How do we feel about gluten?

[LittleRedHen]

Is it safe for parrots?

I made a thread for parrot-friendly treat baking recipes...and I plan to keep dropping recipes there, as my friend and I are going to try to try something new for our birds (and dogs...we figure anything safe for birds is likely dog-safe) each week.

Should we be sticking to gluten-free recipes? It's not something they'd encounter in the wild, after all, but I was hoping to get other thoughts.

 

[chris-md]

It’s fine, not a concern.

 

[SailBoat]

I haven't a clue about gluten based foods.
The concern that I have is 'overly' altered /processed foods, in general.
FYI: Never mix dog based Pellets and Parrot based Pellets, or any other Pellets. Only provide them to the intended species.

 

[LittleRedHen]

FYI: Never mix dog based Pellets and Parrot based Pellets, or any other Pellets. Only provide them to the intended species.

Oh, I don't use pellets, I use veggies I'm just saying that in theory, anything I cook or bake for the birds should be safe for my dog to eat.

 

[chris-md]

The theory doesn’t hold up, unfortunately. Some things that are parrot safe - and even encouraged to feed - are not dog safe. Unfortunately, while a nice sentiment, is actually nonsensical in reality.

 

[bug_n_flock]

I wouldn't agree with that. Raisins are great for birds, toxic to dogs. Avocado kills parrots but is good for dogs. There are other examples. Yes there will be some overlap in safe foods, but never assume, you could end up with sick animals!

 

[LittleRedHen]

Ok....I should elaborate, because this is the internet, and I think I've been giving the impression that I haven't researched this.

I have been operating under the impression that the following is off limits to dogs:

Alcohol
Apple Seeds
Avocado
Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Chocolate
Coffee, Tea & Other Caffeine
Garlic
Grapes & Raisins
Hops
Liver
Macadamia Nuts
Marijuana
Milk & Dairy Products
Onions & Chives
Peppers
Stonefruit Pits
Rhubarb & Tomato Leaves
Salt
Sugar
Tobacco
Xylitol
Yeast

I don't include any of this in my bird treats, which is why I feel comfortable giving said treats to my dog I should have avoided generalizing

PS: I am aware that peppers, macadamia nuts and raisins are safe for birds, I just leave them out of the dual species treats that come from my kitchen for the sake of common sense

 

[SailBoat]

One of the need to know realities that those that hang around Parrot Forum is the pure number of unintended readers that visit. Understanding that the vast majority of visitors are 'not' members and as a result the tendency is to not assume that everyone visiting has the depth of knowledge and excellent information provided by members' like yourself.

And yes, this is the internet and those non-members rarely have the depth of knowledge and willingness to research as you and other members do. So, no one was assuming, only assuring that the unintended read is receiving excellent information.

Yes, I can be blunt, but speaking for myself and many others here, we place the well-being of our Parrots' first.

 

[LittleRedHen]

One of the need to know realities that those that hang around Parrot Forum is the pure number of unintended readers that visit. Understanding that the vast majority of visitors are 'not' members and as a result the tendency is to not assume that everyone visiting has the depth of knowledge and excellent information provided by members' like yourself.

And yes, this is the internet and those non-members rarely have the depth of knowledge and willingness to research as you and other members do. So, no one was assuming, only assuming that the unintended read is receiving excellent information.

Yes, I can be blunt, but speaking for myself and many others here, we place the well-being of our Parrots' first.

Understandable! And when I was re-reading, I was like...shoot, if someone said what I just said on a reptile forum I'd be worried about the safety of their animals (I used to breed reptiles and broker reptile sales). So I clarified

 

[wrench13]

The written word is so powerfull, it pays to be suscinct and precise on open forums.

Your not the only herpetologist ( or former herpetologist) on this forum! I used to be chairman of the New York Herpetological Society, while it lasted.

 

[fiddlejen]

I believe that birds eat grains in the wild so gluten In General should not be a problem.
But in baking I would strongly suggest Not Adding gluten (which is sometimes done in baking as a binding ingredient or elasticizer). Because, I don't believe its effect on birds has ever been studied -- and why risk it?

((Also, for the same reason, **if** conveniently possible, probably better to choose a wheatflour which has not been altered to be higher-gluten. That is, wheat that is specifically sold designated for bread-baking comes from higher-gluten varieties of wheat. This choice is obviously not always an option, and of lesser concern.))