Parakeets are capable of eating a large variety of food when it comes to their large diet selection. Parakeets in the wild are known as ground feeders as they choose to eat seeds and grasses. However, parakeets show a large diversity of eating fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Not only these parakeets are also capable of eating human food too as the mostly like to eat what their owner’ eat due to this we got know many amazing things liked by the parakeets for eating purpose. However it depends on parakeet to parakeet and on their eating habits too. Besides, not every eatable thing can be given to parakeets for their diet purpose. Some things are also not safe for them and cannot be given to parakeets.
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What Do Parakeets Eat In Their Daily Outine?
Let us discuss the list of things that can be given to parakeets for their diet purpose. We will share the right set of diet plans for your pet parakeets which will help them in giving proper dietary nutrition. As we know that parakeets can eat many a variety of seeds, fruits, pellets, legumes, nuts, and vegetables. All these dietary source can make up a good diet for a budgie, giving them a proper portion of nutrients and the energy required for their whole day activities.
Another important thing to remember when it comes to the perfect diet for Parakeet is the right amount of every portion to make a healthy diet for parakeet food.
1. Seeds
Parakeets are found to eat seeds in their diet. However, only giving them seeds in their diet don’t full fill their nutritional needs. Like, minerals and vitamins are also required by your budgies. However, they get protein from green vegetables and legumes.
We are sharing the list of seeds that can be given to your Parakeet for feeding purposes, as we know that not all seeds are good to go for your pet budgie.
- Millet seeds
- Sunflower seeds (rich in fats)
- Safflower seeds
- Canary seeds
2. Pellets
If you are at your work or have to go somewhere out, then the pellets are suitable for your pet in such emergency conditions. These pellets can give your Parakeet complete satiation of the fullness and you can manage all your work from outside.
But remember, these pellets shouldn’t be given as the only source of diet as many pellets are made of grains that don’t help them in giving all the other proper nutrition. However, parakeets also like pellets and you can give them in time of emergency.
3. Nuts
You can also opt for nuts which are quite beneficial for your Parakeet as they are enriched in healthy antioxidants and omega-three fatty acids. A lot of pet owners don’t realize this but these healthy fatty acids are very essential for your parakeet fir their growing age and healthy mind. Similarly, just like other food, not all nuts are safe.
Mentioning down the list of safe nuts for your Parakeet.
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Pistachios
4. Grains
Grains also have a wide variety of feeding options for your Parakeet. However, completely switching it to grains doesn’t seem like a good option because they lack vitamins and minerals from the nutritional perspective. That doesn’t mean you cannot give grains to your parakeets, as it has been seen that many parakeets like grains as a treat and you can use these for their reward purpose.
The list of safe grains that would be safe for your parakeets are
- Amaranth
- Buckwheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Rye
- Quinoa
5. Treats
Parakeets have a unique way of showing something that they love to eat. You can easily make that food as their sort of treat special. However, this depends on the parakeet to the parakeet. We have seen some of the parakeets go crazy about fruits, and some go crazy for vegetables, and others for nuts.
Unlike other natural food sources, if we talk about commercial treats, not every parakeet is found. Some of them may like it, some of them will not. You can only check this by giving your Parakeet a treat and observing their reaction to that.
You can also use this Parakeet’s treating behavior once they start talking with you, and you can give them their favorite food when they learn something new as a treat. This will encourage them in learning many new things with time to time.
6. Vitamins And Minerals
Like any other protein and carbs, vitamins and minerals are also essential in a parakeet’s diet. Suppose you want your Parakeet to be healthy and fit. In that case, ensuring the right portion of their diet is also very necessary.
Vitamins and minerals are easily found in the majority of numbers of fresh fruits and vegetables. So only giving them the seeds and pellets in their diet won’t be sufficient.
The main reason for stressing the need for vitamins and minerals is that with different age groups, minerals and vitamins change.
For instance, in baby parakeets, the calcium intake rises and similarly in egg-laying females. Suppose you don’t take care of the mineral deficiencies in your Parakeet. In that case, there are higher chances of they might develop some deformities.
It has been seen that in severe cases, the Parakeet might also develop some severe deformity resulting in nervous symptoms. For this condition, vitamin B is prescribed for overcoming this condition. Other vitamin deficiencies result in eye disorders due to lacking vitamin A. To prevent such conditions, make sure of giving them a proper diet and including essential minerals and vitamins.
7. Herbs For Parakeets
As we all know some change is also required in the eating habit. Apart from seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables, what else can be given to Parakeet, which will benefit them? Then we know a surprise food source for your Parakeet which will be rich in minerals and vitamins for them, i.e., Herbs. Yes, you can also give them some herbs that will be liked by your Parakeet and, who knows, can turn out into a favorite one.
