Healthy Raw Diet for Parrots

[seagoatdeb]

Here is an article about the importance of a natural raw food diet for Parrrots, written by Jason Crean MA, MS

‘ŽWhen I talk to bird owners or zoo staff about nutrition, I often tell them that there is no “complete” diet for birds.What do I mean by this? Basically, we cannot expect to completely replicate the wild diets to which our species have adapted Even in the wild, many of the foodstuffs that were once plentiful are on the decline. So what do we do? We offer as much dietary diversity as we possiblly can in an effort to satisfyall of the birds individual needs Food in its whole raw form is the best, most efficeint way to cover all of the bases. In my personal animal husbandry, as well as the recommendations I give the zoos for which I consult, I provide whole food supplementation in a variety of ways.

Birds, like most animals, require carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Some birds have more substantial requirements than others when it comes to certain nutrients. In general we can be fairly confident in what we offer as safeand beneficial. Raw whole foods can take many forms,
but the key is to offer unprocessed, uncooked form so that the nutrients are available to their bodies. Many oils fill the great needs birds have for good healthy fats. Carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables are necessary for efficient energy expenditure. Proteins from foods like legumes and even edible insects can be a wonderful addition so that birds can get the protein they need.

I often am questioned about our birds’ dietary needs and there are rarely easy answers. However, I do think it is safe to say that whatever we offer must contain nutrients that are bioavailable. Bioavailability involves the nutrient being in a form that the body can readily absorb
and use. Raw foods take the form of fruits and vegetables, oils, seeds and nuts, legumes, teas, and other healthy food items. But let us start with fats because our birds require a
good deal.

The F-word: Fats are a good thing! Esential fatty acids are known as the good fats and avian requirements are substantial. They are critical for normal reproduction, feather production and a healthy immune system. Animals require these fats to properly absorb vitamins like A, D, K and E. These fats must be supplied by the diet but are difficult to offer because of their sensitivity to heating, processing, light and even agitation. When obtaining healthy oils for you and your
birds, I always recommend purchasing them from the refrigerated oils section of a health food store or grocer. Oilshigh in Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) fatty acid are needed for normal cell reproduction, which is needed to replace old and dying cells and to repair damaged cells. They also are needed to produce the many hormones that regulate the many physiological processes. Also, they help regulate the production of eicosanoids, which are molecules that help maintain a normal immune response like that of infamation. A deficiency in Omega-3s may cause stunted growth, issues with vision impairment and motor coordination, and immune dysfunction as discussed above.

Omega-6s (Linoleic) fatty acid are a bit more readilyavailable in the diet as our birds can easily obtain a sufficientamount in seeds, soy, grain and some nuts. They are required for healthy skin, strong feathers, normal reproductionand maintaining organ function. Deficiencies in these fats may lead to a failure to gain weight, degeneration of liver and kidneys, behavioral disturbances,
inability of wounds to heal sufficiently, infertility, poor abnormal feather development, and dry, scaly skin.

It’s all about balance when it comes to Omega-3s and Omega-6s. Omega-6 fatty acids increase the normal inflamation response of the immune system and Omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflamation. When this balance is not reached, the immune system is either underactive or overactive,and neither condition is desirable. Omega 3s can be a bit more difficult to feed in the diet but ideal sources include Brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts pine nuts and seeds like pumkin seeds and flax seed. Flax seed is quite fibrous so I usually recomment flax seed oil as a more bioavailable alternative to feeding the actual seed. Other oils like borage and primrose oil can also
be offered in the same way as any other oil. One of the best ways for parrots to get their Omega-3s is nuts. Nuts represent a fun, healthy snack that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, trace minerals, and phyto- nutrients, and contain 90 percent polyunsaturated healthyfat that helps maintain a consistent weight.

