Can Parrots Eat Beets? Simple Answer & Feeding Tips

Written By Jill Taylor

Can parrots eat beets? Yes, most parrots love beets and will eat any variety. Beets can be served to your parrot cooked or raw, and they will even eat the greens.

There are a couple of things to remember when preparing beets and feeding them to your parrots. Read on to find out everything you need to know about feeding beets to your parrots.

can parrots eat beets

What are Beets?

Beets are vegetables that grow under the ground. There are two types of beets, red and yellow/white. The roots from either kind can be eaten and will provide your parrot with good nutrients and vitamins.

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What Nutrients Do Beets Have?

Beets contain:

  • Vitamin A – this helps with healthy vision, organ function, and bone growth
  • Vitamin C – this promotes a strong immune system; it also boosts your parrot’s energy levels which makes beets a great snack for active birds such as budgies or cockatiels.
  • Potassium – strengthens the heart muscle; potassium also regulates water balance in cells which contributes to healthy skin; it’s also great for the kidneys.
  • Folate – this supports healthy red blood cell production; folate also helps with tissue growth and repair, especially after illness or injury.
  • Iron – Iron aids in the transport of oxygen throughout your parrot’s body; iron also maintains healthy skin and muscle tone.
  • Magnesium – Magnesium is essential for strong bones and teeth because it maintains the proper absorption of calcium; magnesium boosts energy which makes beets a great snack choice for active birds such as budgies or cockatiels.

Can Parrots Eat Beets?

Yes, most parrots like beets and will eat any type. Beets can be cooked or raw, and they’ll also consume the greens.

Beets are safe for all ages of your pet birds as well as those that have been diagnosed with medical conditions such as liver issues or diabetes. This is because beets do not contain high amounts of sugar like other vegetables do which might aggravate these conditions.

Are Beets Safe for Parrots?

Yes, beets are safe for your pet birds.

It’s important that you only feed your parrots fresh beets; canned or pickled beets can cause dangerous spikes in your bird’s blood sugar levels which could lead to serious illnesses such as liver failure.

Health Benefits of Beets for Parrots

fresh red beets

Beets are a healthy addition to your parrot’s diet because they provide many nutrients that are vital for your bird’s optimal health.

Reduce Sugar Spikes in Your Parrots

For birds, eating beets regularly can actually reduce dangerous sugar spikes in their body. This is especially beneficial for pet birds who have been diagnosed with problems such as liver issues or diabetes.

Cleanse Your Parrot’s Blood Stream

The fact that beets contain high amounts of natural potassium means that they help flush the bloodstream and boost your parrot’s immune system which makes them an excellent snack to feed between meals when you want to give your pet a boost of energy levels.

Boosting energy levels also increases activity so it makes beets an ideal healthy snack for active birds such as budgies and cockatiels.

Improve Your Parrot’s Digestion

Beets are a great source of dietary fiber which supports your parrot’s digestive system by making it work more efficiently which helps reduce constipation. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels which is good for the heart, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes and serious intestinal conditions such as colitis.

Because beets contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber, giving them to your pets on a regular basis can even help prevent certain cancers from occurring in their body.

Control Weight Gain

Beets are low in calories but they’re a very filling food that stays with you longer so it is perfect for controlling weight gain.

Are there any Risks in Feeding Beets to Parrots?

parrot

Beets are safe for parrots. However, because beets contain moderate levels of oxalates, an extra precaution should be taken when feeding them to your parrot if he has recently been diagnosed with kidney stones or untreated kidney disease.

How to Prepare Beets for Parrots?

There are many ways to prepare beets for your pet bird’s consumption.

Raw: These can simply be cut into strips and fed whole.

Cooked: You can cook these either by boiling or baking them; after cooking, allow them to cool completely before offering them up as a healthy snack choice for your beloved pets.

Can Parrots Eat Cooked Beets?

Yes, cooked beets can be fed to your birds.

They’re a great source of energy as well as many vitamins and minerals which are essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health.

Can Parrots Eat Raw Beets?

Yes, raw beets can be fed to your birds.  However, it is very important that they are cut into small strips before being offered up as a healthy snack choice.

The thinking behind this is the fact that, if your birds swallow whole raw beets, they run the risk of choking on them.

Can Parrots Eat Pickled Beets?

No, pickled beets contain too high amounts of salt to feed to your loved pets.

Be careful not to feed your parrot any type of canned beets either because these often contain added sugars that might aggravate certain medical conditions such as diabetes or liver issues.

Can Parrots Eat Beet Greens?

african grey parrot

Yes, like other types of dark leafy greens such as kale, beet greens are safe for your parrot to eat. They’re packed with vitamins that help boost their immune system plus they contain moderate levels of calcium which is vital for both egg-laying hens and breeding males.

All in all, feeding your parrot raw beets once a week is an excellent way to keep his digestive tract healthy & happy while providing him with a well-balanced diet that contains beneficial vitamins and nutrients to help him live a long life.

However, because these leaves are very high in oxalates, it’s best to only feed your parrot these fresh green leaves sparingly for between one and three days per week at most. Usually no more than a half-cup should be fed to your bird each day.

As always you need to ensure that all plant parts have been washed well before being served up as a treat choice for your pets. Fresh clean water should also be available at all times so that they can drink whenever necessary.

Read More: Can Parrots Eat Pumpkin? 7 Awesome Benefits

How Often Should I Feed my Parrots Beets?

One or two times per week is plenty for your parrots.

While beets are packed with vitamins that help boost their immune system, too many of them can cause diarrhea.  Also, never feed your birds beet greens more than twice a week because the oxalates within them can interfere with calcium absorption which could lead to serious health issues.

Can Parrots Eat Beets – Final Thoughts

Parrots can eat beets, but it’s important to remember that too much of anything isn’t good for them. If you feed your parrot beets, do so sparingly and always make sure they are cooked to the right consistency.

Beets are high in potassium and provide many benefits to humans, including increased energy levels and lowered blood pressure levels.

As long as you follow the guidelines laid out above, feeding your parrots beets is actually beneficial for them as well. I hope this article answered any questions you might have had about whether or not parrots can eat beets.

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