The Basic Nutrients

Water - The body is composed of approximately 80% water!  Every cell is dependent upon water for it's very existence.  It is necessary for energy production, transportation of nutrients, and to help regulate body temperature.  It is well known that a body can survive longer without food than without water.  Under extreme conditions, it is possible to lose 50% of muscle mass and almost 100% of fat stores, but a 15% fluid loss could lead to death.

A constant source of CLEAN water is essential for your bird's well being.  Be sure to keep water containers clean and to change the water at least daily.  More frequent changes are needed if the bird drops it's food in the water, since food will contaminate the water quickly.  Also, place food and water cups in areas where droppings will not fall into them.  For example keep them out from under perches. 

Proteins are essential for the health and maintenance of all body issues.  They play a key role in normal growth, reproduction and resistance to infection.  Proteins are made up of small sub units called amino acids.  Every species has it's own requirements for certain amino acids.  These essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be provided by the diet.  Common sources of proteins include bean, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy products.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel. They are found in plants and include starches and simple sugars.  Carbohydrates that are not immediately needed by the body are stored in the liver and muscles.  Fiber, often found in carbohydrates, helps maintain normal intestinal function and prevent constipation. Common sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, and cereal grains.

Fats are the most concentrated energy source.  They provide more than twice as much energy per unit than either protein or carbohydrates.  Fats insulate and store energy for the body and are also required for the normal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.  Common sources of Fats include nuts, seeds, and many dairy products.

Minerals play a crucial role in the maintenance and strength of bone, normal cell function, nerve conduction and muscle contraction. They are also important in maintaining the proper balance of body fluids.  Minerals are required in only minute amounts, but the balance between different minerals is crucial. If this balance is disrupted, it can lead to serious problems.  Therefore, supplementation, if needed at all is is best done with a complete, balanced mineral supplement.

Grit:  While not a food grit is something people think all birds need. They do not,  If it is overeaten, grit impaction can occur in the digestive system.    Chickens and turkeys eat whole seeds and require small bits of sand to grind off the coating of the seed in order to digest it.  Parrots, on the other hand, crack their seeds before they eat them.  This eliminates the need for "grinding stones" in the gizzard.   Finches and canaries do require extremely small amounts of grit in order to digest their food.  Two pieces per week is probably adequate for these birds. 

A danger exists in overfeeding grit to birds.  From boredom or sickness, birds sometimes eat too much grit and they can develop an impaction in the digestive tract. For the same reason, you should not use sand-covered cage liner or sand-covered perch wrappers even if it is not called "grit".  Birds can eat this sand as well. 

.... Gary A. Gallerstein, The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook

(available at Healthy Bird)

A vitamin is an organic compound that is considered to be metabolically essential in small amounts in animal tissues.  Vitamins are critical to good health.

• Fat Soluble Vitamins.  Found in fatty compounds and are carried in the body by fasts.  Not soluble in water but are normally found in dissolved fats and are stored in the body.

• Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) is stored in the liver and is needed for good vision.  It is essential for resistance to infections, particularly in the sinuses.   It belongs to the group of vitamins that are known as carotenoids.  It is important for healthy eyes, skin and mucous membranes.  Can be found in most fruits, yellow or green vegetables including carrots, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, dandelion leaves, red chili peppers, broccoli, peaches, egg yolk and peas.

• Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium from the intestines.  Without enough Vitamin D, the absorption of calcium is slowed, which can cause inadequate bone development.  This can lead to rickets or fragile bones.  Vitamin D is also called the "sunlight" vitamin as it is produced in the skin by ultraviolet rays from the sun.  Vitamin D3 is the only D vitamin that birds can use.  Foods that have Vitamin D included egg yolks, some cereals, cheese. 

• Vitamin E.  Eight forms of vitamin E are found in plants.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which is used by the body to prevent chemicals in the body from damaging cells.  This is sometimes referred to as the "sex" vitamin as is necessary for the pituitary, adrenal and sex hormones.  Vitamin E works together with other minerals, especially selenium.  Can be found in whole grains, some cereals, fresh leafy green vegetables such as spinach.  Safflower oil, canned peaches, dried prunes, asparagus, broccoli, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brussels sprouts and whole grain breads. 

