If you own a parrot, you might already be familiar with many selections of fresh foods they can eat. If nothing more, you know how critical fresh veggies are in their diet. Birds eat more than just seeds and nuts. Fresh foods are equally important to their diet, if not more so than these traditional items.
You’ll be happy to know that kale is not only safe, it’s also an incredibly nutritious choice for your parrot. Like anything else, moderation is key to making sure they get every necessary component daily. Let’s find out precisely what this little superfood is and how often your parrot should eat it.
What Is Kale?
When you’re compiling a list of parrot-safe fruits and vegetables, you want to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row, so to speak. Where does kale line up? This vegetable is a powerfully nutritious choice for parrots and people alike.
Kale is a leafy cruciferous vegetable that is packed with powerful nutrition. It is also called ‘leaf cabbage’, as it belongs to the cabbage family, sporting edible leaves with stiff stalks. It is one of the most nutritious leafy greens you can find.
Not everyone will appreciate the strong taste of this leafy green—but your parrots shouldn’t be among the disapprovers. Most birds delight in the goodness of this sharp-tasting, crunchy veggie.
Kale Nutrition Facts
Kale: 1 cup serving
| Calories: | 33 |
| Carbohydrates: | 6g |
| Protein: | 2.9g |
| Potassium: | 329 mg |
| Vitamin C: | 134% |
| Iron: | 5% |
| Vitamin B6: | 10% |
| Magnesium: | 7% |
| Calcium: | 10% |
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is one of the most nutritious vegetables humans can eat. The same sentiment extends to our parrot friends. It is advantageous to have in their diet. Among other leafy greens such as spinach and dark leaf lettuce, kale is tremendous for their bodies.
How to Feed Your Parrot Kale
Your bird will most likely accept kale if you offer it to them. Kale, along with other leafy greens, are usually parrot favorites. You need to use no particular tactic when giving your parrot kale because it is easy for them to pull apart with their beaks.
However, you will want to make sure that you buy organic. There is a risk of pesticide residue if it isn’t organic, so wash the leaves thoroughly before serving otherwise.
When you offer your parrot kale, you can give it to them as a standalone snack or a few pieces in a medley of other fresh foods.
Things to Consider
Kale is a brilliant snack selection for your parrots. However, it doesn’t have every component necessary for health; for example, it’s not full of much sugar or carbs. Make sure your parrot’s diet is well-rounded, as even too much of a good thing can be bad.
Daily snacking is fine, but make sure to give your parrot lots of other veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds to enjoy. The more versatile their diet, the healthier they will be. That saves on vet costs and ensures your bird lives a long life.
Final Thoughts
So, now you have learned that kale is not only non-toxic and safe for your parrots but also an ideal fresh green to add to their diet. Parrots love the taste, filling their diet with beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Plus, there is next to no natural sugar or harmful additives. Of course, even though it is so healthy, moderation is necessary. You must provide your parrot with a medley of items to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
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Featured Image Credit: har Beck, Unsplash
