Birds are remarkable companions, and when properly taken care of, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you to the best food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Fruita area with the best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and extending their lives.
Wild bird vs pet bird food:
Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a mixture of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, numerous wild bird feeds include peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food varies in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it meets their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food.
Domestic bird food is normally a mix of similar seeds, with nutritionally thick pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons love millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will prefer larger seed types.
Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a selection of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not normally consist of a few types of seeds.
Ensuring adequate nutrition:
Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide fat for their brains and nerves, and enhances the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the different vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to get in touch with an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to guarantee appropriate adherence to the new diet.
At Chow Down Pet Supplies, we focus on ensuring your bird is supplied with the very best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your backyard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional team has your back. If you're in the Fruita area, give us a call at (970) 858-7700 and we can help enhance your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.