Shop Parrot & Hookbill food in Salt Lake City

Birds are incredible companions, and when properly taken care of, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the expertise and experience to help guide you to the perfect food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Salt Lake City area with the very best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and wellness and extending their lives.

Wild bird vs pet bird food:

Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a combination of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds consist of peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food is diverse in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it satisfies their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is generally a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons love millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will choose bigger seed types.

Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, as well as a selection of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which wouldn't typically contain a few types of seeds.

Ensuring appropriate nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide fat for their brains and nerves, and improves the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the different vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to seek advice from a specialist on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food daily to ensure proper adherence to the new diet.

At NextPaw, we specialize in making sure your bird is supplied with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, experienced staff has your back. If you're in the Salt Lake City area, give us a call at (970) 261-4186 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.