Parrot Heart Healthy Foods

               Recently, I took on a hospice parrot case. He is an unknown age, but assumed to be super old, mealy amazon with deformed legs from trauma and many breaks that never were given medical attention to, plucking, liver problems, vision problems, foreign objects in his intestines, and heart problems. We do not know how long he will be around, and we are trying many different treatment avenues before assessing his overall quality of life, both medical and holistic options combined. His name is Calvin. We were very worried about his heart and breathing because it was really bad when I first got him.  He is on heart medications to help him improve, but I also wanted to help supplement his medical care with holistic care, as it would do nothing but only help!

               I put a lot of research into configuring ingredients that were bird safe that were heart healthy. I needed a range from fresh ingredients to cooked to dry because he was on a less than desirable diet, and did not seem to be interested in trying anything new. I wanted to be able to give him something immediately to help, and as his diet diversifies, he would receive even more nutrients and variety. This concept I thought was brilliant to share because I was looking for such a range for this new parrot in my care that it would also create a well-rounded list for anyone to be able to learn from, incorporate into any diet, for any parrot. So, this is the compiled list of ingredients you can give to your parrot with heart conditions to aid in their heart health, but not to be replaced or to avoid getting proper veterinarian treatments to help your bird better. This is not substitute from medical care, just a supportive guide with medical care. Always speak to your vet if this diet would be helpful to your bird.

Fruits

·        Blueberries: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. They can boost brain health, decrease inflammation, support digestion, and protect against oxidative stress that can cause the development or further heart disease. The nutrients include are anthocyanins, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamins C, E, K, thiamine, B6, riboflavin, and copper. They have also been seen to improve the function of cells that line blood vessels that aid in blood clotting and help control blood pressure.

·        Oranges: Oranges have been shown to help blood vessel health and lower blood pressure. They are rich in potassium, which can help control blood pressure. They also include vitamins C, A, and B6. They also include magnesium and calcium. They are known to be a very good pain reducer and anti-inflammatory agent. It has antimicrobial capabilities. It can aid in digestion. Oranges are highly acidic so although they are safe to give, they should be given within moderation

·        Strawberries: Strawberries have a lot of antioxidants that can aid in eliminating oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart. They are wonderful at detoxification. They include vitamins C, A, K, B6, manganese, folate, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Strawberries should only be given if they are organically grown.

·        Grapefruit: Grapefruit is high in fiber, low in calories, and is nutrient rich. It aids in blood cleansing, supports heart health, and is an immunity booster. It includes Vitamins A, C, B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and folate. It can also prevent calcium deposits, and is rich in beta-carotene. It supports a healthy digestive system because it can help boost metabolism, as well as it is moisture- rich.

·        Blackberries: Blackberries have anthocyanins, which is an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in heart disease. They can also help fight infections by boosting immunity. It can also help promoted healthy skin, which can decrease some plucking depending on the reason for the feather destructive behaviors. This fruit is rich in vitamin E, C, K, manganese, folate, Magnesium, copper, potassium, and dietary fiber.

·        Mangosteen: Only the ring should be fed to your bird, not the white inner fruit. This fruit can help combat inflammation and allergies. It can help lower blood sugar and aid in heart health. It can also aid in digestion and immunity. It contains vitamin C, A, as well contains iron and calcium.

·        Raspberries: raspberries contain anthocyanins that fight against oxidative stress and inflammation that can continue to further heart disease.  They are a natural anti-inflammatory. It can help manage diabetes. They contain vitamins C, K, A, E, B6, as well as magnesium, iron, folate, copper, and are high in fiber. They should only be given if organically produced. This fruit should be fed in moderation.

·        Nectarine: Nectarines are a top contender in a heart healthy diet. It can be given daily. They are high in antioxidants, and they are high in tannins. They include vitamins C and A. They help with improving digestion and strengthens the immune system. They can help regulate blood sugar and improves heart health. They also include potassium, niacin, and copper.

Vegetables

·        Carrots: Carrots are full of antioxidants that can help aid heart health. They are rich in potassium that works to keep blood pressure more regulated. Fiber that is contained within the vegetable can help keep the body healthier to decrease the chances of developing heart conditions. They also contain vitamin A, K, C, calcium, magnesium, and beta-carotene.

·        Kale: Kale can help lower cholesterol, which in return would decrease the chances of heart concerns developing in the future. It is also a powerhouse ingredient filled with calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, folic acid, iodine, and manganese. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6.

·        Collard Greens: They are rich in folate, calcium, dietary fiber that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and help with heart health. They also contain vitamins E, A, K, and C. It is also known to help lower cholesterol.

·        Sweet Potatoes: They are extremely potassium rich. This allows for the heart to create more sodium to lower your blood pressure and reduce the chances of developing heart concerns. It is high in antioxidants. The vitamins it includes is vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, as well as iron, manganese, copper, and fiber. To get the most nutrients, lightly steam them, but they can also be fed raw

·        Red Bell Peppers: Yes, we are being specific here. Red bell peppers contain lycopene that is not found in green or other colored peppers. They contain fiber that helps lower cholesterol. They are high in antioxidants like Vitamin A and C that aid in heart health. They can also contain vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.

