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Healthy Recipes for Overweight Birds

Diet Recipes for Overweight Parrots

By , About.com Guide

Just like humans, parrots and other pet birds can suffer greatly from obesity. Being overweight can contribute to a host of health problems, and can ultimately prove fatal for pet birds who aren't treated for their conditions in time. Keeping tabs on your bird's weight is one of the most important things that you can do to monitor and maintain his or her health. If you suspect a weight problem with your bird, talk with your avian veterinarian about modifying your pet's diet to help the bird lose weight. You can also try a few of these healthy recipes on your bird to help curb additional weight gain.

Birdie Bean Salad

Packed with protein, this tasty and nutritious Birdie Bean Salad recipe is a great way cut your bird's carbohydrates and jumpstart a healthy weight loss plan with the guidance of your avian veterinarian. Beans are a wonderful source of nutrition for pet birds, but must be prepared properly in order to be safe for them to consume. Just be sure to follow the recipe instructions closely, and soak the beans for an appropriate amount of time. Not doing so could expose your bird to a toxin that could cause serious health problems.

Cranberry and Popcorn Bird Treats

Both of the main ingredients in this Cranberry and Popcorn Bird Treat recipe are nutritious and wholesome food sources for pet birds of all body types. The peanut butter in the recipe, however, can add a lot of unwanted fat for bird who could stand to lose a little bit of weight. Try substituting some canned pumpkin, a mashed up banana, or other fruit puree in its place for a healthier, more weight-concious option for your feathered friend. Doing so makes this recipe a great way to "treat" your bird without packing in too many extra calories.

Cornbread Bird Treats

This fun and versatile recipe for Cornbread Bird Treats is easy to make and can be customized to your bird's own tastes and dietary needs by altering the ingredients you add to the mix. Choosing low-fat, high-vitamin additions like sliced carrots, leafy greens, and nutritious fruits will help you make sure that your bird is getting everything that he or she needs to support vital metabolic body functions. Whole grains like millet, barley, and oats will help provide your pet with the energy it needs for a more active and healthy lifestyle.

Banana Strips

This recipe for Banana Strips offers a great way to satisfy your bird's taste for sweets without allowing your pet to overindulge. This fun and simple recipe is a snap to mix up and make in the microwave, making it the ideal project to do with little bird lovers who want to become more involved with the care of their pet. Taking less than 10 minutes to cook, this is a handy recipe to have on hand if you need to whip up a healthy snack for your bird on the fly. To reduce the calories of this treat even further, opt for water in the place of fruit juice in this recipe.

Honey Fruit Bake

If you have a little extra time on your hands, then you may want to try making this healthy and delicious Honey Fruit Bake recipe for your favorite feathered friend. While it takes a little longer to prepare than other treat recipes, it is packed with vitamin-rich ingredients that can give your bird's nutrition a healthy and vigorous boost. To modify this recipe for birds who need to shed some weight, substitute diced raw apples for the nuts and the raisins. Your bird is sure to love it just the same!

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