Parakeets, cockatiels, and parrots are beautiful animals that often make great house pets since they are easy to care for and have long lifespans. However, providing them with the proper diet is crucial for promoting their overall health and wellness. The following guide explores what veterinarians recommend feeding your feathered friends. 

What You Should Feed Your Pet Bird

1. Formulated Foods 

Most bird species, including cockatoos, macaws, and cockatiels, eat seeds. However, since they may pick certain seeds out of mixtures and leave others uneaten, they may not receive adequate nutrition. The best way to ensure that your pet bird gets enough vitamins and minerals is to feed them a formulated blend. These foods consist of seeds, proteins, fruits, and vegetables baked into pellets or nuggets, providing birds with essential nutrients in each bite and an overall balanced diet. 

2. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Feeding domesticated birds fresh fruits and vegetables provides a delicious and nutritious supplement to their formulated diet. Some species, such as the blue-throated macaw and red-faced parrot, eat diets consisting primarily of fruits and berries. Birds typically enjoy fruits with high sugar and moisture content, such as apples, mangoes, and pineapples. They may also eat corn, sweet peppers, and cooked potatoes. Remove the pits and seeds before serving fruits and veggies so that your winged friends don't choke or have trouble chewing them. 

3. Nutrient Supplements

If your bird doesn't eat anything other than seeds, a veterinarian may suggest providing supplements to ensure they get essential vitamins and minerals. These products may contain vitamin A, which supports the health of the feathers, eyes, and immune system. Additionally, they typically include vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights free radicals to prevent diseases, along with calcium for developing strong bones and producing healthy eggs. Since these supplements are available in powder form, you can easily dissolve them in your bird's water dish or container.

4. Healthy Snacks & Treats

On occasion, you might want to give your feathered friend a snack. However, since domesticated birds aren't foraging for food in the wild, they expend less energy. This makes them more vulnerable to becoming overweight, especially if you share treats containing sugars and fats, such as candy and potato chips. You can prevent this by occasionally offering them whole wheat bread or crackers, rice cakes, and popcorn instead. 

Keep your pet bird healthy and happy with help from Care Animal Center. Located in Dothan, AL, this animal hospital offers nutritional advice, pet health exams, and veterinary medicine for exotic pets in Houston County. Call (334) 794-6333 to book an appointment with a veterinarian, and visit the website to learn more about how they can promote the wellness of your animal companions.