| Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan | | | | has a full complement of amino acids or only some of |
| Not surprisingly, parrots need to have a varied diet | | | | them. Corn would be an example of a protein food, |
| so that they can maintain good health. So what is a | | | | but it only has a few of them so that makes corn a |
| good healthy diet for a parrot? So what is a good | | | | poor source of protein and considered an 'incomplete' |
| healthy diet for a parrot? Parrots need a wide range | | | | protein. |
| of vitamins and minerals just as the parrot owner | | | | Excellent sources of protein. |
| does. Parrots rely on their owners to give them the | | | | Eggs are held in high regard as one of the best |
| proper food so that they can maintain good health. | | | | sources of amino acids and many nutritionists actually |
| They require a balanced diet, to be fed twice a day | | | | regard them as a complete meal in themselves. |
| and all week long. | | | | Legumes are an excellent source of amino acids, |
| Parrots need various nutrients so that: | | | | parrots love them and they make great foods for |
| - their feathers regrow | | | | the parrot to nibble on. Bean shoots are also loved |
| - their beaks stay strong | | | | by most parrots. They are sweet, fleshy and very |
| - their nails regrow | | | | nutritious. |
| - they maintain general good health | | | | Meat and dairy products are also a good source of |
| Protein in the diet. | | | | protein for the parrot and the meat is best served |
| Parrots need proteins as they are a muscle growth | | | | raw. |
| and repair nutrient. Like all creatures, there will be | | | | A healthy parrot diet. |
| certain times when parrots need repair to their | | | | Variety is the key. By breaking the weekly diet down |
| bodies and also muscle growth so it is essential that | | | | to 40% pellets, 10% grain and 50% other the parrot |
| they have the protein to rebuild. Just as an example, | | | | is going to be receiving what he needs to be healthy. |
| their beaks and claws will constantly be in a state of | | | | The '50% other' can be brought down even further |
| repair. | | | | for diet variation and here are 3 suggestions: |
| Proteins are comprised of amino acids, known as the | | | | 1. Chopped greens, chopped vegetables, cooked |
| "building blocks" and are divided into two groups, the | | | | beans, grains and legumes as well as fruit, whole grain |
| essential and the non-essential. Non-essential amino | | | | pasta |
| acids are those that the body itself manufactures. | | | | 2. three different cooked grains, along with shredded |
| Essential amino acids are those which the body | | | | or chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, squash or |
| cannot manufacture. These must be supplied by the | | | | pumpkin. He then adds other shredded vegetables |
| parrot diet. For parrots, there are a minimum of ten | | | | and ground nuts in this meal for some variety. |
| essential amino acids. They include: lysine, tryptophan, | | | | 3. Homemade bread created especially for birds. |
| isoleucine, arginine, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, | | | | To ensure that your pet parrot is going to be around |
| threonine and valine. | | | | for a long time, and some breeds can live up to 80 |
| Proteins are classified as either 'complete' or | | | | years, feed a healthy parrot diet twice a day every |
| 'incomplete' and this on whether the particular food | | | | day of the week to your beloved feathered friend. |