Article Directory :: Pets & Animals Articles

Parrot Diets Need To Include Protein For Good Health

By Kaye Dennan

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 08Jun2010 Word count: 519 Viewed: 204 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Given some thought it is obvious that a parrot does need to have a varied diet so that they can maintain good health. But what is a good, healthy parrot diet? It is a diet that, amongst other things, covers a wide range of vitamins and nutrients. Parrots rely on their owners to give them the proper food so that they can maintain good health. They need a balanced diet and they need it all week long.

Parrots need various nutrients so that:

- their feathers regrow

- their beaks stay strong

- their nails regrow

- they maintain general good health

Protein in the diet.

Parrots need proteins as they are a muscle growth and repair nutrient. Like all creatures, there will be certain times when parrots need repair to their bodies and also muscle growth so it is essential that they have the protein to rebuild. Just as an example, their beaks and claws will constantly be in a state of repair.

Proteins are comprised of amino acids, known as the "building blocks" and are divided into two groups, the essential and the non-essential. Non-essential amino acids are those that the body itself manufactures. Essential amino acids are those which the body cannot manufacture. These must be supplied by the parrot diet. For parrots, there are a minimum of ten essential amino acids. They include: arginine, methionine, lysine, tryptophan, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, threonine, valine and phenylalanine.

Proteins are classified as either 'complete' or 'incomplete' and this on whether the particular food has a full complement of amino acids or only some of them. An example would be corn which has protein, but only a few of them so therefore corn is a poor source of protein and considered 'incomplete'.

Excellent sources of protein.

Eggs are held in high regard as one of the best sources of amino acids and many nutritionists actually regard them as a complete meal in themselves.

Beans are also an excellent source of amino acids and a popular food to feed parrots is fresh beans, peas and other legumes. Bean shoots are also loved by most parrots. They are sweet, fleshy and very nutritious.

Meat and dairy products are also a good source of protein for the parrot and the meat is best served raw.

A healthy parrot diet.

Variety is the key. By breaking the weekly diet down to 40% pellets, 10% grain and 50% other the parrot is going to be receiving what he needs to be healthy. The '50% other' can be broken down even further and here are 3 suggestions:

1. Chopped greens, chopped vegetables, cooked beans, grains and legumes as well as fruit, whole grain pasta

2. three different cooked grains, along with shredded or chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, squash or pumpkin. He then adds other shredded vegetables and ground nuts in this meal for some variety.

3. Homemade bread created especially for birds.

To ensure that your pet parrot is going to be around for a long time, and some breeds can live up to 80 years, feed a healthy parrot diet twice a day every day of the week to your beloved feathered friend.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Kaye Dennan

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details