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Foods to Feed

Be sure to consult your vet or avian nutritional consultant to create an optimal feeding program for your parrot. The following provides an outline of foods that are good to feed. This list of foods is NOT exhaustive, as the chart is meant only as a guide. 


Foods To Feed Why?

Apples

Contain phytochemicals, chemical compounds that can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce or prevent oxidation, thus preventing cell and tissue damage from free radicals in the body.

Apricots

Contain beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant. In addition, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is vital for good vision and for keeping the eyes lubricated. Apricots contain significant levels of iron, essential for hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells.

Bananas

Rich in vitamin B6 and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

Beet Greens

Contain vitamins and minerals as well as carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin.

Berries: Blackberries, Blueberries

Good source of vitamins and phytochemicals.

Broccoli (Heads & Leaves)

High in vitamins A, C, and K.  Contain the phytonutrients sulforaphane and the indoles, which have significant anti-cancer effects in humans.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, chemicals which are known to provide certain health benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system.

Carrots (Roots & Tops)

Contains beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is an anti-oxidant.

Cauliflower

Cruciferous vegetable containing both glucosinolates and thiocyanates (including sulforaphane and isothiocyanate). These compounds increase the liver's ability to neutralize potentially toxic substances.

Cherries

Cherries contain anthocyanins, which is the red pigment in berries. Cherry anthocyanins have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation.

Citrus: Grapefruit, Oranges, Tangerines

Good source of vitamin C. Also contain potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a variety of phytochemicals.

Collard Greens

Good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, niacin (vitamin B3), and calcium.  Also contain phytonutrients with benefits similar to those listed for broccoli and cauliflower.

Corn

Contains thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorous and manganese.

Cranberries

Necessary for normal cell metabolism, metabolism of excess fat and thyroid function.

Cucumber

Flesh contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling.  The skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium.

Dandelion Greens

Vitamin A, C, and calcium.

Eggplant

Contains phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant activity.

Endive

Contains vitamins A and C, and fiber.

Grapes

Grapes contain flavonoids, which include quercetin and resveratrol. Both compounds appear to decrease the risk of heart disease.

Green Beans

Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.  Good source of vitamin A (notably through their concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron. Good source of magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorous, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.

Honeydew Melon

Excellent source of vitamin C and folate.

Kale

Contains vitamins A, C, K, and phytonutrient anti-oxidants.

Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C. Its potassium content by weight is slightly less than that of a banana. It also contains vitamins A and E. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants.

Kohlrabi

Contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, and B vitamins.

Mango

Source of vitamin C, a good source of vitamin B1 and B2, also contains niacin (B3).

Mustard Greens

Contain vitamins A, C, E, K, and phytonutrient anti-oxidants.

Papaya

sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber.

Parsley

Contains volatile oil components that have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, and particularly, tumor formation in the lungs. Also contains flavonoids that function as anti-oxidants.  Also contains vitamins A and C and beta-carotene.

Peaches, Nectarines

Good source of vitamins A and C.

Pears

Good source of vitamin C and copper.

Peppers

Excellent source of vitamins C, A, B6, and folic acid.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain. There is significant evidence pointing to the anti-inflammatory benefits of bromelain.

Plums

Contain unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances found in plum and prune are classified as phenols, and their function as antioxidants has been well-documented.

Pomegranate

Source of vitamin C, folic acid, and polyphenol antioxidants.

Radicchio

Excellent source of anti-oxidants.

Radishes

Cruciferous vegetable that is a good source of vitamins A & C, and of sulfurous phytonutrient anti-oxidants.

Red Beets (Peeled)

Contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease.

Red Leaf Lettuce

Good source of vitamin A.

Romaine Lettuce

Vitamin A, C, K, folate, manganese, and phytonutrient anti-oxidants.

Squash

Excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, folate, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorous.

Snap Peas

Good source of vitamins B6, K, and folic acid.

Starfruit

Source of vitamin C and potassium.

Sweet Potatoes (Cooked)

Excellent source of vitamin A and other anti-oxidants.

Swiss Chard

Contains vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. Good source of copper, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, protein, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc, folate, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid.

Tomatoes

Contains the anti-oxidant, lycopene, which helps protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage and has been linked in human research to the protection of DNA inside of white blood cells.

Turnip/Turnip Greens

Contains vitamin C.  Good source of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.  Rich in folic acid.


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