3 Healthy Snacks and Treats Your Parrot Will Love
Of course, the majority of your parrot’s diet should be a bird seed mix or pellet made especially for parrots. That’s the best way to ensure that they get the proper nutrients, protein, vitamins, and minerals they need to stay healthy. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with mixing it up once in a while. If you keep the treats healthy and don’t go overboard, they can even be a great tool for helping you train your parrot. Here are some healthy homemade snacks and treats your parrot is sure to love!
1. Crackers and Peanut Butter
Even the pickiest of birds won’t be able to resist the nutty, sweet taste of peanut butter. Your parrot would probably eat balls of the stuff if you let him. To keep the mess to a minimum, spread some peanut butter on a whole grain cracker and give it to your parrot that way. It couldn’t get much easier than that!
Peanut butter is a great source of protein, but it’s also high in oil and fat. Offering this treat in moderation will keep your parrot happy, as well as healthy. Any parrot will love this simple and delicious treat.
2. Fruit Slices
Parrots love almost any type of fruit you want to give them, so fruit slices make a great healthy treat. Apple slices are always a favorite. Parrots love their crunchy texture and sweet taste, and they will usually munch them down in minutes. Some other kinds of fruit to try are berries, grapes, and bananas. Spread a little peanut butter on the fruit slices and your bird will be in heaven.
The great news is, fruits are full of vitamins and other trace nutrients that your parrot needs. A word of caution, though, your parrot will beg like crazy anytime you eat a piece of fruit around him once he gets a taste.
3. Nut and Seed Cookies
A quick search online will turn up lots of seed cookie recipes that are appropriate for your parrot. One of the easiest ways to make them is to combine an eighth cup each of whole grain flour, chopped almonds, and sunflower seeds with a tablespoon each of sesame and flax seed. Add in one egg and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well with a whisk or mixer until combined. Using a tablespoon, form the dough into balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Bake for about 15 minutes in a 350° oven.
Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, mix it up now and then by adding peanuts or other seed mixtures to the dough. Any parrot is going to love these nut and seed cookies, and they couldn’t be easier to make.
Other Healthy Snack Ideas:
- Baby Carrots
- Celery Sticks
- Unsalted Peanuts
Healthy treats like these can be a great way to show your parrot some love. Just be sure to stick to all-natural foods that offer some nutritional value and keep fat and oil to a minimum.
