Food choice

Hey guys,

so I've been buying my lovebirds the Versele Laga Loro Parque African Parakeet Mix (https://www.versele-laga.com/en/producten/prestige-premium-loro-parque-african-parakeet-mix) since I've had them (2+ years now) and always added sunflower seeds in moderate amount (suggested by a friend who had and bred birds for years) as the food in the bag doesn't originally come with sunflower seeds.

My parents accidentally bought a different food from the same manufacturer (I couldn't come with them to buy unfortunately) and they bought the Versele Laga Loro Parque Australian Parakeet Mix (https://www.versele-laga.com/en/pre...e-premium-loro-parque-australian-parakeet-mix) which is for a bit bigger bird BUT has more smaller seed varieties AND sunflower already in it.
They ate it normally as they did the other one (as it has ALL the seeds the African mix has, just 2-3 more types) so I wonder is it okay if I switch completely even if it is for "bigger birds"? I don't see many unopened seeds meaning they can open and eat them all.

I added the links to each of the food in case someone wants to check the content of each one individually, but I already did to compare the content of both bags.

I think it shouldn't be a problem?

I don't know about lovebirds (I have a "U-Too"),
but I researched food-size recently and I honestly think it depends on the bird's eating tendencies. Some bigger birds can choke when given pellets etc intended for smaller birds, but not all have this issue. Similarly, a vet once cautioned me about giving my cockatoo large chunks of banana, as one of theirs at the clinic almost choked having bitten off a large portion and attempting to swallow it. Mine has always been okay with fruit (so far anyway), but I opted not to test out smaller pellets on her, as I was afraid she might just swallow them whole...
I don't know if that helps answer part of your question a little bit....Observation would be the key to safety I would think....at least initially

They are actually supposed to get food for bigger parrots but I checked the content and it's the same except sunflower (which I added ayway before) and maybe 1 or 2 more

I never miss a chance to put a good word in for my fave brand.

Harrison's Bird Foods

I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

We don't have this brand offered in my country

Was to my knowledge that, generally speaking, "African Parakeets" are actually bigger than "Australian Parakeets"... and a lovebird is not a parakeet so therefore doesn't exactly fit into either category.

Many people also opt to avoid feeding sunflower seeds because they can be addictive and some birds become hyper-active and aggressive when eating them.


Seeds alone aren't a healthy diet. There may be pellets in your country but might be harder to get a hold of. Fresh foods should also be made available.

Fresh veggies are a must, particularly orange and dark green. I.E. Some birds (budgies and cockatiels) avoid any fruit while others (IRNs and Ekkies) thrive on it.

Sunflower seeds and millet should only be given as treats as they are high in fat. Honey sticks/treats should only be offered on the advice of an avian vet!

Pellet and any food size for that matter should be based on beak-size. It's important to consider the bird's recommended diet. Additionally, seeds should be tested for viability by spreading a small amount on a paper towel in a wet pie pan or on a saucer. Sprouts equal viable. Some seeds are heat treated to kill pests but, unfortunately, these treatments may also kill the seeds making them nutritiously void.You

Dr. Harrison and others recommend diet changes from 3-12 months depending on the age, species and history of the bird. I.E. My conures adapted within days while my Pionus is taking months.

It's best to discuss this with your avian vet.