Emus are fascinating creatures—tall, inquisitive, and full of personality. If you’re lucky enough to raise them, you know that snacks aren’t just a treat—they’re a way to connect, add fun to their day, and boost their nutrition.

But not all goodies are created equal.

In this article, we’ll explore the top treats for pet emus, how often to feed them, and which foods are off-limits to keep your feathered friends healthy and happy.

Emus are natural omnivores, spending their days in the wild pecking at grasses, seeds, fruits, insects, and sometimes even a tiny lizard or two.

Life in captivity doesn’t offer that same variety, so it’s up to us to provide a diet that comes close. Most of their daily nutrition—about 80%—should come from high quality commercial pellets, while the remaining 20% is the perfect opportunity for some thoughtful, healthy treats.

Keep in mind, treats are a “special bonus,” not the main event. They should make up no more than 10% of your emu’s daily intake, serving as a supplement to a complete, balanced diet rather than a replacement.

Fruit is a favorite among emu enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why—these curious birds absolutely adore a juicy, sweet treat.

• Blueberries are among the top rated emu treats. They’re small enough to be bite sized, packed with antioxidants, and easy to toss into the enclosure for enrichment. Many emu owners report their birds will practically perform tricks for a handful of blueberries.

• Apples are another firm favorite. Apples should be peeled and chopped before serving, as pesticides or wax on store bought fruit can cause digestive issues. Offer them a few times per week rather than daily.

• Melons—including watermelon and cantaloupe—are hydrating and delicious, making them an especially good treat during hot summer months. Remove the rinds and cut the flesh into manageable chunks.

• Berries of all kinds, from strawberries to raspberries, tend to be enthusiastically received. Their natural sugars provide quick energy, and their small size makes them easy to scatter around the enclosure for foraging enrichment.

Vegetables are perhaps the most nutritionally valuable treat category for emus, and many of them can be offered daily in small amounts.

• Kale is consistently cited by experienced emu keepers as a top choice. On some farms, kale is used as a regular supplemental treat for juvenile and adult emus alongside their packaged ratite feed. It’s dense with vitamins K, A, and C—all beneficial for feather condition and immune health.

• Peas are another crow pleaser. They’re a widely enjoyed emu treat, along with kale, blueberries, and apples. Frozen peas (thawed) are especially convenient and are loved for their texture.

• Leafy greens like spinach, dandelion greens, and romaine lettuce are easy to source and provide valuable fiber and micronutrients. Fresh greens like kale, spinach, or dandelion greens work well as daily supplements to a pellet-based diet.

• Carrots are another solid option—hard, crunchy, and nutritious. Chop them into smaller pieces for younger or smaller emus.

Remember, emus aren’t just fruit fans—they’re true omnivores with a real need for protein. Their diet should include about 15% to 20% protein, and offering protein packed treats is a fun, natural way to help meet that requirement while keeping mealtime interesting.

• Mealworms are the gold standard insect treat for emus. Dried mealworms are easy to store, while live ones offer extra stimulation.

• Crickets are another excellent insect treat and can be purchased live or freeze dried from most pet supply stores.

PRO TIP: Sprinkle in some mealworms or crickets once a week to boost protein—your emus will love it, and it’s a fun way to mimic their natural foraging habits.

• Whole grains like oats and barley are wholesome, easily digestible, and make for excellent occasional treats for your emus

• Sunflower seeds and almonds can be offered in small amounts as an occasional treat. Nuts such as almonds and sunflower seeds are among the healthy treat options suitable for emus. Avoid salted varieties entirely.

• Alfalfa pellets are another common supplemental treat, particularly for emus that don’t have pasture access. Some emu owners supplement with corn, apples, alfalfa pellets, horse sweet feed, and greens to add variety to a pellet-based diet.

Knowing what to skip is just as important as knowing what to offer:

❌ Avocado, onions, and chocolate are toxic to birds and should never be given to emus under any circumstances.

❌ Processed human foods—like chips, bread, crackers, and table scraps—are a hard no. They’re low in nutrients and can lead to serious digestive issues, since emus’ systems aren’t designed for refined carbs

❌ Moldy or spoiled food of any kind is dangerous. Emus can’t handle moldy hay or feed—always inspect food for freshness before offering it to your birds.

❌ High-sugar, high-salt, or high-fat treats should also be avoided, as these can contribute to obesity and metabolic issues.

During the summer, emus may eat a little less, so it’s extra important to offer fresh greens and keep cool water available at all times. Juicy treats like melon and cucumber are perfect for hot days.

When the weather turns cooler, emus burn more energy to stay warm, making slightly richer treats—like seeds and grains—a smart way to give them a little extra fuel.

Treating your pet emu is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership. It strengthens your bond, keeps these smart birds mentally stimulated, and adds a little nutritional variety to their day.

Focus on fresh, natural goodies—like fruits, veggies, insects, and occasional grain—keep treats to 10% or less of their daily intake, and introduce new foods slowly.

With the right approach, treat time becomes something both you and your emu can genuinely look forward to. And if you’ve ever had a 6 foot tall emu run across the paddock at the sight of a handful of blueberries, you know there’s truly nothing else like it.

Remember to always consult an avian veterinarian or ratite specialist if you have questions or concerns about your emu’s diet or health.