Mentioning down the list of some safe herbs that you can easily feed to your Parakeet also these are readily available:
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
- Coriander (cilantro) (Coriandrum sativum)
- Cress (Lepidium sativum)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
8. Cuttlebone
A lot of parakeet owners are worried about feeding their pet bird cuttlebone as they are safe for it or not. Birdies love to play with them, and even they can eat the bone into small chunks that they will easily digest. So stop worrying about the cuttlebone as a beak and claw trimmer. Instead, the cuttlebone is a rich source of calcium. Let your budgies enjoy it.
What Fruits Are Good For Your Parakeet?
Fruits are very healthy for your parakeets as it turns out they are also fruits lover, unlike other animals. Adding fruits to the diet of your Parakeet is reasonably necessary as it full-fills the majority portion of their diet. However, you have to make sure of giving them in balance and from the organic source. Fruits can turn out as the best source of essential vitamins and minerals for the parakeets. It has been seen that in the majority number of cases, the parakeets are more inclined towards fruits rather than any other food. However, giving them everything in moderation is quite necessary. The main reason for giving them fruits is that they help in full-filling the vitamin deficiencies as well. So if you want your Parakeet to be healthy and happy, try giving them their favorite fruits in their meal.
Sharing the list of fruits that your budgies would love in their diet are
- Tangerines
- Apples
- Bananas
- Mango
- Coconut
- Melons
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Blackberries
- Peaches
Also, you can give them pitted fruits but removing the seeds prior hand is reasonably necessary as it can lead them into a choking situation. Fruits like cherries, apricots, and whatever liked by your Parakeet.
Wondering apart from parakeet’s general diet are parakeets capable to eat strawberries in their diet or not? Then here is a complete guide of these fruits individually if you are planning to feed them strawberries in their diet.
Veggies For Budgies
Unlike fruits, not every vegetable is suitable for your Parakeet. When it comes to giving them vegetables, it is also essential to give them in their diet. However, you need to make sure that the vegetables don’t contain much sugar and neither are too salty and can also be very harmful.
Mostly the leafy green vegetables are suggested for parakeets. Still, while giving them the vegetables, you need to make sure that some of the vegetables contain amounts of pesticides, such as spinach, so make sure of this before giving any vegetable to them.
Before giving any vegetable, try to do the best of research on that particular veggie, either it is safe for your budgies or not. Veggies are, however, a vibrant source of proteins for your pet parakeets, but you should give everything in moderation. Otherwise, the excessive veggies may have some other consequences too.
Also, sharing down the list of suggested vegetables from parakeet owners liked by their pet parakeets.
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Small Amounts of Cabbage
What Do Parakeets Drink?
Thinking that only feeding habits and diet matter when choosing the right diet plan, you are wrong. Parakeet’s drinking habits also matter in this regard. Many people think like mostly human food is consumed by parakeets they can also drink any human drinkable item and it will be good for them, which is not.
The only drinkable item that is safe for Parakeet is drinkable water, not soda, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage. Anything other than water can be dangerous for the parakeets and can lead to some severe conditions.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not any water will work for their drinking purpose. Safe and chlorine-free water is required; if you use tap water, then make sure it doesn’t contain chlorine contents as it will be harmful to your pet. Also, keep in mind that giving parakeets enough water daily will not make them de-hydrated as their hydration also matters.
If you are also planning to add bananas in the parakeet’s diet but worried about any side effect that banana will show on parakeet’s health then here is a complete guide of parakeet’s banana eating habit.
What Is A Balanced Parakeet Diet?
A balanced diet for pet parakeets is essential, unlike the parakeets in the wild. Those parakeets are capable of eating anything such as insects from the grounds to grass and seeds. Their varied diet also works in their favor as they are used to it.
But for pet parakeets, things are pretty different. It would be best if you made sure of giving the right set of a portion of everything in their diet nothing too rich and, on the other hand, lacking something else in their diet.
For instance, giving them only seeds and pellets only will not be suitable for your Parakeet. As seeds are rich in fats and there might be chances of your pet will develop obesity. They don’t help properly digest the food for pellets, which can also be dangerous for your pet, leading them to kidney and liver serious health problems.
So the question remains the same what to give to your pet and what not? For the solution to this problem, let us share the right proportion of dietary content, which can be helpful for you when planning your Parakeet meal.
- Vegetables – 20% of the diet
- Fruits – 5% of the diet
- Pellets or a mix of pellets and seeds – up to 75% of the diet
- Treats – millet spray or honey sticks once a month
- Water – changed every day
- Legumes – up to 10% of the diet
Everything is quite important while maintaining a healthy diet for your parakeets. This will help in staying healthy and help them grow faster.
