What is a good diet for a parrot? Honest, natural, and well-founded.
It's perhaps the most frequently asked question I get: what's truly healthy for a parrot? Opinions are divided, and advice is everywhere...especially online and in pet stores. You want to do it right, but what exactly is "good"?
What is truly healthy?
Many parrot caretakers get overwhelmed by all the advice. One moment you read that fruit is best, the next people swear by pellets or colored chunks. But you know: parrots aren't your average pet, and their diet requires a little more attention.
How does a parrot eat in the wild?
In the wild, parrots eat anything but the same. Every day, they forage for seeds, nuts, berries, flowers, young leaves, and the occasional piece of fruit or insect. No two diets are the same. If they eat something slightly toxic, they already know where to go for detoxification.
Just think of the beautiful photos of the clay rocks... yes, they eat them because that flower was really tasty. In captivity, they don't have this option, and we have to be extra vigilant.
Fortunately, all of this has been researched for you!
What does science (and even pellet manufacturers) say about this?
Scientific studies show that this variety ensures a healthy microbiome, a strong immune system, and happy, active birds (Brightsmith, 2017) (Meehan et al., 2004).
Many people think that a pellet is the perfect, complete food. But even major pellet manufacturers, such as Lafeber, are very clear about this. Their reference book for veterinarians literally states:
"Even birds fed an all-pellet diet should be offered variety and foraging opportunities to prevent boredom and behavioral problems." (LafeberVet, Basic Approach to Feeding Birds, 2021)
And also:
“Offering only pellets does not address the behavioral needs of parrots, such as foraging and problem-solving.”
(LafeberVet, Behavioral Aspects of Parrot Nutrition, 2022)
In short, even pellet manufacturers acknowledge: real variety and natural foraging are essential for your parrot's well-being.
This clearly indicates that there is no such thing as a standard kibble or pellet.
Pellets and kibble are convenient, but they don't take into account the natural feeding and foraging behavior of parrots. They often contain artificial additives, binders, fragrances, and sometimes dyes, which can cause illness. There is a risk that birds will continue eating out of boredom, which can lead to behavioral problems and obesity. It is precisely the foraging, tasting, peeling, and selecting that keeps parrots physically and mentally healthy.
So, what constitutes a good diet? Nature as a starting point:
Seeds and nuts (unroasted, unsalted, preferably in the shell); Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, beetroot, zucchini, pumpkin; Berries and fruit in small portions (blueberries, strawberries, mango, pears, pitted apples); Leaves, flowers, and herbs (dandelion, willow branch, chamomile); Occasional sprouts or sprouted seeds, provided they are hygienically prepared; GreenParrotShop mixes, which have been developed based on this.
Pay attention to variety:
Vary the food daily and seasonally. This keeps your parrot curious and healthy. What your parrot doesn't eat today might suddenly become its favorite next month (because it needs that specific product).
It doesn't have to be complicated. Observe your bird: does it eat with gusto and is its droppings healthy? Then you're in good hands. Vary the food a bit, try new vegetables, and don't be afraid to experiment with what nature has to offer. And the moral of the story: if even pellet makers recommend always offering natural variety and foraging opportunities... then I think the conclusion is very easy.
Scientific sources
Brightsmith, D.J. (2017). Nutrition and feeding of parrots. In: Parrots of the Wild. University of California Press. Meehan, C.L. et al. (2004). Environmental enrichment and nutritional variety increase activity and foraging behavior in captive parrots. Applied Animal Behavior Science. LafeberVet, Basic Approach to Feeding Birds, 2021. LafeberVet, Behavioral Aspects of Parrot Nutrition, 2022.
Malenthe
