The 6 Best Foods for Lovebirds
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Aptly named, lovebirds are very intelligent and affectionate birds. They are a small, stocky type of parrot that tends to do best when kept in pairs.
Not only are they a joy to keep, but they can also be quite entertaining because they are very curious and always into exploring.
These birds are beginner-friendly, but they do require a bit more care than other species.
Keep reading to learn more about lovebirds, including their nutritional needs. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best bird food for lovebirds.
At a Glance: Best Foods for Lovebirds to Buy:
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What Do You Need to Know About Lovebirds?
The lovebird is named for its loving, attentive bond that it forms with its mate. These birds are a small species of parrot, ranging from about 5 to 6 ½ inches in length. They have hooked bills like other parrots but short, blunt tail feathers – they are also stockier in build than other pet birds.
These birds feed on seeds, berries, fruit, grains, and grasses in the wild, so variety is very important for a pet lovebird.
In addition to a healthy diet, lovebirds also require a very large cage because they are an active bird. You should plan to provide four perches for each pair as well as plenty of space for food and water dishes as well as a space for bathing. Lovebirds love to drink and bathe, so make sure to provide lots of fresh water.
How to Choose the Best Bird Food for Lovebirds
Wild lovebirds forage for a wide variety of foods including seeds, grains, grasses, fruits, berries, and leaf buds.
You can also offer small amounts of protein in the form of unshelled peanuts and other nuts.
Here are some things to look for in food for lovebirds:
- Complete and balanced – Commercial pellets provide complete and balanced nutrition in every bite, but some birds simply don’t like them in comparison to seeds.
- Variety of seeds – Most birds love to eat seeds, and some develop a preference for a certain type, but it is important to include a variety of the sake of balanced nutrition.
- Grains, fruits, and veggies – Grains help to provide variety in a lovebird’s diet, so look for grains to be included along with seeds and dried fruits and veggies.
- No artificial additives – In addition to checking that your lovebird food contains certain ingredients, there are also things you do NOT want to see like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best bird food for lovebirds.
The Top 6 Best Bird Food for Lovebirds
It is your choice whether you feed your lovebirds a commercial pellet or a blend of seeds, but make sure to choose a high-quality product either way.
Here are our top picks for the best bird food for lovebirds you should consider:
1. Kaytee FortiDiet Pro-Health Conure and Lovebird Food
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 15.5% Min
- Crude Fat– 10% Min
- Crude Fiber– 12% Max
- Moisture– 12% Max
Pros:
- Varied blend of seeds, grains, fruits, and veggies for balanced nutrition
- Contains no artificial preservatives
- Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals and omega-3s
Cons:
- Contains some artificial colors
- Some lovebirds may pick out only the seeds they like
Many lovebirds prefer seed blends to pellets and this Kaytee FortiDiet Pro-Health Conure and Lovebird Food is a great option. Not only does it provide a wide variety of seeds, grains, and dried fruits and veggies, but it is enriched with vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
This recipe is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids which, in addition to supporting brain and heart health, also keep your bird’s feathers healthy. This formula contains no artificial preservatives but it does contain added prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support.
2. Volkman Seed Company Avian Science Lovebird & Conure Bird Seed
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 14.0% Min
- Crude Fat– 16.5% Min
- Crude Fiber– 9.8% Max
- Moisture– 15% Max
Pros:
- Wholesome blend of healthy and delicious ingredients
- Formulated specifically for lovebirds
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Cons:
- Some lovebirds might pick out only the seeds they like
- Some shipments contains bugs or webs
For lovebirds that prefer seed blends, this Volkman Seed Company Avian Science Lovebird & Conure Bird Seed is an excellent choice. Available in a 4-pound and 8-pound bag, this blend of seeds is specifically designed for lovebirds and conures.
It is a wholesome daily diet that contains both healthy and delicious ingredients like safflower seed, millet, canary grass seed, and dried fruits and veggies. It provides complete and balanced nutrition but also contains exotic ingredients that will appeal to picky eaters.
3. Sweet Harvest Conure and Lovebird Bird Food
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 11.0% Min
- Crude Fat– 9.0% Min
- Crude Fiber– 11% Max
Pros:
- Contains a wide variety of seeds and grains to appeal to lovebirds
- Complete and nutritionally balanced on the whole
- Enriched with essential nutrients to promote vibrate plumage
Cons:
- Some birds tend to pick out only the seeds they like best
- Some bags contain a lot of pumpkin seeds which many lovebirds dislike
Another excellent choice in seed blends for lovebirds is this Sweet Harvest Conure and Lovebird Bird Food. This formula contains a high-quality blend of natural ingredients with less filler and waste than other brands. The seeds themselves are triple-cleaned to reduce dust and maximize nutrition.
