Don’t forget to add dark leafy greens and fibrous vegetables to increase nutrients and balance the fruit sugars. Including these healthy foods into your kinkajou’s diet also helps maintain healthy digestion and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

3. Nectar & Honey – Perfect for Treats

Kinkajous are called honey bears for a reason – these nocturnal cuties have a big sweet tooth and in the wild they will lick nectar from flowers and eat honey.

PRO TIP: Even though kinkajous love sweet foods, too much sugar can lead to obesity and dental issues. It’s best to limit sugary foods to occasional treats to help prevent health issues.

4. Protein – Small Portions

Pet kinkajous don’t require large amounts of protein in their diet, but including small amounts of appropriate sources can still provide nutritional benefits.

Good protein sources include:

Beans (legumes)	Eggs – cooked or scrambled	Pork (in moderation)
Bee pollen	Fish**	Tofu
Chicken**	Lactose-free cheese	Turkey**
Duck**	Peanut butter	Yogurt

**COOKED, PLAIN, NO SEASONINGS

PRO TIP: Treat your kinkajou to some meat jerky – it’s great for keeping their teeth clean and their gums in good shape!

5. Supplements – Ask Your Vet

Not all pet kinkajous will require additional supplements if they’re eating a diverse and well-balanced diet. However, even with good variety some essential nutrients can still be missing – especially if foods aren’t rotated consistently.

To help fill potential nutritional gaps, some owners choose to offer their kinkajou a children’s gummy multivitamin once a week and add a taurine supplement, but it’s important to discuss supplementation with your veterinarian first.

IMPORTANT: Always consult with a veterinarian who has experience with kinkajous before adding any supplements to your pet’s diet.

Some common foods can be dangerous or even toxic to kinkajous. Remember to always research new food items and introduce them to your kinkajou slowly.

• Feed your kinkajou when they’re awake in the evening (since they are nocturnal)
• Offer food in clean elevated dishes
• Put food in puzzle toys or other enrichment items during meal time to encourage foraging
• Remove uneaten food in the morning to prevent spoilage
• Rotate food options to keep meals interesting and nutritionally diverse
• Provide access to fresh clean water at all times

Feeding your kinkajou a proper balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent long term health issues.

Kinkajous can live 20 to 25 years in captivity so prospective owners should be prepared to commit to meeting their nutritional needs for the long haul.

Kinkajous are intelligent creatures who deserve the best possible care. While feeding them correctly takes a bit of research and effort, it’s well worth it in the long run.

If you’re thinking about adding a kinkajou to your family (or already have one) remember: a healthy diet is the foundation of a happy healthy pet.