The Avian Dairy Dilemma

Most parrot-owned humans know that birds can’t digest dairy products. They simply lack the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose. Because we humans have had the need for calcium drilled into our heads, and because we drink and eat dairy products for our source of calcium, we often scratch our heads over how to get this needed mineral into our birds.

Vegetarians and vegans are probably very familiar with non-dairy sources of calcium. But for those of us that are less knowledgeable, here is a list of natural sources: , Deep Green Leafy Vegetables: Turnip Greens, Mustard Greens, Kale, Dandelion Greens, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Kohlrabi, Endive, Watercress, Bok Choy, Brussels Sprouts.

If your bird prefers blanched or cooked vegetables, keep in mind that calcium is lost in cooking some foods. It’s always better to use fresh vegetables, and use organic produce if it’s available.

When combining vegetables into a birdie salad, remember that high oxalate vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard, decrease calcium absorption. Common beans such as kidney, chick pea and pinto also contain oxalate, in addition to phytates, which interfere with calcium absorption. Thankfully, these foods are the exception rather than the norm-in other words, most other vegetables won’t interfere with your bird’s metabolizing of calcium. In fact, Vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit actually aid in calcium absorption. Although there are several calcium additives available for birds, calcium is more easily absorbed when it’s derived from fresh vegetable sources.

Calcium-fortified orange juice and tofu are also high in calcium, making them comparable to dairy sources like milk, yogurt and cheese. The problem is that tofu sometimes tastes as bland to birds as it does to us. Sneak some tofu in with some cooked eggs or accent it with some other special, favored flavor.

It is important to remember that tofu is a soy product. If your bird displays hormonal tendencies or has plucking or picking habits, discontinue all soy products. Soybeans contain natural forms of estrogen which can enhance hormone levels. 

One final note on the dairy-dilemma of birds--although your bird may adore macaroni and cheese or a cream sauce over linguini, you might want to consider the potential health risks. Over time, severe allergies and even life-threatening conditions can occur. Acute inflammation of the entire digestive tract, causing severe diarrhea, is just one possible problem. 

There is one dairy product that is beneficial to your bird: low-fat yoghurt with live cultures. Although the live cultures are good for your bird’s digestive tract, it is still advisable to offer this treat only occasionally, and not use it as a dietary staple.

With a little care and a little knowledge, you can make sure your bird is getting calcium on a daily basis, and getting it in a way that is healthy for them.

By Monica Gonzalez, published 2/28/05
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