HEALTH
I am always worried about whether Hilo & Hana are getting enough nutrition in their diet. They are not very picky, but they do have their favorites and often they ask for them!
Parrots commonly suffer from calcium deficiencies. Certain Parrots suffer other vitamin deficiencies too. For example Cockatiels are known to have vitamin A deficiencies. Amazon's & Caiques often suffer from fatty liver disease. Conures commonly suffer from a lack of vitamin K.
All parrots can become "Junkies" eating way too many seeds or food from your plate and can suffer from obesity and fatty liver disease.
Parrots need to have a large variety of fresh fruits & veggies every day.
Parrots commonly suffer from calcium deficiencies. Certain Parrots suffer other vitamin deficiencies too. For example Cockatiels are known to have vitamin A deficiencies. Amazon's & Caiques often suffer from fatty liver disease. Conures commonly suffer from a lack of vitamin K.
All parrots can become "Junkies" eating way too many seeds or food from your plate and can suffer from obesity and fatty liver disease.
Parrots need to have a large variety of fresh fruits & veggies every day.
NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMINS
Vitamin A/Beta Carotene - Maintains tissue lining, respiratory, reproductive, digestive and urinary tracts.
Found in Alfalfa Sprouts, Broccoli, Carrots, Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kiwi, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Parsley, Peaches, Pumpkin, Peppers, Red Leaf Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnip Greens & Zucchini
B Vitamins - Participate in metabolic reactions and energy at cell level and other internal growth.
Found in Bananas, Collard Greens, Corn, Eggs, Kohlrabi, Mango, Millet Seeds, Peppers, Snap Peas, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) - Most important for stressful situations, an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant and anti-stress nutrient.
Found in Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumber, Dandelion Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kiwi, Kohlrabi, Mango, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Oranges, Papaya, Peaches, Peas, Peppers, Pomegranate, Romaine Lettuce, Strawberries, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnip Greens & Zucchini
Calcium - Maintains growth and support of bone structure.
Found in Almonds, Berries, Broccoli, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Kelp, Kohlrabi, Mustard Greens, Oats, Oranges, Parsley, Peas, Sesame Seeds, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Vitamin D - Promotes proper calcium and phosphorous absorption and utilization. Also important for the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Found in Eggs & Sweet Potato
Vitamin E - Antioxidant protecting cell membranes.
Found in Almonds, Alfalfa Sprouts, Corn, Eggs, Kiwi, Mustard Greens, Oats, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Iodine - Necessary for normal cell metabolism, metabolism of excess fat and thyroid function.
Found in Kelp, Squash & Sesame Seeds
Iron - Combines with protein and copper to assist in hemoglobin production and is required for stress and disease resistance.
Found in Almonds, Eggs, Green Beans, Kelp, Pumpkin Seeds, Raisins, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Vitamin K - Promotes blood clotting, and is useful for normal functioning of liver and maintenance of strong bones.
Found in Alfalfa Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kelp, Mustard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Snap Peas & Swiss Chard
Magnesium - Involved with many metabolic processes; helps regulate acid-alkaline balance and promotes absorption and metabolism of other minerals, particularly calcium. Magnesium should be in equal amount to phosphorus and both half that to calcium.
Found in Almonds, Apples, Bananas, Cucumber, Green Beans, Squash, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Phosphorus - Important for RNA/DNA synthesis, nerve health, heart/muscle contraction, kidney function, as well as many other functions. Phosphorus should be in equal amount to magnesium and both half that to calcium.
Found in Brown Rice, Corn, Eggs, Green Beans, Squash, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Protein - Provides amino acids (the body’s building blocks).
Found in Amaranth, Brown Rice, Eggs, Green Beans, Quinoa & Swiss Chard
Selenium - It’s an important antioxidant, commonly combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system from damage by preventing the development of free radicals.
Found in Eggs, Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds
Zinc - Assists with enzymatic reactions, carbohydrate digestion, facilitates the action of the B vitamins, circulation, liver function, immune system function, protein synthesis and cell growth, skin, bone, joint health, wound healing and growth of reproduction organs.
Found in Eggs, Peas, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Found in Alfalfa Sprouts, Broccoli, Carrots, Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kiwi, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Parsley, Peaches, Pumpkin, Peppers, Red Leaf Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnip Greens & Zucchini
B Vitamins - Participate in metabolic reactions and energy at cell level and other internal growth.
Found in Bananas, Collard Greens, Corn, Eggs, Kohlrabi, Mango, Millet Seeds, Peppers, Snap Peas, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) - Most important for stressful situations, an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant and anti-stress nutrient.
