What Should My Parrot Be Eating?

This is an age old question whose answer has changed so much over the years. Of course it would. For centuries, bird enthusiasts and pet owners have experimented with various diets for their feathered companions, particularly parrots. In the early days of avian care, parrots were often fed simple diets consisting of seeds and nuts. While this basic diet was thought to suffice, it lacked the comprehensive nutritional profile necessary for optimal health. Over time, as our understanding of avian biology and nutrition has evolved, so too have the theories and practices surrounding what we feed our pet birds.

In the mid-20th century, the introduction of commercially prepared bird food marked a significant shift. These early formulations, though convenient, often contained artificial additives and were still predominantly seed-based, leading to imbalanced diets and associated health issues. As research into avian health progressed, it became clear that a more varied and natural diet was crucial for the well-being of parrots.

Today, the focus has shifted towards providing a balanced diet that mimics the diverse array of foods parrots would encounter in the wild. Modern avian nutrition emphasizes the importance of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, combined in ways that support holistic health.

An Eclectus Story

We have experimented with so many food combinations over the years. This included, seeds, pellets, and of course tons of fresh fruits and veggies. There are also tons of bird bread recipes on Youtube which our parrots really enjoy.

There is an out of state Parrot Breeder who is going through hard times and they reached out to us to see if we could help them rehabilitate some Eclectus Breeder Mamas. These birds, while beautiful had no energy in them when they arrived. Each of them had 60-80 babies throughout their lives.

Previously, they were fed an old school parrot mix. In the wild, these birds only eat fruits and veggies. We focused on giving them as much fresh parrot food as possible. However, after a few weeks, the results were barely noticeable.

Bird Street Bistro

We stumbled onto Bird Street Bistro by accident and were surprised to see just how different it was. First of all, this is NOT regular DRY parrot food. It is kinda like a ramen/oatmeal mix, that you add hot water to hydrate. It’s like introducing a dog who eats nothing but kibble to actual fresh food.

Within just a few week of feeding the Bistro to the Eclectus Mamas, we saw a massive improvement. Suddenly they started to move around their cages and playing. In just a few months, they were rehabilitated and found wonderful loving homes.

During this time, I did a ton of research and performed many experiments of my own to figure out what it was that made this food so effective. Bird Street Bistro is made from a blend of Organic, Non-GMO ingredients. These include a variety of grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. This diverse mix ensures that birds get a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Each ingredient is carefully selected to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health, strong feathers, and vibrant plumage.

Just look at those ingredients. It looks more like human food than pet food, and they even add healthy herbs to give it an amazing smell. This is a perfect base diet to have for most parrots. On top of that, You will want to add fruits, veggies and healthy treats. It’s always good to give them a good variety.

Final Thoughts

Although schools of though regarding parrot food are everchanging, One thing is for sure. As long as You stick to fresh, organic, non-GMO food, you can’t go wrong.