There is an oil, however, that is one of the most versatile and beneficial sources of fats that you can offer, coconut oil. Coconut oil is the richest known source of medium chain triglycerides, which the body uses as an instant source of energy. It is highly digestible, therefore, great for gastrointestinalissues. It can be heated without risk. This oil is an excellent source of lauric acid which has antibacterial,antiviral and antifungal properties. Coconut oil has been known to reduce the risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions like arthritis. Even though it is a saturated
fat, it supplies fewer calories than other fats and it actually improves cholesterol levels and helps
heart disease. Many have used it, including myself, for weight loss as it helps balance the body’s metabolism and hormones.

Our birds can greatly benefit from this as dietary addition as it aids the rejuvenation of the skin and feathers. It supports a healthy bone density, something particularly important for animals like birds that already have hollow bones. It also has been know to reduce allergic reactions, including those pesky seasonal allergies. Using coconut oil can be quite easy as it melts into a clear liquid when kept just above room temperature. We have offered it in its raw form to birds who relish the greasy taste or mixed it with food where it provides a layering of nutrients on already healthy foods.

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is a bit new to research but has some outstanding benefits and is now available in a form that can be easily offered to birds. one of the sources that is the most abundant in these fats is sea buckthorn, a berryproducing plant that can withstand the high salt exposure
involved with living in coastal ecosystems. Sea buckthorn berry can now be obtained at most health food stores in the form of a bottled juice that is quite easy to add to your bird’s diet. Another plant source is macadamia nut oil, which can also be purchased at most health food stores in its pure form. Though sea buckthorn is rich in these important fats it is also one of the most significant sources of nutrients like vitamin C, containing more than citrus fruits. It is also a great source of vitamin E, carotenoids, amino acids and more. Sea buckthorn, due to its Omega-7 concentration,
has been known to help with ulcers, gout, skin issues, cardiac and circulation problems, asthma and respiratory irritations, lower cholesterol, and boost the immune system. it has also been known to be affective in weight loss and aiding digestion.

Energize with Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are another source that can be vital for energy
as they are broken down into simple sugars that the body’s cells use as an energy source. Carbohydrates that are insoluble and typicaly indigestible are known as fiber as they are rich in cellulose. This helps prime the digestive system.

They can be obtained through many plant sources. Grains like wheat and rice are a source of carbohydrates. Legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables also provide all of these natuaral sugars of which birds may benefit. There are two main things to keep in mind when considering carbohydrates: processing and diversity. i use no processed sugars and the only carbohydrates that we offer birds in any setting are those that are consumed withi their raw whole forms. Diversity also helps to keep the concentration of any one nutrient from becoming excessive. It is common
knowledge that fresh foods are beneficial and this is where carbohydrates come into play.

The Power of Proteins
Proteins are responsible for a great deal of the body’s structural supports and chemical reactions that combine as the organism’s metabolism. Diversity is key when it comes to proteins. Protein diversity and enrichment is key to satisfying the amazingly varied nutritional requirements of our
birds. Too much of any one thing is not recommended, no matter how healthy. The exact same combination of dietary items every single day is not recommended. Keep the bird’s
physiology guessing with various food sources to avoid complacency and dependency on isolated food items.

Enzymes are proteins that start and maintain the ongoing chemical reactions throughout the body. There are two main types of enzymes, metabolic and digestive. Metabolic enzymes are found in the blood, organs and tissues, and catalyze reactions that produce energy. They are critical for detoxifiction and maintenance of normal body functions. Digestive enzymes are mainly secreted by the pancreas and are mandatory for the breakdown of food. They also assist in the assimilation of nutrients, increasing absorption. Enzymes include examples like amylase that breaks down carbohydrates, lipase that is responsible for metabolizing fats, and protease that converts proteins into more usable forms. We have all heard that birds should not have dairy in significan quantities this is mainly because birds do not produce lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the carbohydrate lactose.