Found in Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumber, Dandelion Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kiwi, Kohlrabi, Mango, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Oranges, Papaya, Peaches, Peas, Peppers, Pomegranate, Romaine Lettuce, Strawberries, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnip Greens & Zucchini
Calcium - Maintains growth and support of bone structure.
Found in Almonds, Berries, Broccoli, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Kelp, Kohlrabi, Mustard Greens, Oats, Oranges, Parsley, Peas, Sesame Seeds, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Vitamin D - Promotes proper calcium and phosphorous absorption and utilization. Also important for the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Found in Eggs & Sweet Potato
Vitamin E - Antioxidant protecting cell membranes.
Found in Almonds, Alfalfa Sprouts, Corn, Eggs, Kiwi, Mustard Greens, Oats, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Iodine - Necessary for normal cell metabolism, metabolism of excess fat and thyroid function.
Found in Kelp, Squash & Sesame Seeds
Iron - Combines with protein and copper to assist in hemoglobin production and is required for stress and disease resistance.
Found in Almonds, Eggs, Green Beans, Kelp, Pumpkin Seeds, Raisins, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
Vitamin K - Promotes blood clotting, and is useful for normal functioning of liver and maintenance of strong bones.
Found in Alfalfa Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Green Beans, Kale, Kelp, Mustard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Snap Peas & Swiss Chard
Magnesium - Involved with many metabolic processes; helps regulate acid-alkaline balance and promotes absorption and metabolism of other minerals, particularly calcium. Magnesium should be in equal amount to phosphorus and both half that to calcium.
Found in Almonds, Apples, Bananas, Cucumber, Green Beans, Squash, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Phosphorus - Important for RNA/DNA synthesis, nerve health, heart/muscle contraction, kidney function, as well as many other functions. Phosphorus should be in equal amount to magnesium and both half that to calcium.
Found in Brown Rice, Corn, Eggs, Green Beans, Squash, Swiss Chard & Turnip Greens
Protein - Provides amino acids (the body’s building blocks).
Found in Amaranth, Brown Rice, Eggs, Green Beans, Quinoa & Swiss Chard
Selenium - It’s an important antioxidant, commonly combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system from damage by preventing the development of free radicals.
Found in Eggs, Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds
Zinc - Assists with enzymatic reactions, carbohydrate digestion, facilitates the action of the B vitamins, circulation, liver function, immune system function, protein synthesis and cell growth, skin, bone, joint health, wound healing and growth of reproduction organs.
Found in Eggs, Peas, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds & Swiss Chard
WHY BUY ORGANIC
As if the wonderful taste of organic food compared to non-organic food doesn't sell itself, this might...
Strawberry growers everywhere use large amounts of pesticides, particularly fungicides. The FDA detected thirty different pesticides on strawberries, second only to apples with thirty-six. Based on a two year sampling, strawberries were found to contain captan, benomyl, vinclozolin, iprodione, and endosulfan. These pesticides not only are carcinogenic in humans, but disrupt the endocrine system as well. Unless one is lucky enough to locate a source of organically grown strawberries you should try to keep away from them not only for your health but also for your parrot's health.
Bell peppers are more heavily contaminated with neurotoxic insecticides than all other crops analyzed. Although green peppers are high in vitamin C, and red peppers add vitamin A and carotenoids so try to find these organic! Plus parrots love to eat the insides! :)
Spinach contains DDT, permethrin, chlorthalonil and other carcinogenic pesticides. I don't touch this unless I know it's organic.
Cherries from the U.S. are three times more contaminated with pesticides than their imported counterparts, which are among the cleanest fruits and vegetables analyzed. Domestic cherries were found to contain twenty-six different pesticides! Except for their marginal amounts of vitamin C and their value as a treatment for gout, they are not as nutritious as many other fruits. Cherries DO contain a powerful compound known as ellagic acid that counteracts carcinogens, so it is worthwhile to seek out imported cherries. Just remember the pits are NOT safe for parrots!
Peaches are heavily contaminated with cancer causing fungicides and neuro-toxic pesticides. They are very tasty however. :) So these should be organic too!
Cantaloupes from Mexico tested positive for two or more pesticides in forty-eight percent of the samples, more than any other crop analyzed. Avoid non-organic cantaloupes during January through April Mexican imports are at their peak.
Celery is a major source of exposure to neurotoxic pesticides. Eighty-one percent of samples tested contained detectable residues. This could mean that eight out of ten bites of celery that you or your parrot takes are bites of pesticides. Considering the minimal amounts of nutrition in celery, it is not worth the risk.