• Water soluble Vitamins.  Stored in the body but are washed away with water, so they must be replenished continually.

• Vitamin K.  Ensures proper blood clotting through the manufacture of prothrombin (the factor in blood that causes clotting).  Synthesis occurs in the intestines.  Is vital for proper liver function.   Most diets have adequate vitamin K.  Found in green vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, peas, green beans, turnip greens, spinach and cheese.  It is also produced by bacteria in the bowels.

• Thiamin (B1) helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and B vitamins are also important in reproduction.  Found in whole grains, peanuts, peas, raisins, oranges, dried beans, lentils, red kidney beans, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, pecans, asparagus, potatoes.

• Riboflavin (B2) is involved in the release of energy from proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food.  Also important for reproduction.  Founds in eggs, milk, yogurt, chicken, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and whole wheat bread.

• Niacin is involved in many different body processes.  It aids in the breakdown of fats and proteins and in red blood cell formation.  Also important in reproduction.   Found in all foods, but highest amounts are in animal products.  In plants it is poorly absorbed.  Found in chicken, beef, peanut butter, tuna, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, salmon, eggs and potatoes.

• Biotin (B7) is necessary for many different body functions, including those that manufacture and break down fats, amino acids and carbohydrates.  Biotin is stored in the liver.  Excellent sources are liver, tuna, oatmeal, soybeans, eggs, peanut butter, brown rice, chicken, bananas. 

• Folic Acid functions in the formation of uric acid and is very important in the excretion of wastes through the kidneys.  This makes folic acid crucial to the avian diet.  Sources are alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, some cereals, chick peas, oranges, peanuts, Brussels sprouts, wheat germ, red beans, bananas, whole wheat bread and wheat bran.  Also produced by bacteria in the bowels.

• Cobalamine (B12) is necessary for maximum growth in young birds.  Also important in reproduction.  Even though bacteria in the gut can produce B12, it is not a dependable source.  Vitamin supplements provide adequate supplies of B12.  Found in eggs, lean meat, wheat germ, soy beans, peanuts and peas.

• Pantothenic Acid (B3) is involved in the production of fats, cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells and some hormones and neurotransmitters.  Seed diets are adequate in supplying pantothenic acid.  It can be found also in eggs, chicken, soy beans, peanut butter, bananas, potatoes, broccoli, beef liver, grapefruit, corn, cauliflower, eggs, rice, cantaloupe, wheat germ, breads.

• Pyridoxine (B6) functions in the building and breaking down of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.  It is mainly involved with proteins and amino acids.  Can be found in both plants and animal products.  Very little is stored in the body.  Most practical diets require the addition of B6 for growth.  Bananas, corn, sunflower seeds, Brussels sprouts, some cereals, squash, chicken, potatoes, grapefruit, spinach, rice peas, walnuts and peanut butter are all good sources.

• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) aids the formation and maintenance of a protein that forms the basis in connective tissue, as well as the supporting material in the blood vessel wall.  It helps to bind the muscle tissue together.  It aids in the healing of wounds, fractures, bruises and forms a protective barrier against infections or disease.  Some birds need vitamin C added to their diet, while other birds can manufacture enough in their livers or kidneys.  Vitamin C is safe to add to diets, because as a water soluble vitamin, any excess flushes out of the bird's system rather tan being stored in the body like many other supplements.  Can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, pears, a variety of buds, shoots and tropical fruit such as kiwi, papaya, mangoes.  It is also found in Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, cabbage, asparagus, green peas, potatoes, lima beans, bananas and carrots.

• Choline. Is important in controlling fat and cholesterol in the body.  It helps in preventing fat from accumulating around the liver.  It also helps to regulate the liver and kidneys.  Important for proper nerve transmission.  Found in abbage, egg yolks, liver, nuts, lentils and cauliflower