There are a number of different parakeet foods, although the bulk of the bird’s diet should consist of pellets and seeds. Vegetables and fruits also should be fed to the bird at least once a day. Other types of parakeet foods include eggs, tuna, cooked meat and pasta.
A balanced diet that’s rich in the nutrients required by a parakeet is essential if it is to live a long and healthy life. In the past, many pet owners fed parakeets a diet consisting entirely of seeds, but there are a number of other parakeet foods required for a healthy diet. In the wild, native parakeets live in grassland with foods including berries, seeds and fruits, so an artificial diet should try to mimic this variety of foods.
The most important parakeet foods are probably seeds and pellets, because these make up a large portion of the bird’s diet. It is often recommended that a new parakeet be introduced to pellets as soon as possible, with seeds introduced shortly after. When choosing food pellets, it’s important to buy a high-quality brand that doesn’t contain large amounts of colorings, artificial flavorings or preservatives. It’s also important to avoid pellets that contain high quantities of sugar. Choosing bird seed is often easier, because there usually is little difference between the various manufacturers.
Aside from seeds and pellets, parakeets also need to be fed fruit and vegetables on a regular basis. These types of parakeet foods provide nutrients that the bird doesn’t receive from its normal food. Examples of vegetables that parakeets like to eat include carrots and broccoli, while parsley also is popular. Fruit, such as pears and apples, should be fed to the bird in small chunks or slices. It is recommended that a parakeet be given one or two portions of fruit or vegetables each day.
It’s also essential that parakeet foods provide some protein. Parakeets like to eat small amounts of tuna and eggs, which are good sources of protein. The birds also can eat meat, as long as it is thoroughly cooked. Examples of meats that can be fed to a parakeet include turkey and chicken.
There are several items that should be left off the list of parakeet foods. Chocolate, for example, is likely to induce a severe allergic reaction when eaten by a parakeet. Junk foods, such as potato chips, provide little nutritional value and shouldn’t be fed to a parakeet. Lettuce also should be avoided, even though it is safe for a parakeet to eat, because it doesn’t provide the same nutrients as other vegetables.