This week our topic is about: Lentils, Walnuts and Quinoa for Birds!
Spring is here and it is time to get a new menu for the birdies! I added
cooked lentils, couscous with chic peas, raw walnuts and cooked quinoa to
the parrot menu this week. I found that cooking a batch of lentils and quinoa
will last about a 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
What are lentils? Lentils are legumes along with other types of beans rich in
protein. Quinoa is the mother grain of all protein grains! For great information
on this food for your parrot check out: http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/quinoa0504.htm
What is couscous you ask? Couscous is among one of the healthiest
grain-based products. It has a glycemic load per gram 25% below that of
pasta. It has a superior vitamin profile to pasta, containing twice as much
riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. There has been a discussion on
whether couscous raises the lipids in a bird's blood. So far, any information
still points to the fact that it is a healthy and safe treat to give one or two times
a week.
Your bird will enjoy eating a variety of grains and nuts. Try whole grain bread,
cereal and oatmeal along with barley, quinoa and wild rice. Beans, lentils and
chickpeas are legumes you can feed your parrot. Almonds, Brazil nuts,
cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans and walnuts are a few other fun healthy
treats!
Visit our fresh food page for more healthy enriching food ideas at: http://www.loveyourparrot.com/food.html
