Tuna is one of the basic must-haves, and you can easily find in your pantry: whether it’s added in dishes or eaten straight out of the can, many love it.
Several animals deeply enjoy tuna too; for example, cats.
The second you open the container, you’ll hear it purring and roaming around, waiting to swallow the all of the can’s contents.
Yes, this fish is mighty delicious, but seafood in general is quite controversial when it comes to birds.
Many owners worry about its impact on their companion and if it’s entirely safe.
So can parrots eat tuna?
To answer this question, yes, parrots can eat tuna. Tuna is a wonderful source of protein and contains several kinds of magnificent minerals! However it must be given in moderation even if your parrot is a fish lover. Seafood, in general, is filled with certain substances that aren’t what’s best for your little avian pet.
In this article we will look at tunas nutritional value for parrots, the risks in giving tuna to parrots and more.
Let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
Tuna’s Nutritional Value for Parrots
Tuna is a kind of saltwater fish that’s part of the Mackarel family.
Known for its light pink coloration, this fish can be bought in cans or fresh.
It contains some wonderful minerals both humans and birds can benefit from; Riboflavin (B2), Omega-3 fatty acids and phosphorus are some of them.
Riboflavin (B2)
Also known as vitamin B2, Riboflavin is one of the water solubles that can be found in tuna.
This mineral has essential components called coenzymes.
The two of them are under the name of flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine: they promote growth, cellular function, development and assure fluid metabolism fat wise.
The most important aspect vitamin B2 brings to parrots is the formation and function of enzymes.
If your companion doesn’t have enough of this vitamin in its body, illnesses and pathologies will occur.
A Riboflavin deficiency leads to poor growth as well as rough and dry skin.
It’s then crucial to feed the right nutrients to your bird, with the correct amount as well as the adequate kind.
Tuna is filled with vitamin B2, making it a perfect addition to your parrot’s diet!
Though it has to be given in high moderation, fish brings extraordinary nutrients and supplements all birds need to prosper.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids are known worldwide: it’s the primary mineral you find in fish.
Omega-3 is a nutrient that aids the immune system as well as the body’s ability to respond to diseases and precancerous concerns.
This explains how immune cells can conquer infections and not over-respond.
Foods that are high in omega-3 are flax seeds, walnuts, tree nuts and tuna.
Food cooked on a low heat surface with canola oil can also provide a source of this mineral.
Tuna is then a healthy, occasional option for your bird, as it contains large amounts of fatty acids.
Also, that said mineral plays a mandatory role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
This disease occurs when there’s a hardening of the arteries and is sadly recurrent in captive birds.
Some factors such as a lack of exercise or longterm diets that were highly saturated with fat and cholesterol are linked to the development of atherosclerosis.
Omega-3 inhibits inflammation within the blood vessels, which reduces plaque formation and assures protection.
Tuna, filled with that nutrient, will collaborate to the wellbeing of your parrot by nourishing it with necessary minerals.
Phosphorus
Phosphorous is a mineral that allows the filtering of all unwanted waste and repairs tissue and cells.
Being the second most present nutrient in the body, it also produces energy and keeps bones healthy and steady.
Phosphorus is one of the three most important minerals a parrot needs to stay well: calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D3 is crucial.
That explains why tuna is such a wonderful candidate for your bird’s diet!
Also, this nutrient is directly linked to calcium since the calcium’s metabolism functions through phosphorus and vitamin D.
Adequate amounts of phosphorus is then needed for the proper utilization of calcium.
Furthermore, calcium and phosphorus are in equilibrium at a balanced ratio of 2:1.
Tuna contains all these nutrients: calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are located within the fish itself.
Risks Regarding Tuna And Parrots
While this fish is offering plenty of magnificent nutrients your parrot could benefit from, an excessive quantity may affect your companion’s health.
It is why moderation is such an important step when feeding seafood or any animal-based products to your avian pet.
For example, mercury is within every seafood worldwide.
It being a toxic heavy metal, mercury can be found in our waters, whether it’s naturally or because of industrial human procedures.
The larger, longer-lived, small fish-eaters such as sharks, fresh tuna, and swordfish carry much higher levels than other types of aquatic species.
Canned tuna, on the other hand, is one of the seafood varieties that contain fewer amounts of that said metal.
Not to forget that aquatic pollution is unfortunately an issue when it comes to feeding your parrot sea creatures.
Tuna being part of this aquatic environment, several toxins and chemicals might be present in a fish’s body.
These dangerous substances can then create bad repercussions to your parrot’s health if it eats affected seafood.
That is why you should be highly vigilant and aware of what you purchase and where it’s originated from.
Water packed tuna is the safest, most reliable type of tuna you could feed your companion!
How Much Tuna Should I Feed My Parrot?
Of course, quantity is always important when it comes to a parrot’s regime.
Every type of food needs to be served in moderation to assure a healthy lifestyle.
Overfeeding your pet is as harmful as starving it, actually!
Variety is a must, so your parrot should have a little bit of everything…
Tuna is a great add-on for your bird’s diet: as said previously, it contains crucial elements any animal could benefit from to prosper and grow healthy.
Fatty acids, calcium and vitamins are all nutrients a parrot owner must incorporate in its pet’s diet.
With that being said, tuna shouldn’t be a staple food due to its risks and origins.
Animal-based foods are safe as monthly dishes, but shouldn’t be used daily.
Try sticking with plant-based products such as nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits; they contain the right minerals without being dangerous to your parrot’s wellbeing!
What About The Kind Of Tuna?
When it comes to variety, tuna is the perfect example to represent that!
There are many ways to cook and prepare this fish: whether it’s the breed or the cooking method, tuna will never leave your pet disappointed…
Different ways can be used when preparing this fish: poached, steamed, broiled or baked tuna are all different options your parrot could eat this dish as.
Though, water-packed tuna is the best kind to offer to your bird, since it’s not saturated in fat like the ones canned in oil.
It also has the least amount of mercury contained in it, reducing the possibilities of many health risks such as disrupted parental behaviors, reduced mating, change of tune, vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors or even seizures.
Breed wise, it doesn’t necessarily matter what kind of tuna it is.
Bluefin, Yellowfin Skipjack and Albacore are all safe to use.
What truly is to worry about is where it comes from: fresh tuna that can be bought at fish shops are not tracked and the store cannot specify where it was located when fished out of the sea.
Certain aquatic areas are more polluted and contain higher levels of heavy metals.
Also, tunas migrate and travel through various water sources, which can potentially mean they collected certain amounts of unwanted substances in their bodies while eating or navigating.
That’s why water-packed tuna is ideal. It’s filtered and processed to extract all chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to both humans and animals.
So in conclusion then, yes parrots can eat tuna. Just be careful what type of tuna you give to them and make sure you only give it to them in moderation.
See you next time!