Birds
Fruits and Vegetables
These foods should be given twice daily and constitute 20-25% of the bird’s diet. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates and many essential vitamins and minerals. Some examples of good vegetables are corn, carrots, potatoes, squash, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cooked sweet potatoes, etc. Examples of fruits are apples, melons, oranges, berries, bananas, pears, peaches, etc.
TThe juicier fruits often cause more voluminous soft stools with excess water (urine) when fed in large quantities. This is not a health problem. Fruit juices may also be offered. Anything fruit or vegetable that is safe for human consumption may be tried. Of course, make sure that all these items are washed thoroughly prior to use. Using a powdered fruit preservative such as “Fruit Fresh” sprinkled on the fruit will allow you to store several days worth in the refrigerator without spoilage and it is completely harmless.

Breads and Cereals
This component should constitute 10-15% of the bird’s diet and should be given 2 times a day. They are an excellent source of certain amino acids, carbohydrates and B vitamins. Good sources include whole grain breads, unsweetened breakfast cereals, granola, tortillas and pasta.

Protein
High protein foods should make up about 10% of the bird’s diet and are given 2 times daily. These items can spoil quickly so they shouldn’t be left in the cage for too long, especially on warm days. Examples of protein rich foods are cooked lean meats, tofu, low fat cottage cheese, other firm, light colored cheese, yogurt and cooked eggs. If your bird is experiencing a problem with obesity, then eggs and cheese should be left out.

Seed Mixes
No more than 20-25% of the bird’s diet should be in the form of seeds. Try to severely limit oil seeds such as sunflower, safflower and peanut. It might be best to use these as hand fed special treat foods. (For example, a medium sized parrot like an Amazon might get only 10-15 of these seeds a day.) Grain seeds such as millet, canary seed, corn, wheat, brown rice and oats can be left in small amounts in the cage. Seeds provide carbohydrates and some B vitamins.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
If you are feeding a variety of foods, it is generally not necessary to use much vitamin supplementation. Use a powdered supplement and lightly “salt” the soft food once a day. If you are using a commercially prepared diet as more then 50% of the bird’s diet, then do NOT add any vitamins unless recommended by your veterinarian for any special disease processes.

Liquid vitamins added to the water are not recommended for several reasons. Many species of birds drink very little water and thus would drink only a very small amount of the supplement in the water (some birds may even refuse to drink the water altogether). Liquid vitamins quickly lose their potency once in the water bowl and therefore are no longer effective. Finally, they lead to fouling of the water and establish a bacterial breeding ground in the water bowl if not changed frequently.

Calcium is a very important mineral, especially for the African Grey and egg-laying cockatiel. For this reason, further supplementation must be given beyond the powdered vitamin/mineral. Calcium may be provided in the form of a cuttlebone (soft side toward the bird). White oyster shell or mineral blocks. Other, more potent products are available through your veterinarian should your pet require extra supplementation.

Water
Fresh water should be provided and changed at least once a day. Water cups should be thoroughly cleaned each day. Depending on the water quality in your area, you may consider the use of bottled water for your pet.

After reading all of this, you may be thinking, “Hey, my bird can eat many of the same foods that I do!” This is true as long as what you eat is considered healthy for you. Allowing your pet to share regular meals with you provides an excellent way to strengthen the human/animal bond and make your pet a real part of the family. But in doing so, please keep the following rules in mind.
© 2007 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital