Pet Parrot Feeding Tips

The nutritional needs of our pet bird parrot patients can vary widely based on species, which is why it’s so important to know about pet parrot feeding tips. For pet birds – along with other species of pets – nutrition is vitally important to health. An inappropriate diet may cause illness or leave an individual bird too compromised to fight an infectious disease. To narrow the focus of this discussion, the needs of parrots – or psittacines – will be highlighted.

In the wild, parrot species eat a variety of plant materials, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and nectars. Some species have extremely specialized diets. For example, lorikeets and lories eat a diet largely composed of nectar and pollen, and they rarely, if ever, eat seeds.

In captivity, a variety of nutritional plans are followed, with some feeding regimens meeting our feathered friends’ needs better than others. We at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital have encountered a few truly “out there” diets for pet birds, including a scarlet macaw who was only fed chicken pot pie and mayonnaise sandwiches. Thankfully, this example is the exception rather than the norm.

Nutrition for pet parrots generally comes from one or more of the following sources: (1) seed mixes, (2) commercial pelleted or extruded diets, (3) foraging diets, and (4) fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: Seed-only Diets

Historically, pet parrots were fed seed-only diets, and this type of diet remains common, especially for small parrots like cockatiels and parakeets. Unfortunately, seed-only diets invariably lead to nutritional deficiencies. These diets often are high in fat and deficient in important vitamins, especially Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important in maintaining the health of the skin and feathers, the immune system, and the respiratory system. Birds also tend to sort through these diets, eating only their favorite seeds, leading to further imbalances. Some companies may coat seeds with vitamin and mineral supplements, labeling them as nutritionally sound, but these coatings are typically on the seed hulls which are discarded during feeding. Seeds aren’t all bad, though. They allow for natural behaviors like cracking shells and manipulating foods with the beak. They also tend to be well-accepted because of taste.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: Pelleted and Extruded Diets

These diets are composed of ground grains, vitamins, and minerals compressed together into a kibble-style diet. The primary benefit of this type of diet is nutritional balance: all the required nutrients are provided within the pellet. Sorting is not a problem because each pellet is nutritionally identical. These diets also may be less messy than seed mixes. Unfortunately, the uniformity of these diets provides less enrichment for your pet. Some birds, particularly those accustomed to seed-based diets, may balk at pellets. Commonly recommended brands include Lafeber, Harrison’s, and Zupreem.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: Foraging Diets

Foraging diets could be thought of as the missing link between seed-based diets and pelleted diets. Such diets are composed of pellets combined with hulled seeds. A binding agent like molasses adheres the two components together. These diets provide the best of both worlds: the textures, shapes and colors of a seed-based diet and the nutritional balance of a pelleted diet. Foraging diets often are recommended for parrots who need to transition away from a seed-only lifestyle. Examples include Lafeber Nutri-Berries and Avi-Cakes.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

In limited quantities, fresh fruits and vegetables also can add enrichment and nutritional value to the diet. Offering nuts to macaws, Amazon parrots, and cockatoos allows them an opportunity to use their powerful beaks as intended. Dark leafy greens and yellow, red, and orange vegetables provide other dietary sources of Vitamin A.

Some “people foods” are not safe for birds. Avoid the following foods for pet birds:

Avocado: Some varieties contain a compound called persin that may cause heart and lung damage in birds.

Onions and garlic: Just like in dogs and cats, onions and garlic may cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells, resulting in life-threatening anemia.

Caffeine and chocolate: Ingestion of even small amounts may result in cardiac or neurologic symptoms.

Alcohol: Alcohol has toxic impacts in all species, but the relatively small body size and high metabolism of pet parrots make them particularly susceptible to alcohol poisoning.

Apple seeds and fruit pits: The seeds of apples and pits from fruits like peaches and plums contain amygdalin, a chemical compound that releases cyanide, a dangerous toxin, as it’s digested.

Excessive salt: Salty treats like potato chips and crackers can alter a bird’s ability to maintain the normal balance of water and electrolytes within the body.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: Which of These Food Sources is Best?

The truth is that a balanced diet for pet parrots should include contributions from all these sources. Ideally, a pelleted or extruded product comprises more than half of the diet to ensure that all nutritional needs are met. Fresh whole foods and low-fat seeds like millet, milo, and canary seed add variety and enrichment. Foraging diets can serve as treats and/or play the role of a transitional diet when converting from a seed-only diet.

Pet Parrot Feeding Tips: How Much Do I Feed My Bird?

Dog and cat owners may be accustomed to diet recommendations that specify “x” number of cups per day. Generally, an exact measurement of your parrot’s food is not necessary, though. Provide pellets throughout the day, offering more as needed to ensure there’s always food available. Don’t provide so many seeds that your parrot chooses to ignore his or her pellets. Limit “people foods” to once or twice daily treats. Also remember that water is a vitally important nutrient. Clean drinking water should always be available.

Do You Have Additional Questions About Nutrition For Your Pet Birds?

If you have questions about how to feed your pet bird or pet parrot feeding tips, contact us at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital! An appointment can be scheduled to evaluate your pet bird and formulate an appropriate nutritional plan.