Dog Food?

[sunnyshine]

I was just wondering if anyone here has ever heard of giving a bird dog food? The mix that I feed my Eclectus has dog food in it which is says is a source of protein. There isn't very much of it in the mix and I do not think that it could harm him, but I was just wondering if anyone else has ever heard of this?

[Lisa B]

at one point in time, before pelleted diets, some vets did suggest CAT food (dried Meow Mix)could be added to the diet.
however, not sure it was suggested by many, and we dont know the long term effects of it as I dont think many did it.
I had tiels at the time, and did use if for a while. However, then pellets came out...(did I date myself?) and I never used it again.

I do think that Ekkies need a more specific diet then alot of species because wrong things can lead to dull feathers and toe tapping.

[Cindy215]

I agree they don't do well with alot of protein per Laurella Desborough. And the dog food has alot of stuff in it by itself. I'd probably change foods. If you google Laurella she has a site where I seem to remember she discusses diet alot. I read her on another board she's very experienced and knowledgable. And I think she's still on the board of the AFA.

[Monica]

What mix do you give him and where do you buy it from?

[sunnyshine]

It's called Tropix Seed. Here is a link to the food and where I get it from...
Bird Crazy's online store

[Monica]

Well now that is strange! I'm not sure about eclectus and protein, but I do know that captive wild birds (i.e. starlings and such) who eat a bug based diet are fed a dry dog/cat diet... considering that most parrots are seed and fruit/nut eaters, I would assume that they wouldn't need that much of a high protein diet as other captive kept birds...

[CALVINS MOM]

Eclectus are actually tree top dwellers and feast more on berries, nectar and flowers.

Carolyn Swicegood has some excellent information on her website, Land of Vos Eclectus - Main Page

[mi-ha]

Originally Posted by CALVINS MOM

Eclectus are actually tree top dwellers and feast more on berries, nectar and flowers.

It is very important that you add a variety of fresh fruits and vegies in an Eclectus's diet. Without fresh fruits and veg daily, eclectus parrots are prone to vitamin A deficencies(sp). A source of protein can be added to the diet via nuts as well.
Our Eclectus's are fed 3 different fruits and vegies a day as well a pellet diet to be picked at, at all hours of the day and a treat or two of a number of different nuts.

[sunnyshine]

Originally Posted by mi-ha

It is very important that you add a variety of fresh fruits and vegies in an Eclectus's diet. Without fresh fruits and veg daily, eclectus parrots are prone to vitamin A deficencies(sp). A source of protein can be added to the diet via nuts as well.
Our Eclectus's are fed 3 different fruits and vegies a day as well a pellet diet to be picked at, at all hours of the day and a treat or two of a number of different nuts.

Yes, I am aware of this as there is never a time in the day where he doesn't have fresh food in there. What I'm asking is about the dog food in his base mix.

[2horse]

I don't give my birds dog food, but they do enjoy bone shaped dog biscuits as foot snacks. They probably get one or two tiny biscuits a week.