Apple Cinnamon Parrot Treats {Recipe}

Parrot treats are special snacks designed to provide pet birds with a delicious and nutritious supplement to their regular diet. These treats serve various purposes, such as offering entertainment, promoting foraging behavior, and providing essential nutrients.   For more delicious and nutritious recipes, feel free to explore The Science of Avian Nutrition, a labor of love created from over ten years of hands-on parrot care experience.

 

Not all Parrot Treats are Healthy

When it comes to bird treats, not all of them are necessarily healthy. It's important for bird owners to read the ingredients listed on the packaging to ensure that the parrot treats are made from wholesome and nutritious ingredients. Some treats may contain additives, preservatives, or other ingredients that may not be suitable for a bird's diet. By carefully examining the ingredients, bird owners can make informed choices to provide their pet bird with treats that contribute positively to their health and well-being. 

Watch for These Ingredients in Commercial Bird Treats

Added sugars (cane sugar, corn syrup, molasses, Rice sugar, honey)

These add calories without providing meaningful nutrition and can encourage birds to prefer sweeter foods over healthier options.

Artificial colors

Brightly colored treats may look appealing to people, but the added dyes provide no nutritional benefit.

Artificial flavors

Flavor enhancers aren't necessary when birds can enjoy the natural taste of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and seeds.

Preservatives

Some commercial treats contain preservatives to extend shelf life. While many approved preservatives are considered safe in regulated amounts, choosing products with simpler ingredient lists is often preferable.

Highly refined flours

White flour offers fewer nutrients than whole grains such as oat flour, whole wheat, quinoa, or buckwheat.

Excess salt (sodium)

Birds require very little sodium, so treats with added salt should only be offered occasionally.

Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils

These are best avoided when possible, as they add unnecessary processed fats.

Large amounts of fillers

Ingredients such as excessive corn, wheat middlings, or inexpensive grain by-products can reduce the overall nutritional value of a treat.

Unnecessary sweeteners or coatings

Yogurt coatings, sugary glazes, and candy-like coatings are designed to appeal to owners more than they benefit birds.

Example: Nutritional Information for a commercial bird treat. 

Ingredients: Oatmeal, Vegatable Shortening, Rice Syrup, Millet Flour, Oat Flour, Honey, Flax, Diced Apples, Cinnamon, Whole Dry Egg, Whey, Witamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)

What to Look for Instead

Choose treats made with recognizable, wholesome ingredients such as:

• Whole grains
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Herbs
• Seeds and nuts (in moderation)
• Legumes
• Natural spices like cinnamon or turmeric

The shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list, the easier it is to understand exactly what you're feeding your parrot.

Vegetable Shortening or other fats in Parrot Treats

Although not toxic, shortening is 100% fat and is very high in calories. While shortening is usually made from vegetables, it is low in vitamins and minerals, which is not beneficial to parrots. Excessive consumption can trigger many health issues in parrots.

Two points you should take form shortening:

Healthy Recipe for a Apple Cinnamon Parrot Treats

Creating a healthy parrot treats for your parrot involves using natural and nutritious ingredients. Including a variety of nutritious treats not only adds excitement to their meals but also provides additional essential nutrients. 

PDS Apple Cinnamon Parrot Treats

1 cup oats
1 cup millet flour
½ cup buckwheat flour
4 oz applesauce
4 oz water
1 tsp chia seeds
½ tsp ceylon cinnamon
½ apple
2 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

Turn the oven on to 350. Grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil and set aside. Measure out oats, flours into a bowl. In a second bowl measure out and mix the apple sauce, water, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Chop the apple into small pieces. Add the applesauce mixture and chopped apples to the flour. Mix until all the flour is moist. Eyeball about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Slightly flat the ball to form a disk. Place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Completely cool before serving. 

How to store your parrot treats

Keep the apple cinnamon parrot treats in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. There are no preservatives in this recipe.