make your own dried veggies

[coral]

i found this way to make dried veggies here the site let me know what you think
http://www.ehow.com/how_4804092_make-ve ... birds.html

[Michael]

Well what do you think? Have you tried it? Does your bird like it?

I rarely feed dried veggies to my parrots so I have no idea. I would guess that whole veggies be more healthy but it's not out of the question that the nutrition can be better concentrated when the water is taken out. But then again it's possible that the drying process destroys nutritional value in the process. So I have no idea.

[zazanomore]

I should try this out!

My birds prefer dried veggies over fresh. Even though they may not be as healthy as fresh, at least they are getting the nutrients.

[kaylayuh]

I would guess that whole veggies be more healthy but it's not out of the question that the nutrition can be better concentrated when the water is taken out. But then again it's possible that the drying process destroys nutritional value in the process.

Drying vegetables can result in the loss of some nutrients. Calorie count always stays the same and fiber doesn't change, but things like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, and some minerals are lost. Of all of those, Vitamin A is the best retained. Vitamin C is mostly lost if the vegetable is blanched before being dried. Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin experience some loss during blanching, but is fairly well retained in the blanching liquid, which can be drank. Mineral nutrients are lost usually in the case of rehydration, but Iron is one that is never lost.

If not stored properly, the chances of nutrient retention is very low.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09308.html

[Michael]

Drying vegetables can result in the loss of some nutrients. Calorie count always stays the same and fiber doesn't change, but things like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, and some minerals are lost. Of all of those, Vitamin A is the best retained. Vitamin C is mostly lost if the vegetable is blanched before being dried. Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin experience some loss during blanching, but is fairly well retained in the blanching liquid, which can be drank. Mineral nutrients are lost usually in the case of rehydration, but Iron is one that is never lost.

If not stored properly, the chances of nutrient retention is very low.

In that case, what's the point of feeding dried vegetables unless fresh ones are unavailable? Is there any special benefit the drying process brings? Does it mean they can eat more of it (say 2 dried peppers instead of a half of a fresh one) and get more nutrition since they are bypassing a lot of excess water?

[kaylayuh]

In that case, what's the point of feeding dried vegetables unless fresh ones are unavailable? Is there any special benefit the drying process brings? Does it mean they can eat more of it (say 2 dried peppers instead of a half of a fresh one) and get more nutrition since they are bypassing a lot of excess water?

I honestly don't think there's any extra benefit giving dried vegetables (or fruits) over fresh, and I would say fresh is probably better. Vitamin C can be added back into foods in the form of ascorbic acid, so there's not a complete loss there. I think a lot of it is the birds preference, and when I first began transitioning my birds from a seed diet to a diet that included fresh foods, I used (and still do) a lot of dried foods to get the used to the new texture and tastes. They were quicker to accept foods if they were familiar with it's dried form than they are if it's just presented fresh. My GCC even now will only eat dried spinach or kale, never fresh; and the budgies prefer dried apples to fresh.

[coral]

Well from what I've read a a lot of birds eat different fruits and veggies but prefere them served in certain wayss and a lot of birds who wont eat fresh veggies will eat dried pieces like my bird hates fresh mango but likes dried pieces, he only eats peppers if their sliced, only eats dry apple doesn't like fresh and hates anything citrusy. He seems to prefer dried fruit over fresh but likes fresh veggies do Idk. It seems like its a good way to get him to try things.

[coral]

How long do you think the veggies will last if they are dried this way?

[kaylayuh]

How long do you think the veggies will last if they are dried this way?

I wouldn't keep them for longer than a week. They also need to be kept in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dry place.

I agree about dried fruits and vegetables. I think they're amazing for birds who prefer certain textures of foods. My guys are pretty particular about what they'll try, and they'll try dried fruits and vegetables before they try fresh. I tend to buy mine, but if making them works for you, they should be fine.

[coral]

Well I can't find any dried veggies do you know a website I can buy them off of?