Yes and no both. Bread can be fed to birds occasionally, and not as a staple food. Also, all types of bread are not suitable for the birds and you also need to consider certain factors before feeding bread to the parrot.
This guide is about everything you need to know about feeding bread to parrots.
Is There Any Benefit of Feeding Bread to Parrot?
No, there is no benefit of feeding bread to parrots. Bread cannot be their staple food or even part of the balanced diet for the parrots, but occasionally, you can give them, for a change in taste.
However, it has been seen that if a parrot is starving, then in such a situation bread is the only food item that can provide them with instant energy, if none of the other food items is available.
It is a good source of carbohydrates and is recommended only if the parrot needs to gain weight. Also, as an alternative, there are many vegetables and seeds that can be a better source of carbohydrates for the parrots.
Does a Parrot Love Eating Bread?
Yes, most of the parrots enjoy eating bread because it seems like a seed and also attractive to them. Bread can grab the interest of the parrots easily, but it is not a nutritious option for them. Birds are seen devouring breadsticks, bread crumbs, etc. However, they also need protein for the development of their muscles and feathers, vitamins and fibers to keep them healthy and strong, and fat to gain energy, whereas bread can only provide them with carbohydrates.
Why You Should Not Feed Bread to Parrots?
Breads can only be a safe food item for the parrots if you are feeding them sparsely. It won’t be fatal for the birds, but not good for their health either. Here’s why you should not feed bread to parrots:
- Breads have low nutritional value as they are made of processed flour. So, if you are offering bread to parrots, it is going to limit the nutrition that they could have obtained from other food.
- The amount of carbohydrates a bread contains can lead to an increase in the weight of the parrots. It can also lead to other health problems if you are feeding it regularly.
- If you are feeding bread to parrots, then they won’t be able to eat other food as they get full easy bread.
- Breads have many preservatives and additives to keep them fresh which can harm the bird’s health.
- In the baking process of bread, salt is required which is not good for parrots as they have a smaller body mass when compared with humans. Thus, even a small amount of salt can have significant health effects on them.
- Some breads also come with topping, such as chocolate which is definitely toxic for the bird if ingested.
- The toppings of the bread, such as butter, cheese, sugar, and cream are some of the unhealthy choices for the birds, even if fed in small amounts.
- When you are feeding bread to the parrot, it can lead to the risk of choking hazards as parrots produce small amounts of saliva which is not enough to soften the bread.
- A high diet of gluten can lead to malnutrition and the development of several diseases if the bread remains soggy for long hours. It can also lead to the formation of bacteria which is not good for the digestive health of the parrot
- Bread is a laxative item for the birds as it contains bicarbonate of soda, so its ingestion leads to more production of waste, which causes a foul smell in the cage, due to bacterial growth, which accumulates in the droppings.
What is the Safe Way of Feeding Bread to Parrot?
If you still want to feed bread to parrots, then go for a healthy bread choice that has low sodium, is organically produced, and is without any kind of toppings or preservatives. You can choose a bread which is made of wholemeal or whole green. Also, avoid giving large pieces to the parrot and once or twice a week would be idle to feed them bread.
You can also add healthy filling to the bread, such as apple, grapes, orange marmalade, raisins, cranberries, and other fruit jellies, making it a nutritious sandwich. This can be a healthy twist to their boring diet but should be part of an occasional treat.
If you find that the bird is showing any complications after eating bread, then immediately take them to the avian veterinary for treatment.
What are the Types of Bread You Can Feed Parrots?
Here are the variety of bread that you can feed your pet parrot:
1. Brown Bread
Brown bread can be fed to the parrot as it is made of wheat flour. It is a healthier choice as it contains fiber which enhances the digestion of carbohydrates and other nutrients compared to normal bread.
2. White Bread
White bread is made up of wheat flour where you won’t find the germ and bran layer making the bread tastier and appealing. It does not have any nutritional benefit and only fills the stomach of the parrot.
3. Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread is made of whole grain flour, such as wheat and oats which are partly or entirely milled. It contains more nutrition, vitamins, and minerals, when compared with other breads and it also has grain sprinklers on top of it making it more interesting. This bread is generally dry and coarse, so you need to break them into smaller pieces, soak them in water, allow it to get softer, and then only you can feed the parrot but in moderation.
4. Rye Bread
Rye breads are made using crushed rye kernels, mixed along with wheat flour. It has many potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. However, it is difficult for the birds to digest, so you have to give them very rare quantities, such as once a month.
5. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough breads do not use commercial yeast during the preparation and are slowly fermented. It might not be an ideal choice for the birds, but it has high caloric content. So, you can feed parrots, this bird for an instant flow of energy. However, if it is fed regularly, then it can lead to obesity in birds.
Can You Feed Bread to Baby Parrot?
Baby parrots are in the stage of growth and development, so they require a high amount of nutrition. Breads can make them full but they are unable to provide them the nutrition that they require. So, it is not advised to feed bread to the parrots. Also, if the bread is too dry, then the baby birds won’t be able to soften them using the saliva which is produced in a very small amount and it increases the risk of choking.
Does the Yeast in Bread Affect the Health of the Parrot?
When the bread is being baked, due to the high heat, the yeast gets killed, so it does not pose much risk for the birds. However, you need to keep the parrots away from unbaked breads that have live yeast, as injection of this dough can cause yeast infection or other gastrointestinal health issues.
Can You Give Toast to Parrots Instead of Bread?
When the bread goes through the heating process it becomes toast. These are much drier, with black and brown crust, and also have certain carcinogenic potential. So, the toast should not be given to birds. Also, they have acrylamide, which is formed when a starchy food is cooked. If a parrot consumes too much acrylamide, it can cause cancer. Thus, you can stick to feeding bread but in the least amount. Also, remember never to feed parrots the bread that has been kept in the fridge or the one that contains mold spores.
What is Considered a Healthy Diet for a Parrot?
A parrot’s diet must contain 70% pellets, seeds, nuts, and grains. Along with that, they must also have 25% fruits, vegetables and only 5% treats.