Parakeets are all time fruits lovers and wondering what they like to eat a lot in fruits. Basically, they are fond of blueberries and not only parakeet’s like to eat berries they are attracted to berries smell too. Pondering is there any side effects of blueberries on parakeet’s health or are blueberries safe to give them as a part of their diet? Here is a complete guide for you on blueberries and parakeets.
How To Feed Your Parakeet?
While researching several things of what is likely eatable by parakeets, you should know how to feed them the right portion of their diets. When it comes to feeding your budgies, the first thing to keep in mind is that these are tiny birds, so try to give them their meals in small chunks, which will be easily digested by them and will be relatively more straightforward for them to eat.
Many pet owners ask the question about how to make their parakeets eat fresh veggies and fruits? The question is simple: the first thing is to make sure of giving them the fruit or veggie from the right source and making sure you did proper research on that so that the food has no harmful effect on your pet. Through this method, you can try out giving them many fruits and vegetables, and with their reaction, you will get to know what is liked by them and what is not.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the budgies feeder and the watering dish should always be clean. These can be the source of any sort of contamination to your pets. So adequately cleaned and sanitized dishes should be kept in the cage of your Parakeet.
Pro tip, you can also add a cuttlebone or any mineral block in the cage of your parakeets because of their pecking habits. This will help them get vital minerals.
What Human Food Can Parakeets Eat?
In some emergency cases, a lot of pet owners have shown their concerns regarding Parakeet’s diet. For instance, in such scenarios, what if the owner runs out of Parakeet bird food? Now can they feed their parakeets with any other human food? Before giving any food to your pet, always be cautious about some necessary things such as, is there any side effect of this food on birds? Are they healthy for your pet, or could it turn out to any health threat to your Parakeet?
It has been seen that the owners should avoid chips and pretzels to your pet as they are pretty salty and can be a threat to your pet. However, dairy products are also not safe as many pets are lactose intolerant. A tiny amount of green vegetables are safe for your pets.
We have seen a lot of parakeets’ pets interested in your regular food too. However, feeding them your food isn’t the safe option, as we don’t know what can turn out worst for a bird. So always try to feed them seeds and pellets for the safety of your pet.
What Foods Not To Feed To Parakeets?
At the start of this article, not every food item is safe for your pet. Here we will discuss a list of some of the food items that are not safe for your pet parakeet at all. Like any other pet, such as cats and dogs, we can’t feed them our human food as it might have some of the reaction on these animals. The same goes for parakeets as well; despite the fact they can eat many things still, some things are still harmful to them.
It is starting with the example of Chocolate which is extremely dangerous for many pets. The usage of Chocolate or such other products can cause intoxication in animals, resulting in immediate medical assistance as if the situation worsens; it could lead to death.
These things should never be given to your Parakeet, i.e., coffee, fried food, salty food, tea, dairy products, and alcohol.
Another list of things that are highly toxic to birds are
- Onion and garlic
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Sugary, high-sodium, and high-fat foods
- Sugar-free candy
- Peanuts
- Dairy products
- Coffee or caffeinated tea
- Comfrey
- Mushrooms
- Crackers
- Tomatoes
- Any fruit seeds or pits
- Bread
- Grit
- Comfrey
- Fruit Pits and Apple Seeds
- Certain plants
Tips For Feeding Your Pet Parakeet
Parakeets are the very amiable and loving pet birds when it comes to having them as a pet. Also, we have seen that how flexible they are when it comes to diet plans. However, we have seen that parakeets can also differ from their regular eating pattern based on their food preferences. It all works as what kind of food you are giving to your pet.
Suppose you want to know what kind of food does your parakeets. In that case, you can start with experimenting with several different kinds of foods to know about their preference. This will help you know what kind of food they like, what kind of food they don’t like, and what is their favorite food of all time. By their reaction, excitement, or ignorance, you will get to know about this.
One thing to remember is that parakeets are already very small-sized birds and are very light creatures. Trying out different food with them doesn’t give them large portions of food to try out. This will give them a hard time breaking and tearing the food; also, excessive eating of any food can result in their stomach upset problems.
The best way to serve them any food is to give them in chopped pieces also try giving them a different variety of food-filled in a bowl. This will allow them to eat many things, and they won’t get bored eating the same boring things daily and making their mealtime very exciting.
I am a primary writer, mom, and long-time cat parent. My two Russian Blues are the queens of my house. Cats are the most loved pet all over the world due to their cuddly gestures and cute looks. I always felt my soul has a deeper bond with animals, especially cats.
My work is to guide pet owners about their frequent queries about their beloved one pet. I have spent 10 years of my life working with hundreds of animal species. This passion for animal care and love gives me the courage to spread my words worldwide. My writings will help you to decide about the food, housing, and training of your pet.
