Get Cockatiel & Cockatoo food in Albert Lea

Birds are incredible friends, 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 knowledge and experience to help guide you to the best food. All bird's nutritional needs are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Albert Lea area with the very best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and extending their lives.

Wild bird vs pet bird food:

Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a blend of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds include peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food varies in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it meets 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 included. 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, along with a selection of various other natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which wouldn't normally consist of a few types of seeds.

Ensuring appropriate nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. 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 professional on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary needs than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food every day to ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.

At The Pet Authority, we focus on ensuring your bird is supplied with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your backyard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional staff has your back. If you're in the Albert Lea area, give us a call at (507) 373-2505 and we can help enhance your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.