You want your pet to live a healthy and long life? I’m sure you do. How can you do that? Through an appropriate, healthy parrot diet. That’s right! Well since you and I aren’t parrots, it’s easier said than done. That’s what the article is about.

What is an ideal parrot diet, and as importantly, what should we be wary about and safeguard our pet from? While certainly important to you and me, a healthy diet is critically important for parrots. It really can make a huge difference to their longevity as well as their quality of life.

Strangely enough, there is not yet enough research in scientific circles to pinpoint with certainty what kind of diets parrots thrive on for a long period of time in their natural habitat.  What follows is that the “experts” do not agree on the ideal type diet to follow, but most recommend to steer away from seed based diets – as these are not healthy for the majority of parrots.

While they will sometimes go along well with such diets, it is more a tribute to the tough nature of those great birds then a sign that their nutritional needs are covered. Ideally, seeds should not amount to more than ten percent of their overall food intake – as they are typically lacking in many vital nutrients such as vitamin A and calcium, and are also too loaded with fat compared to their needs.  Budgies and cockatiels can tolerate more, about twenty-five percent, since they are natural seed eaters even in wild settings.

On the other hand, pellet foods typically contain a diverse array of foods including grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits plus vitamins and minerals.  They can provide a nutritious and balanced diet.  Watch out though that your pet doesn’t get bored because, much like us, they can dislike eating the same thing day in and day out. These are intelligent, insightful birds. That’s what makes them so unique and so appreciated as pets. It also means that they crave stimulation, excitement and change.  By sticking to a base of about fifty to sixty percent, pellet food will simplify your “meal preparation” while doing an adequate job of taking care of your parrot’s diet.

You can feed them fresh fruits and vegetables as well.  They’re good for your pet – and they’re good for you too Share them chopped or in large chucks for large birds to hold and gnaw on.  Hang pieces on the side of the cage to provide the parrot with a bit of fun.
Examples of good vegetables to offer include carrots, eggplant, cucumber, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cauliflower, sweet peppers, etc.  Also, remember where parrots come from! They will typically love tropical fruits like mangos, kiwi, melons, pineapple, papaya, or pomegranates.  Note that they’ll also appreciate more “standard” fruit like peaches, cherries, grapes, apples, oranges, or bananas.

Warning! Make sure that your pet does not eat the pits of the fruit or the apple seeds because they can be toxic.  A few other foods are toxic to parrots like avocado, guacamole, chocolate or cocoa, alcohol, caffeine, and mushrooms.  Parrots should also stay away from foods loaded with salt, sugar, grease, preservatives, food coloring, and other additives. That’s good advice for you and me as well

In the mood for some Italian food tonight? Share some whole wheat breads or unsweetened whole wheat cereals. Yep, grains can make a healthy part of a parrot diet. Cooked brown rice, oats, barely, wheat, and pasta are easy to make and add welcomed variety to your own pallet as well as your bird!

Bottom line, just like we do four ourselves, feeding your feathered pet as big of a variety of nutritious food as possible will go a long way in assuring your bird lives a long, healthy life.

Because parrots are such sensitive animals, remember to take a lot of consideration into the foods you’re providing.  Most owners don’t realize that most issues with their feathered pet simply stem from malnutrition.  Realize the importance of a good parrot diet and your relationship will be a happy, fulfilling, long lasting one.