Why Pellets Are Better for Your Bird Than Seeds
Nutrition is complex – making sure your birds are well-fed is not simple. When most people think of bird nutrition, they automatically think of seed, however, there is a vast difference between a typical seed diet and the nutritional requirements of birds. This is where pellets come in, Vetafarm has been manufacturing pelleted bird diets for over 25 years. In fact, we were the first in Australia to recognize that there’s a better way to feed birds, and we began producing fully balanced, extruded diets at our Wagga Wagga facility.
Why Seeds Aren’t Enough
Birds in the wild have a varied diet, spending most of their days foraging on a wide selection of foods such as, seeds, leaves, grasses, fruits, vegetables, insects and flowers.
Replicating this at home is challenging, many bird owners rely on seed-based diets, believing they provide everything their bird needs. But the truth is, seeds alone do not offer the same complete nutritional profile and often lack key nutrients, such as essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, leading to deficiencies that can affect your bird’s overall health and longevity.
Common issues caused by seed-only diets include obesity, vitamin A deficiency, poor feather condition, and even liver disease. In contrast, pelleted diets are formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients in every bite, eliminating the risk of nutritional gaps.
Pellets: The Balanced Solution
Vetafarm pellets are veterinary formulated using extensive scientific research, ensuring that they meet the highest nutritional standards to provide a balanced mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This balance ensures that every meal is packed with the right nutrients, supporting overall health, strong immune systems, and vibrant plumage.
Unlike seeds, pellets are designed to prevent selective feeding – where birds pick out the tastiest (but often least nutritious) parts of their food, and are 100% edible, helping to minimise waste and mess. Ensuring, both you and your bird are getting the maximum benefit out of pellets.
Additionally, we have selected to use the process of extrusion to make our pellets, this involves cooking the ingredients at high temperatures, which improves the digestibility and absorption of nutrients. This ensures that your bird is getting maximum nutritional value from their food, in a form they’ll enjoy eating.
The Importance of Variety
While pellets provide a solid foundation, variety is still essential. Birds are intelligent, active creatures that benefit from a diverse diet to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. We recommend supplementing their pellet intake with 15% fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and apples. These foods add excitement to their diet and provide additional hydration and fibre.
Treats should make up no more than 5% of the diet. While birds love the occasional indulgence, it’s important to limit these to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Stick to nutritious treats like Vetafarm’s Deli Stix or small pieces of fresh fruit for a rewarding snack that doesn’t compromise their health.
Making the Switch to Pellets
Transitioning your bird from a seed diet to pellets may take time, but it’s worth the effort. Birds can be resistant to change, especially if they’re used to the high-fat, addictive nature of seeds. To make the switch easier, start by mixing a small amount of pellets into their regular diet, gradually increasing the proportion of pellets over time. Patience is key – some birds may take a few weeks to fully adjust to their new diet.
For picky eaters, Vetafarm offers a variety of flavours and textures in our pellet range, ensuring there’s something for every bird’s taste preferences – Nutriblend pellets make an excellent choice for conversion. And remember, persistence pays off – once your bird has transitioned to a pellet-based diet, you’ll likely notice improvements in their energy levels, feather condition, and overall health.