Are Smoothies Safe For Budgies?

Budgies make fantastic pets.

These amazing creatures are fun to watch, easy to care for, and unbelievably loyal as well as affectionate.

So, it’s hardly a surprise when you watch pet parents fawn over their winged friends. 

It is indeed true that budgies are sturdy animals.

However, it is still imperative that pet parents take extra care of their domestic feathered friends, as your budgie will rely wholly on your discretion to ensure its well-being and health.

Which is why you will often find budgie owners wondering if it is safe to offer their beloved pets smoothies, particularly budgies that are picky eaters and relish the taste of most veggies and fresh fruits.

No, budgies can’t have smoothies. At least not the smoothie you would get out in the market for yourself. You see, smoothies consist of milk, yogurt, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The problem is, budgies are lactose intolerant.

But there is always a solution to every problem, and creative budgie parents and many avian nutritionists have figured a way around the dairy problem. 

So, let’s take an in-depth look at whether you can present smoothies to your budgie without any serious side effects and how some smoothies can provide your feathered friend with some really incredible health benefits.

Is It Healthy To Allow Budgies To Drink Smoothies?

are smoothies safe for budgies?

The main component of a smoothie is mainly milk and yogurt.

Considering that budgies are lactose intolerant, a smoothie made for you isn’t recommended by any avian nutritionist.

Although some smoothies can be tailor-made to the specific needs of budgies. 

Many budgie keepers will vouch that their budgies aren’t keen on drinking water and how important it is for budgies to stay hydrated, a smoothie explicitly made to suit your beloved pet’s needs is the optimal solution. 

You can use filtered water to water down the smoothie you prepare for your budgie.

You can use a variety of ingredients such as bananas, mangoes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, kale, Brussel sprouts, or even some of the budgie pellets readily available in the market.

The only ingredients you will have to leave out when making a smoothie for your parakeet are sugar, milk, yogurt, or cream.

Also, you will have to ensure that you don’t overfeed your budgie the smoothie you make ready for your winged friend.

So, a fruit-based or vegetable-based smoothie once a week will go a long way in keeping your pet in ship shape. 

Wholesome vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts are rich in minerals and fiber, which will keep your pet’s digestive system in balance.

Fruits such as apples and bananas will provide your pet with a boost of calcium and potassium.

On the other hand, blueberries and strawberries contain a dose of antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress and diseases such as cancer.

Also, the water that you will use as a base for your smoothie will ensure that your budgie baby stays hydrated.

All in all, smoothies can be highly nutritious for your bird, but you will have to make an effort to prepare one specifically designed to meet your budgie’s nutritional needs.

What Drinks Can Budgies Have?

Most budgie owners complain about their budgie’s lack of interest in staying hydrated.

Many budgies don’t like to drink a lot of water. (Related article – Do budgies drink water at night?)

But, non-artificial, preservative-free, and sugar-free drinks such as natural fruit juices freshly prepared from organic fruits will surely entice your pet to gulp down a few sips.

The only point that needs to be kept in mind is that excessive sugar, even natural sugars present in fruits, can make your bird diabetic or obese in the long run.

So, it would help if you were careful about how many juices or smoothies you offer to your budgie as a part of its dietary plan.

It is wise to keep smoothies and watered own real fruit juices a part of your budgie’s snack or treats rather than a daily routine.

Not to mention, it will give your pet something to look forward to at every snack time.

What Foods Are Toxic For Budgies?

Many pet parents feel that depriving their pets of human food is cruel.

Here’s the thing though, animals don’t have the same digestive system as humans.

And with birds it’s a completely different ball game regarding the equipment Nature has provided them to digest the food or drink they consume. 

Here’s a list of the food items that are toxic for birds:

  • Avocado – the persin present in avocado is toxic for birds
  • Chocolate, coffee, tea – the caffeine in coffee contains methylated xanthine that can cause bird seizures, extreme dehydration, and hyperactivity.
  • Onion and garlic – the sulfur compounds in onions, leek, and garlic, can cause your birds ulcers in the mouth, esophagus, and digestive tract.
  • Fruits seeds and pits – apple seeds contain traces of cyanide. And pits present choking hazards for budgies.
  • Xylitol – an artificial sweetener that is toxic enough for dogs and other animals, as well as birds, can cause immediate liver damage, hypoglycemia, and death
  • Fat – processed human foods and fatty foods, in the long run, can create significant heart problems in most animals, even birds. 
  • Sugar and salt – these items aren’t toxic enough to cause death, but the repeated consumption of these items will result in severe health issues in birds over a while.

Wrapping Up

In the wild, budgies rely on centuries of survival instincts to keep them away from food sources that cause health problems.

Your pet budgie is entirely dependent on you to care for its health.

So, when it comes to smoothies, you can offer smoothies so long as you make one just for your pet’s needs.

And, you will need to keep in mind the food items that your budgie should never be offered. 

 

We at birdcageshere.com write about bird health and diet however it should not be taken as medical advice. For advice on your bird you need to seek out an avian vet. The information you find on birdcageshere.com is for educational purposes only. At birdcageshere.com we are not liable for any information that you may find on here. Birdcageshere is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice about your bird.