Apples contain thirty-six different pesticides, more than any other fruit or vegetable, according to FDA data! To be honest if an apple isn't organic it doesn't taste like anything... Organic is the way to go!
Apricots contain such high levels of pesticides, fourteen different kinds to be exact, that it is better to feed our parrots and ourselves other fruits that are equally high in vitamins A and C and potassium.
Green beans are a major source of carcinogenic fungicides, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors. They provide only modest amounts of nutrients anyway so unless we can find organically grown greens beans, better leave them off our plates and our parrots' plates.
Grapes from Chile add a load of cancer causing and endocrine-disrupting fungicides to our diets. From January through April, a whopping ninety percent of the grapes sold in the U.S. are from Chile, where growers use less sophisticated pest control techniques than U.S. growers. Substitute domestic grapes in season. My parrots love grapes so I always make sure to buy organic.
Cucumbers contain unacceptable levels of Dieldrin, an extremely carcinogenic pesticide that was banned in the U.S. over twenty years ago. Unfortunately it is persistent in the soil and is taken up by cucumbers. One of every fourteen cucumber samples from across the U.S. and Mexico contained this highly toxic compound. I love cucumbers, but always buy organic!
Strawberry growers everywhere use large amounts of pesticides, particularly fungicides. The FDA detected thirty different pesticides on strawberries, second only to apples with thirty-six. Based on a two year sampling, strawberries were found to contain captan, benomyl, vinclozolin, iprodione, and endosulfan. These pesticides not only are carcinogenic in humans, but disrupt the endocrine system as well. Unless one is lucky enough to locate a source of organically grown strawberries you should try to keep away from them not only for your health but also for your parrot's health.
Bell peppers are more heavily contaminated with neurotoxic insecticides than all other crops analyzed. Although green peppers are high in vitamin C, and red peppers add vitamin A and carotenoids so try to find these organic! Plus parrots love to eat the insides! :)
Spinach contains DDT, permethrin, chlorthalonil and other carcinogenic pesticides. I don't touch this unless I know it's organic.
Cherries from the U.S. are three times more contaminated with pesticides than their imported counterparts, which are among the cleanest fruits and vegetables analyzed. Domestic cherries were found to contain twenty-six different pesticides! Except for their marginal amounts of vitamin C and their value as a treatment for gout, they are not as nutritious as many other fruits. Cherries DO contain a powerful compound known as ellagic acid that counteracts carcinogens, so it is worthwhile to seek out imported cherries. Just remember the pits are NOT safe for parrots!
Peaches are heavily contaminated with cancer causing fungicides and neuro-toxic pesticides. They are very tasty however. :) So these should be organic too!
Cantaloupes from Mexico tested positive for two or more pesticides in forty-eight percent of the samples, more than any other crop analyzed. Avoid non-organic cantaloupes during January through April Mexican imports are at their peak.
Celery is a major source of exposure to neurotoxic pesticides. Eighty-one percent of samples tested contained detectable residues. This could mean that eight out of ten bites of celery that you or your parrot takes are bites of pesticides. Considering the minimal amounts of nutrition in celery, it is not worth the risk.
Apples contain thirty-six different pesticides, more than any other fruit or vegetable, according to FDA data! To be honest if an apple isn't organic it doesn't taste like anything... Organic is the way to go!
Apricots contain such high levels of pesticides, fourteen different kinds to be exact, that it is better to feed our parrots and ourselves other fruits that are equally high in vitamins A and C and potassium.
Green beans are a major source of carcinogenic fungicides, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors. They provide only modest amounts of nutrients anyway so unless we can find organically grown greens beans, better leave them off our plates and our parrots' plates.
Grapes from Chile add a load of cancer causing and endocrine-disrupting fungicides to our diets. From January through April, a whopping ninety percent of the grapes sold in the U.S. are from Chile, where growers use less sophisticated pest control techniques than U.S. growers. Substitute domestic grapes in season. My parrots love grapes so I always make sure to buy organic.
Cucumbers contain unacceptable levels of Dieldrin, an extremely carcinogenic pesticide that was banned in the U.S. over twenty years ago. Unfortunately it is persistent in the soil and is taken up by cucumbers. One of every fourteen cucumber samples from across the U.S. and Mexico contained this highly toxic compound. I love cucumbers, but always buy organic!
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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. The material on this site is not intended to be, and should not be relied on as, a substitute for professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here
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