Crossword Genius

Described Charlie leaving capriciously to get treat for pet (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

birdseed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'treat for pet' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'described charlie leaving capriciously' is the wordplay.
'charlie' becomes 'C' (phonetic alphabet).
'leaving' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'capriciously' indicates an anagram.
'described' with 'c' removed is 'desribed'.
'desribed' anagrammed gives 'BIRDSEED'.

'to get' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for birdseed that I've seen before include "Food scattered for budgies etc" , "eg Hemp" , "Food for a tweeter - dries bed (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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