·        Acorn Squash: Acorn squash has a lot of antioxidants in them that can aid in heart disease, decreasing strokes and high blood pressure. They also contain vitamins A as well as manganese, potassium, and beta carotene.

·        Swiss Chard: It contains minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, that help with keeping blood pressure consistent. It can also help maintain nerve and muscle function for a failing heart. It is a good source of vitamin A, B2, K, C, E, as well as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, and manganese.

·        Bok Choy: Bok Choy contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which help regulate blood pressure to decrease the rate of developing heart disease. It also contains vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, and phosphorus.

·        Broccoli: Broccoli works by helping reduce cholesterol as well as aiding blood vessels to keep them strong. It is also able to help reverse damage of blood vessel linings because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich is vitamins K, A, C, B3, B5, B6. In addition, it contains protein, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

·        Brussel Sprouts: This vegetable contains kaempferol. It is a type of antioxidant that can help decrease inflammation and help with heart health. It can also aid in balancing blood sugars. They are rich in vitamins A, C, A, B1, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, iron, manganese, potassium, and thiamine.

·        Cauliflower: Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant that reduces inflammatory damage that is a main reason for developing a wide variety of heart conditions.  It also reduces high blood sugar. It contains vitamins C, K, B6. It also has Calcium, manganese, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, boron, and beta-carotene.

Herbs

·        Thyme: Thyme contains compounds that help support cardiovascular and respiratory health. It contains vitamins A, C, B6, as well as riboflavin, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium.

·        Star Anise: It can help treat respiratory infections as well as boost heart health and regulate blood sugar. The entire pod can be offered to your bird. It also contains vitamins A, B6, C, iron, anethole, magnesium, and calcium.

·        Dill: Dill can help lower LDL cholesterol. It is also prevalent in flavonoids that help decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes. It contains vitamins A, C, folate, manganese, and iron.

Miscellaneous Ingredients

·        Walnuts: Walnuts help keep cholesterol levels healthy and decrease blood pressure. They are dense in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Nuts can be high in fat, so use sparingly.

·        Almonds: The fats contained in almonds are unsaturated fats, which can aid in heart health by lowering the bad cholesterol and raising the good cholesterol. Although the fat contained is known as a “healthy fat,” it should still be limited in our parrot’s diet and not a main ingredient. Save for foraging opportunities and training.

·        Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are high in fiber that aids in lowering blood sugar levels. It also contains an antioxidant called quercetin that reduces the rich of developing a lot of heart conditions, including heart disease. This is great to add in a dry pellet mix, as well as a chop topper, as when the seeds get wet, they stick. This helps stick to fresh items your birds like to eat, sneaking in the seed benefits as well.

·        Flax Seeds: Flax Seeds have been shown to reduce inflammation in arteries because it has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid. It can also help in lowering the risk of a stroke and heart attacks. These also can become sticky when wet. They stick really nicely to fresh food to help sneak it in when your bird eats something they enjoy. It can also be used in dry food mixes.

·        Hemp Hearts: Hemp hearts are perfect to add to your dry mixes or your fresh food mixes. The small food pieces can stick to wet food to help sneak in the nutrition when you bird eats their favorite fresh ingredients. They are high in magnesium, which is known to regulate heartbeat and helps prevent coronary heart disease. It can also lower cholesterol because it contains linoleic acid.

·        Garbanzo Beans: Also known as chick peas, this item should be sprouted for the best nutrition. They contain vitamin B, as well as they are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, and selenium. They are cholesterol free. They are known to support heart health, while also decreasing cholesterol levels in the blood.

Although this is not a complete list that goes over all foods that can aid in your bird’s heart health, it is an excellent start, as well as a well-balanced list, to allow for your bird to start seeking the benefits of these foods. I recommend noting down a few chop recipes and combinations from this list, which you can always add your birds favorite foods in as well that are not specifically to aid in heart health, so you never run out of chop ideas.

As always, if your bird is a picky eater, there are methods and training that can be done to change that habit, no matter the species and age of your bird! If you are interested in diet conversion information, feel free to contact us to set up that appointment either in person or online through our online consultations. Feel free to contact us here!

*NOTE*

I am not a veterinarian or an avian nutritionist. The information I have found was through my own research and knowledge of generalized education passed onto here to help give ideas for food to include for a holistic approach to helping your feathered friend. There is not claim that these ingredients will cure or help your parrot’s health in anyway, but it is suggested to use this as a supplement of support. Please do not mistake this information for medical advice, or stop current medical treatment for a complete holistic approach, as some situations and treatment plans are needed to stay in effect for the welfare and health of your bird. I always recommend you speak to your trusted avian vet about adding anything holistic to a treatment plan before doing so to be sure there will be no adversive effects.