You’ll also be glad to know that this formula is enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega-3s to ensure vibrant feathers, healthy skin, and longevity. Overall, it is nutritionally complete and balanced for lovebirds, though some birds tend to pick out only the seeds they like best.
4. TropiMix Premium Food Formula for Cockatiels and Lovebirds
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 14.0% Min
- Crude Fat– 15.0% Min
- Crude Fiber– 3.5% Max
- Moisture– 12.0% Max
Pros:
- Complete and nutritionally balanced with great taste
- Essential vitamins and amino acids for healthy plumage
- Comes in a zippered bag to keep the product fresh
Cons:
- Simply doesn’t seem to appeal to some lovebirds
- Some lovebirds will pick out the sunflower seeds and only eat them
If you’re looking for a complete and balanced diet formulated specifically for lovebirds, try this TropiMix Premium Food Formula for Cockatiels and Lovebirds. Not only is this formula nutritionally complete and balanced, but it provides enrichment for your bird as well.
This recipe builds the immune system by stimulating circulation and it provides essential vitamins and amino acids for healthy plumage. This formula has a great taste that appeals to lovebirds and comes in a zippered bag to ensure freshness.
5. VitaKraft Vitasmart Cockatiel & Lovebird Food
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 14.0% Min
- Crude Fat– 7.0% Min
- Crude Fiber– 10% Max
Pros:
- Enriched with DHA for healthy heart and brain, omega-3s for plumage
- High diversity formula appeals to most birds
- Complete and balanced nutrition in every bag of seed
Cons:
- Some birds will pick through and only eat their favorite seeds
- Contains some artificial coloring
Complete and balanced nutrition is essential for any bird and this VitaKraft Vitasmart Cockatiel & Lovebird Food is a great formula specifically designed for lovebirds. Not only does it contain a wide variety of ingredients, but it is balanced in terms of nutrition.
This recipe supports your lovebird’s complete health and wellness while also appealing to his preferences for flavor. Plus, it is enriched with omega-3s for bright plumage and DHA for healthy heart and brain function.
6. RoudyBush Daily Maintenance Mini Pellets
Product Specs:
- Crude Protein– 11.0% Min
- Crude Fat– 6.0% Min
- Crude Fiber– 3.5% Max
- Moisture– 3.5% Max
Pros:
- Uniquely formulated and sized for small birds 3 inches and larger
- Nutritionally complete and balanced in every bite
- No artificial additives, colors, or sugars
Cons:
- Some birds are resistant to a pelleted diet
- Pellets may still be too large for some birds
For a nutritionally balanced diet for your lovebird, consider this RoudyBush Daily Maintenance Mini Pellets formula. This formula is uniquely designed for birds 3 inches and larger, including lovebirds, so it comes in a miniature pellet and can also be broken down into crumbles.
These pellets are completely balanced in terms of nutrition, so you don’t need any supplements. The recipe is scientifically formulated and doesn’t contain any added sugars, colors, or artificial preservatives.
How Much Should You Feed Your Lovebirds?
On average, lovebirds consume between 1 ½ and 2 ounces of feed per day. The amount your lovebird eats may vary depending on its activity level, so if you provide a large enough cage for the birds to exercise they may require more food for energy.
How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Lovebirds?
Most birds tend to eat small amounts throughout the day, so plan to provide a day’s worth of food for your lovebirds once a day. It is important to thoroughly clean the feed dish before you refill it and to always provide plenty of fresh water. Lovebirds drink a lot of water, so you may also need to check the dish throughout the day to see if it needs to be refilled.
Final Remarks
Complete and balanced nutrition is the key to long-term health and wellness for your lovebirds, so purchase the highest quality bird food you can consistently afford.
If you’re not sure where to start shopping for lovebird food, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!
Heather
I am buying a baby (7 week old) Love Bird and want to know the best food to feed it.
Kate
Congrats on your new friend! Since your lovebird is going to be newly weaned, you'll want to introduce him to a variety of different foods over time. If you plan on feeding him a pelleted diet, start early. You can mix it with seeds and other foods to give him some variety, but it's important to introduce it early so he doesn't form a preference for seed only. Find more info about foods to offer your lovebird here: https://wereallaboutpets.com/what-do-lovebirds-eat
Savo
Hi I'm planning on getting a pet lovebird and i want to know ,what should i feed them ?
Kate Barrington
Hi Savo! Lovebirds feed primarily on seeds, grains, and fruits in the wild but you can decide whether you want to feed yours a seed mix or pelleted diet. Here is another detailed article about choosing the best diet for your lovebird: https://wereallaboutpets.com/best-food-for-lovebirds