Raw, whole foods are generally rich with these all important enzymes. All raw foods contain enzymes, but any processing that includes heating will destroy these enzymes as they typically denature at 110 degrees F. Sprouts are one of the richest sources of enzymes and some
of our favorites that contain a high level of these enzymes are garbanzo, alfalfa, millet, sesame
sunflower, quinoa, and wheat. There is a great deal of information regarding the art of sprouting,
but feeding these seeds and grains after soaking for 12 to 14 hours helps provide a powerhouse of enzymes in the diet

Teas Another Whole Raw Foodstuff
When considering nutrition, we have to change our mindset a bit as it should not just be about eating; birds consume nutrients when they drink in the wild as well. Birds in the wild consume water from sources that contain plant components such as leaves, sticks, bark and seeds that leech
compounds into pools and puddles. We may be missing an opportunity for nutritional enrichment
and teas may be the key.

Brewing releases beneficial compunds that may not otherwise be readily available to
our birds. Flowers such as calendula, camomile, red clover, roses, hibiscus, lavender and jasmine
have countless health benefits that are not only beneficial but also enriching Tea leaves from the Camellia plant, commonly known as black, green or white teas also have myriad beneficial compounds for our birds though any teas from this should be decaffinated and organic. Even some seeds can be brewed such as coriander, fennel,milk thistle and star anise, as they all release
highly absorbable proteins, fats and carbohydrates into the water.

When brewing tea for our birds we always use hot not boiling-water and let the tea cool completely
before offering. We prefer loose teas, not prebagged as there are chemicals in the bags themselves that we prefer not to offer our birds. if your bird is suspicious of the new drink, steep tea for a shorter period of time, making the tea more dilute. You can also substitute tea for water when
making beans, pasta, rice or when baking. Many herbal teas may be fed dry or mixed with dry and fresh food mixtures but we do recomend steeping for full benefits.

20 ~ April/May 2014 ~

[Greg]

Great Article, thanks for the post

[Wolf]

I like the article and will very likely read it through several more times before I am done with it, so thanks for sharing it with us. I do have a question, however. It is my understanding that coconut oil is also high in cholesterol, so how do we reconcile this since our bird have no means of dealing with this substance(s)?

[Pajarita]

This is the same article you provided a link to, isn't it? It's a great article and I agree 100% with all of the info given there but I find it too vague (I wish he would give percentages and actual recipes that he feels are a good combination of ingredients because lists don't do it for me) so I have two questions and, as you stated that you have consulted personally with this guy, you might have the answers.

- What does he mean by 'whole food supplementation' as the main subject of this article? Does he mean that there is a main staple diet and that these things are offered on the side to 'supplement it'? If so, what is the staple diet he recommends?

- Does he mean to offer uncooked pulses when he lists them as a source of protein or raw rice when he lists it as a source for carbs?

I will wait for your answer to Wolf's question on coconut oil as I am also curious about this although I will not feed it to my birds (it's another super controversial subject with some people swearing by it and some health organizations telling people not to use it because of its high saturated fat content but, personally, any oil that is solid at room temperature doesn't do it for me -I don't feed red palm oil, either)

[seagoatdeb]

It, isnt an article exactly Pajarita, it is an exerpt from the introduction of one of his books that he made public, so was not written to be an article. For more in depth information you would likely need to buy his books or attend one of his lectures.

I do know that virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed into human hair and skin and make my own natural shampoo and use coconut oils and other raw oils on my hair for conditioner and I also know it has improved my skin and hair. I also include a large amounts of raw coconut oil and raw coconut butter in my own diet and my bad cholesterol level is very low.

For Parrots I am providing a link from Dr. Karen Becker integrative wellness veterinarian, who recomends virgin coconut oil for parrots. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/he ... birds.aspx

Here is another link from the bird channel. http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-food/es ... -bird.aspx

Here is a link on the health benefits of coconut oil https://www.organicfacts.net/health-ben ... t-oil.html

You can make up your own minds on if you want to use Coconut oil or not, there are plenty of other raw oils that are healthy for parrots.

[seagoatdeb]

This is the same article you provided a link to, isn't it? It's a great article and I agree 100% with all of the info given there but I find it too vague (I wish he would give percentages and actual recipes that he feels are a good combination of ingredients because lists don't do it for me) so I have two questions and, as you stated that you have consulted personally with this guy, you might have the answers.

