Table of Content
- INTRODUCTION
- BIRDS DIET
- DO PET BIRDS EAT LENTILS?
- BENEFITS OF LENTILS FOR PET BIRDS
- HOW TO PREPARE LENTILS FOR PET BIRDS
- CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
A call to bird lovers and food enthusiasts! We are about to spill the beans or, should we say lentils on an intriguing question: can our colorful companions satisfy their taste buds with these tiny legumes?
Like humans, no two birds are exactly alike, so there is no single diet. Birds are very picky and messy when it comes to food so, to keep your little friend interested in eating, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables with their meals. In this article, we cover the topic “Do pet birds eat lentils?”
BIRDS DIET
Your bird’s meal should be filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Birds also love to eat seeds, nuts, beans, etc. All companion birds need protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals for good health.
It is unrealistic to expect your bird friend to choose a healthy diet after placing a range of seeds and other bird food in a bowl. Those fowl cannot do so. It’s all up to the owner to provide balanced nutrition.
DO PET BIRDS EAT LENTILS?
YES! Birds can eat lentils, and to add larger birds like pigeons, crows, doves, and pheasants can and will eat whole raw, dried lentils.
Smaller birds such as finches can eat lentils, but these smaller species cannot eat them whole and dry.
Raw lentils also contain substances that interfere with the absorption of nutrients, which impact the breakdown of proteins and phytates that reduce the bioavailability of dietary minerals, which could create issues for your pet bird.
BENEFITS OF LENTILS FOR PET BIRDS
Lentils are an essential part of a vegan or vegetarian diet, but they offer a somewhat mixed picture regarding how healthy they are for birds.
CATERED PROTEIN
This food contains protein about 9%. Birds require protein in their bodies to grow strong feathers.
SOURCE OF CARBOHYDRATES
About 16% of carbohydrates are there in lentils. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy for your little fellow. Carbohydrates help fuel the bird’s cells and give everyday energy to the bird to stay active and happy to do everyday hurly-burly.
EXCELLENT SOURCE OF IRON
Lentils also contain iron. The purpose of iron is to produce hemoglobin in the bird’s body. Hemoglobin transports oxygen throughout the bird’s body and regulates the functions of body parts which helps your pet to stay healthier.
RICH IN FIBER
Fiber is considered the nutrient needed to keep things moving. It can have host benefits for birds. Fiber ensures that regular bowel movements are maintained in the bird’s body.
The fact that fiber is indigestible makes it perfect for maintaining good digestion.
OTHER NUTRIENTS
Lentils contain a variety of other nutrients that are beneficial to birds. This food also contains sodium, folate, fat, potassium, B6, and calcium.
Things to be noted:
Lentils also contain anti-nutrients which simulate the absorption of other nutrients. It also has trypsin inhibitors, which block the production of an enzyme that helps to break off protein for diet. But this does not affect much as it is in low amounts in lentils.
How to prepare lentils for pet bird
Cooking lentils removes the anti-nutrient factors. Cooked lentils carry nutrients and are easy to eat. Hence if there are leftovers, you might consider feeding them to your pet birds in your garden.
Sink and germinate the raw lentils or prepare them by placing them in a shallow dish as supplement food.
Remember that your garden should be filled with natural food sources for your pet bird to have for meals.
It’s better to grow lentils on your own, but if you are buying them, it is necessary to consider where they came from.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, lentils are a great source of nutrients for your birdies and also good for the general health of your feathery friends as lentils contain many nutrients required by your pet birds for better and nourishing health, such as protein, iron, fiber, carbohydrates, and many others.
Birds of all types (and species) can eat lentils, the whole lot has its different taste, and your friend will have to resolve which it prefers.
However, they should not be over-served to your birds as lentils cannot provide all the proper nutrients a bird needs and should not make up the bulk of a bird’s daily diet.
FAQs
Are lentils nutritious for birds?
Yes, they are packed with carbs, proteins, iron, and magnesium, making them highly nutritious. Additionally, they include a lot of dietary fiber.
Is it okay to feed uncooked lentils to my bird?
It is not recommended to give uncooked lentils to your birds. They contain certain compounds that may act as anti-nutrients if eaten uncooked.
