Seeds vs. Pelleted Food

Bird seed has been the traditional food for birds for years, especially for wild birds that forage for their own seeds. However, pelleted food is a relatively new idea that has gained popularity over the years. But which is better for your bird?

Birds love seeds, and seeds are the main source of food for birds in the wild. However, seeds alone may not be a complete diet for your feathered friend. Seeds in general are high in fat and low in some important vitamins and minerals, making them the "junk food" of a bird's diet. Even in the most nutritionally complete seed diets, birds tend to pick out their favorites, leaving essential nutrients behind.

The key to seed diets? Variety. Assuming your bird eats all of his food, a mix of seeds, nuts, fruits and veggies that is fortified with nutrients can help maintain the proper balance that keeps your bird healthy. If they still appear to have deficiencies, supplements are necessary to ensure they receive all their needed vitamins and minerals.

Pellets are formulated diets made specifically for the individual needs of each bird type. They contain a blend of grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables, with all the needed levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and other nutrients your bird needs. They also come in fun shapes, colors and textures with tasty flavors & smells to entice your bird and encourage them to eat. Since the pellets are a blended mix, your bird can't pick out his favorite pieces, meaning he gets balanced nutrition in every bite.

The diet you choose may depend on your bird's preferences and eating habits. If your bird continually picks out his favorite pieces from his seed diet, you might want to feed a pelleted diet instead to make sure he's getting the right nutrients. However, once he gets used to seeds, it can be difficult to transition your bird to a pelleted diet, so start feeding them pellets while he's still young. Keep track of your bird's health and behavior, and if you start to notice problems or deficiencies, contact your veterinarian. The solution may be as simple as changing their diet.