- What does he mean by 'whole food supplementation' as the main subject of this article? Does he mean that there is a main staple diet and that these things are offered on the side to 'supplement it'? If so, what is the staple diet he recommends?

- Does he mean to offer uncooked pulses when he lists them as a source of protein or raw rice when he lists it as a source for carbs?

I will wait for your answer to Wolf's question on coconut oil as I am also curious about this although I will not feed it to my birds (it's another super controversial subject with some people swearing by it and some health organizations telling people not to use it because of its high saturated fat content but, personally, any oil that is solid at room temperature doesn't do it for me -I don't feed red palm oil, either)

I am in Jason Creans facebook group and he will answer questions people post. not exactly the same as a consulation, but it does provide some information.

Whole food Supplementation, means using whole raw food rather than parts of a whole food or vitamin supplements.

I gave some links on the previous post about coconut, but here is just some of my personal experience and research, so take what you will from it or not.

On raw coconut oil, I have been using it for a lot of years, both in my diet and on my skin and hair and have had numerous improvements, including a better cholesterol level, and younger and clearer looking skin and hair. Many people think I look younger now than I did 10 years ago. My hair doesnt get split ends anymore. So obviously, I will keep using it for me, since it worked for me.

There is a controversy and a lot of arguments around coconut oil, both for and against. It is up to all of us to make our own choice about it. My personal choice is to stay away from canola oil and all bleached, processed or heated oils even if they are clear. I use only raw pressed natural oils. Some are clear and some are not. My health improved immensely since making those changes so I will stay using them.

What conviced me to try raw coconut oil, is I researched and found that for thousands of years many cultures have been consuming coconuts and raw coconut oil in large amounts and do not have cholesterol problems. When I researched looking for cases where someone had their bad cholesterol levels raised after begining to consume a lot of raw coconut oil, I could not find any who sufffered that. I found lots of info on how it should be bad but no actual proven cases only theory. I decided to include it in my diet 6 years ago and have only seen improvements in my own health.

I use extra virgin olive oil as well as virgin coconut oil and red palm oil for my parrots. Of course, I only use small amounts.

[Pajarita]

Yes, I also use extra virgin olive oil for the parrots - not often and just a drizzle. And, yes, I am aware of all the articles on coconut oil as well as red palm oil but there really aren't any long term studies on it and there is still a lot of controversy (I follow Harvard Medical and Dr. Sahelian and they both recommend caution and spare use of it) - this added to the fact that it's 90% saturated fat (higher than butter) makes me think twice about using it with my birds. One of my mottos is 'when in doubt, don't'. But they eat fresh coconut regularly.

[seagoatdeb]

I am very sparying with oils,I prefer them to get their oils from the whole food.

[seagoatdeb]

I have been doing more research tonight and found a new study from 2014 that wanted to do a complete research and looked at 72 published studies on fats and heart disease. The studies involved more than 600,000 people from 18 countries. So thought it might be interesting for us to look at. It found saturated fat is not bad and that all earlier advise was theory and never proven. So in humans saturated fat is not the problem in high cholesterol, but Trans fats are.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news ... y-fats-q-a

another 2014 artice. http://authoritynutrition.com/saturated ... od-or-bad/

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/ ... -bad-fats/

I found many more but three is a beginning.

Here is an article on how saturated fat is good for birds. http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildli ... 465/204930

I will continure researching in my spare time, but will continue to feed my parrots my tiny amounts of red palm oil, virgin coconut oil,virgin olive oil, and of course pieces of coconut. I will continue to stay away from pellets or anything that contains cooked fat. it would be great if anyone else has some links and studies of recent 2014 and 2015 studies and findings, expecially if they can find anything study related to parrots and fats. I definately feel better feeding pieces of coconut, since birds have eaten that in the wild.

[Wolf]

Seagoatdeb;

Since you are using these terms, I think that it might be helpful to those reading your post if you would provide a definition for the terms saturated fats, unsaturated fats and trans fats. This is only a suggestion, but it is based on the premise that many people, although they are vaguely familiar with the terms, really have no working knowledge or definition of them.