Kefir

RemiBird

New member
Feb 26, 2019
271
3
So, I love kefir and frequently buy Nancy's blueberry kefir. (for those who don't know what kefir is, it's similar to yogurt though more liquid, and it's full of probiotics and good things)
Anyway, both Remi and Petey seem to love it. Especially Remi, he can't get enough of it. Is it good for them?
 

KawaiiTori

New member
Aug 3, 2019
171
Media
5
7
Poulsbo, Washington, USA
Parrots
Tori - Pineapple Green Cheek Conure
I myself LOVE Nancy’s Blueberry Kefir and drink it every single day! It is very high in sugar though so maybe as a very small extremely occasional treat it would be ok.
 
OP
R

RemiBird

New member
Feb 26, 2019
271
3
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I myself LOVE Nancy’s Blueberry Kefir and drink it every single day! It is very high in sugar though so maybe as a very small extremely occasional treat it would be ok.
LOL, how funny!
Yeah, I don't know what it is, but that blueberry flavor one is the best!
Remi only gets several beakfuls of it, and Petey probably the same.
 

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Birds don't have the same stomach flora as humans and they are lactose intolerant, plus, it has sugar in it. It is fine as an occasional treat, but I wouldn't call it healthy.

My bird likes strawberry yogurt, but she doesn't get it very often and if she does, VERY small portions.
 

charmedbyekkie

New member
May 24, 2018
1,148
82
US/SG
Parrots
Cairo the Ekkie!
It depends on what type of kefir. If it's milk kefir, I'd hesitate because of the lactose part. If it's water kefir, I'd be a bit more open. That being said, having made water kefir myself, you literally pour in sugar to feed the fermentation process. When we would drink our water kefir, we'd mix with water because we were so shocked at how much sugar was needed So because of the sugar and fermentation that goes on (we could turn our water kefir to act like champagne - both the celebratory pop and stream, and enough hint of alcohol to turn our friend's face red), I'd only give as a rare treat.
 
OP
R

RemiBird

New member
Feb 26, 2019
271
3
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Good to know the info above - greatly appreciated.
Little rascals, always want to have what is not good for them, lol.
 

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
The organisms in kefir that make it probiotic are feeding on lactose, the sugar in milk. Kefir, yogurt, many cheeses are actually very nearly so, or are actually, lactose free.


Eta: the store bought stuff is almost always still loaded with added sugar, tho.
 
OP
R

RemiBird

New member
Feb 26, 2019
271
3
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #9
The organisms in kefir that make it probiotic are feeding on lactose, the sugar in milk. Kefir, yogurt, many cheeses are actually very nearly so, or are actually, lactose free.


Eta: the store bought stuff is almost always still loaded with added sugar, tho.

Well, that's disappointing because on the container it says "lactose free", lol.
And I thought drinking the kefir would be good for me...
 

Flboy

Well-known member
Dec 28, 2014
12,599
4,105
Greater Orlando area, Florida
Parrots
JoJo, 'Special' GCC, Bongo, Cinnamon GCC(wife's)
The organisms in kefir that make it probiotic are feeding on lactose, the sugar in milk. Kefir, yogurt, many cheeses are actually very nearly so, or are actually, lactose free.


Eta: the store bought stuff is almost always still loaded with added sugar, tho.

Well, that's disappointing because on the container it says "lactose free", lol.
And I thought drinking the kefir would be good for me...

That is because the lactose has been digested by the organisms!
FYI, simple to make your own!
 

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
Yup. They eat lactose and turn it into lactic acid- the reason kefir and yogurt are deliciously tangy. :)
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top