Parrot Food Type Pyramid TM : NUTS
All about Nuts!
Nuts are great fun for parrots and contain important nutrients. Nuts are great sources of calcium and are rich in fat. People who keep their pets indoors only should be careful not to feed high fat diets that include lots of nuts or seeds.
Pet parrots that free-fly outdoors will burn more energy, especially during the winter months and can use the additional stored energy seeds and nuts provide. We increase the amount of nuts and seeds we feed our fliers and aviary birds during these colder periods. We also feed a lot of shelled peanuts as training treats.
Here is a list of nuts with some basic nutritional information. The list uses a one ounce serving size for comparison purposes but this is not to be considered a recommended serving size for parrots. Parrots come in many sizes so we will not attempt to recommend a one serving size fits all for parrots.
ALMONDS: A one ounce serving is about 24 nuts with 6 g. protein, 160 calories, and 9 g. monosaturated fat. Almonds are loaded with Vitamin E (an antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease and cancer) and magnesium (strengthens bones).
BRAZIL NUTS: A one ounce serving is about 8 nuts with 4 g. protein, 190 calories and 7 g. monosaturated fat. Brazil nuts are packed with selenium (an antioxidant) and phosphorus (strengthens bones and teeth & assists with energy metabolism.
CASHEWS: A one ounce serving is about 18 nuts with 4 g. protein, 160 calories and 8 g. monosaturated fat. Cashews are rich in selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.
HAZELNUTS: A one ounce serving is about 20 nuts with 4 g. protein, 180 calories and 3 g. monosaturated fat. Hazelnuts contain large amounts of Vitamin E.
MACADAMIAS: A one ounce serving is about 12 nuts with 2 g. protein, 200 calories and 17 g. monosaturated fat. Macadamias have the highest level of unsaturated fat (cholesterol lowering).
PEANUTS: (not actually a nut, but a legume, though often thought of as a nut and a favorite of most parrots so here it is) A one ounce serving is about 28 nuts with 7 g. protein, 170 calories and 7 g. monosaturated fat. Peanuts are a good source of Vitamin B3 (promoting healthy skin), Vitamin E and zinc (renewing tissue), potassium (muscles) and Vitamin B6 (immunity).
PECANS: A one ounce serving is about 20 halves with 3 g. protein, 200 calories and 12 g. monosaturated fat. Pecans are packed with Vitamin B1 (thiamine energy) and zinc.
PISTACHIOS: A one ounce serving for is about 45 nuts with 6 g. protein, 160 calories and 7 g. monosaturated fat. Pistachios are full of phosphorus.
WALNUTS: A one ounce serving for is about 14 halves with 4 g. protein, 190 calories and 2.5 g. monosaturated fat. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3s (reducing fat and cholesterol).
Keep in mind that all these wonderful choices need to be consumed in moderation.
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