A parrots diet is extremely important to it’s growth and overall well-being so as their owners and parents we need to be careful what we feed them – after all we could feed them anything and they would snap it out of our hands regardless of what it was.
This got me thinking if parrots can eat almonds so I found out if they can, what benefits almonds bring to parrots and any potential danger because accidentally harming my pet would leave me distraught and I’m sure your no different! Let’s stop wasting time and get into it.
Can parrots eat almonds? Yes parrots can eat almonds they are very nutrient dense like other kinds of nuts as they contain a healthy source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. However they are not a perfect food and shouldn’t be a staple in your birds diet due to the high fat, salt and calorie content in them. You should give them a couple of nuts two times a week to maximize the health benefits and reduce the downsides.
In this article I’m going to further explain the health benefits of almonds, potential risks and some other things you need to know before giving almonds to your parrot.
Almond Benefits For Parrots
We know almonds are good for our parrots, but just how good are they? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content.
1 oz of almonds contain :
| Calories | 142 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 5.6g |
| Fat | 14.4g |
| Fiber | 3.4g |
High In Antioxidants
Almonds contain a high amount of antioxidants these substances in the body help fight against oxidative stress caused be free radicals. These free radicals cause things like inflammation and contribute to things like aging and diseases such as cancer.
The majority of antioxidants in almonds are contained inside the brown layer of the skin so remember that if you are going to remove this part.
Good Source Of Vitamin E
Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that assists with your parrots eyes, blood, brain and skin. It’s also vital for boosting and protecting your parrots immune system, without it they would fall sick often due to not being able to fight bacteria.
Hazelnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts, mango and kiwi are all other safe alternatives to give to your parrot.
Fiber
There’s also some fiber packed inside almonds, your parrot needs this nutrient for many things but one is for weight control.
Foods high in fiber are typically more filling than those without, meaning a high fiber diet means there is a less chance of your parrot eating too much and becoming overweight.
Other notable health benefits of fiber include :
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Good for bowel movements – less chance of constipation
- Better overall bowel health
- May help your bird live longer
If you want some other sources of fiber then lentils, peas, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beats and carrots can all be given to your bird.
Protein
The main function of protein in your parrots body is to form and grow their muscles, bones, organs and feathers. Without enough protein your parrot may be more prone to sickness and injury along with a frail looking appearance.
Protein is also needed for :
- Healing wounds
- Protecting the immune system
- Provide energy
- Helps with metabolism
Foods like eggs, meat, and fish are all good sources of protein.
Calcium
Calcium is important for your parrots egg health, as 97% of them are in fact made up of calcium. It’s also needed for maintenance of your parrots skeletal system as 90% of the bodies skeleton is found inside the skeleton.
It also has a role in around 400 bodily functions that go on inside your parrot, they include :
- How nerves are transmitted
- Fat metabolism
- Blood clotting
- Supports muscle movements
- The proper functioning of enzymes
Seeds, figs, edamame, kale, broccoli, okra and arugula are all options for a different source of calcium that are safe to give to your bird.
Potassium
Potassium, a mineral found in almonds, aids in the reduction of blood pressure and water retention. It’s most known for helping your parrot with muscle contractions, fluid balance, and the way their nerves transmit and receive data.
Potassium has also been linked to a healthier heart and circulatory system.
Foods high in potassium are :
- Cantaloupe
- Bananas
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Dried fruits
Iron
Iron is needed in the body for boosting hemoglobin, this in turn creates red blood cells. Without enough iron in your parrots diet you might find that they don’t have much energy. It’s also needed for improved focus, helping with the immune system, regulating body temperature and aids in the digestion process.
Foods high in iron safe to feed your parrot include :
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Legumes
- Broccoli
- Fish
A deficiency in iron can cause lack of energy, heart problems, shortness of breath and skin problems so it’s important your parrot gets enough.
How You Should Feed Almonds To Your Parrot
How you should feed almonds to your parrot comes down to your personal preference, along with your birds age and size.
For example if you have a smaller parrot then it’s best to break their almonds up into smaller bite sized pieces to prevent any choking. Larger parrots won’t have any trouble with this.
You can feed almonds to your parrot by themselves or some people like to add them into chop with some other nuts or fruits.
What Other Foods Can Your Parrot Eat?
You know almonds are safe for your parrot to eat but if you’re like me then your always looking for new foods to improve your parrots diet to create some variety and and include vital things that aren’t already in your birds diet.
So what other foods can your parrot eat?
- Fruit & Vegetables
Foods like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, peppers, bananas, blueberries and pineapples are all fine and encouraged for your parrot to eat.
- Nuts
Things like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios and walnuts can be fed to your parrot. Just be wary of the fat content in some of them so they may need to be treated as a snack for your parrot. We don’t want them getting fat!
Almonds For Parrots – Final Thoughts
Like many other nuts almonds are a safe nutrient dense snack you can add into your parrots diet for some variety and quality nutrition. They are full of antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that your parrot can benefit from in moderation. Nuts can be added to your birds diet but they shouldn’t be a staple and the shouldn’t be a substitute for a well balanced diet.