Parrots come in many different sizes and species but one thing remains the same for all of them; feeding parrots a healthy diet can help them to live longer and a better quality of life.

At this point in the scientific community, there is not enough research to assess the type of diets that parrots sustain for a long period of time in the wild. Experts do not agree on the perfect diet to follow for pet parrots. But, they do agree that a purely seed diet is not healthy for the majority of parrots. The fact that some parrots do well on a diet based on seeds is a tribute the how hardy parrots are rather then the fact that the diet is balanced. Seeds are deficient in many nutrients like vitamin A and calcium. They are also too high in fat. In the world of parrot, seeds should only make up about ten percent of their diet. In natural seed eaters like budgies and cockatiels can tolerate about twenty-five percent of seeds in their diets.

The base of a parrot's diet should consist of protein pellets. Protein comes in two forms: complete and incomplete. It's essential that a parrot's diet contain the proper amount of complete protein to grow, repair, and sustain healthy tissue, organs, beak, and feathers. The amino acids found in complete protein are made naturally, to some extent, by the parrot's own body, but they are not enough to keep a parrot healthy. Complete protein can be found in most protein pellets. These should be the foundation for a healthy parrot's diet.

Chopping or slicing the fruits and vegetables into large chunks will allow the parrot to hold and gnaw easily on their meals. Parrot owners can also add fun stimulation to a parrot's diet by hanging the pieces of fruit and vegetables from the sides or top of the cage. Some vegetables that are recommended are: carrots, celery, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini, and lettuce. Some fruits that are recommended are: bananas, peaches, apples, mangos, kiwis, pineapple, grapes, and oranges. It is important that the seeds and pits be removed from all fruits before giving them to a parrot. Some seeds and pit may be toxic. Other toxic foods include: avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and mushrooms.

Parrots are lifelong friends. Keeping them healthy, happy, and stimulated is important. Having a varied diet is one of the many ways to accomplish that. Paying close attention what a parrot chooses to eat and not eat is essential. Note any changes to their behavior or droppings and adjust their diet accordingly. For the most part, a parrot will know and choose the foods that its body needs. A responsible and dedicated owner should provide a varied parrot diet that consists of protein, fresh fruits and veggies, and seed mixes. Enhancing a parrot's diet with excitement and balancing their nutritional needs will allow a parrot to become the best, healthiest pet friend they can be!

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Written by Patrick Dell using tags: parrot care, parrot diet and nutrition, Pets