The 5 Best Foods For Parrotlets

The 5 Best Foods For Parrotlets

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As you can probably guess from the name, parrotlets are a very small type of parrot.

These birds are the smallest group of New World parrots, having stocky builds and short tails.

In the wild, parrotlets are known to travel in flocks of up to several hundred birds, and they form tight, lifelong bonds with their chosen mates.

Though small in size, parrotlets have big personalities and make great pets. Caring for parrotlets involves choosing a high-quality diet to meet the bird’s nutritional needs.

Read on to learn more about parrotlets and their dietary requirements. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best bird food for parrotlets.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Foods For Parrotlets

Overall Best 1. ZuPreem Natural Daily Medium Bird Food View on Chewy Read Review	Runner Up 2. Harrison's Adult Lifetime Super Fine View on Amazon Read Review	Budget Pick 3. Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Parrotlet View on Amazon Read Review	Premium Choice 4. Roudybush Daily Maintenance Mini Bird Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Durable 5. ZuPreem FruitBlend Flavor with Natural Fruit Flavors Daily Small Bird Food View on Chewy Read Review
Crude Protein 14.0% Min	Crude Protein 14% Min	Crude Protein 13.50% Min	Crude Protein 11.0% Min	Crude Protein 12.5% Min
Crude Fat 4.0% Min	Crude Fat 6% Min	Crude Fat 8% Min	Crude Fat 6.0% Min	Crude Fat 8.0% Min
Crude Fiber 5% Max	Crude Fiber 4.5% Max	Crude Fiber 7% Max	Crude Fiber 3.5% Max	Crude Fiber 5% Max

What Do You Need to Know About Parrotlets?

Parrotlets look very similar to parakeets in both size and body shape, but they are actually very different. These little birds only grow to 5 inches in length, and they are not quite as common as parakeets.

There are several different species of parrotlet, but only two of them are easy to find in the pet trade – the Pacific parrotlet and the green-rumped parrotlet. In the wild, parrotlets form strong bonds with their chosen mate. Individually, parrotlets make great companions for their owners, though they can be feisty and willful at times.

Though parrotlets may be small, they require a significant amount of cage space. These are very active and playful birds, so they need plenty of space as well as toys to keep them busy. In terms of other care requirements, parrotlets need a healthy, balanced diet.

How To Choose The Best Bird Food For Parrotlets?

The ideal diet for parrotlets is a nutritionally balanced pellet supplemented with seeds, fruit, and vegetables.

These birds also need a source of calcium such as a cuttlebone. As is true for all birds, variety is key to ensuring that your parrotlet gets the nutrients it needs.

Here are some things to look for in a diet for parrotlets:

• Nutritionally balanced pellets – Commercial bird pellets are designed to provide balanced nutrition in every bite, so they should make up 75% to 80% of your bird’s diet.
• Variety of seeds – Including small amounts of mixed seed will give your parrotlet something new to eat and a variety of different nutrients. Variety is particularly important if you choose not to feed your parrotlet nutritionally balanced commercial pellets.
• Fruits and vegetables – Any diet for parrotlets should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide key nutrients.
• Source of calcium – Parrotlets require a source of calcium, ideally a cuttlebone.

Our Top Picks For The Best Foods For Parrotlets

Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best bird food for parrotlets.

It is your decision whether you feed your parrotlet commercial pellets or a seed-based diet.

Regardless which diet you choose, make sure you feed your parrotlet a high-quality product.

Overall Best

1.

ZuPreem Natural Daily Medium Bird Food

View on Chewy

Product Info

• Crude Protein: 14.0% Min
• Crude Fat: 4.0% Min
• Crude Fiber: 5% Max

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 14%

Crude Fat: 4%

Crude Fiber: 5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 15.56%

Fat: 4.44%

Fiber: 5.56%

Carbs: 74.44%

Pros

• Complete and nutritionally balanced for small birds
• No artificial preservatives or unnecessary fillers
• Uniquely formulated for small birds like parrotlets

Cons

• Small pellets can be messy when they break up
• Some parrotlets don’t like eating pellets

If you’re looking for a wholesome and healthy way to provide for your parrotlet’s nutritional needs, this ZuPreem Natural Bird Food for Small Birds is one of the best options. These commercial pellets are nutritionally balanced to ensure that your parrotlet gets all of the nutrients it needs in every bite. This formula is uniquely developed for small birds, so not only does it provide the right blend of nutrients, but the pellets are perfectly sized for parrotlets. Each pellet contains a precise blend of grains and vegetables and this formula doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives – the only additives are vitamins and minerals that your bird needs.

Runner Up

2.

Harrison's Adult Lifetime Super Fine

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Product Info

• Crude Protein: 14% Min
• Crude Fat: 6% Min
• Crude Fiber: 4.5% Max

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 14%

Crude Fat: 6%

Crude Fiber: 4.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 15.56%

Fat: 6.67%

Fiber: 5%

Carbs: 72.78%

Pros

• Nutritionally complete for maintenance of small birds
• Designed to meet nutritional needs without excess nutrients
• Free from chemicals and artificial ingredients

Cons

• Lack of preservatives means food only lasts 4 to 6 weeks after opening
• Pellets may be too large for some birds

Parrotlets are very small birds and it is important to help them maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. That’s why this Harrison’s Bird Food Adult Lifetime Super Fine Pellets is a great choice, because it is designed for maintenance. It contains all of the nutrients your parrotlet needs for balanced nutrition and good health without excess vitamins or minerals.

This formula is uniquely designed for small birds like parrotlets and for non-breeding, non-molting birds. It is completely free from chemicals and artificial ingredients, so you can rest easy knowing that your parrotlets are only getting the best of the best.

Budget Pick

3.

Volkman Seed Avian Science Super Parrotlet

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Product Info

• Crude Protein: 13.50% Min
• Crude Fat: 8% Min
• Crude Fiber: 7% Max

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 13.5%

Crude Fat: 8%

Crude Fiber: 7%

Ash: 4.25%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 13.5%

Fat: 8%

Fiber: 7%

Carbs: 67.25%

Pros

• Wide variety of seeds and grains for birds who like variety
• Nutritionally balanced as a whole with seed, grains, fruits, and veggies
• High-quality ingredients and no artificial additives

Cons

• Large 20-pound bag may take a long time to use up
• No guarantee of balanced nutrition in each bite (due to variety of ingredients)

If you prefer to feed your parrotlets a seed blend rather than a commercial pellet, this Volkman Seed Company Avian Science Super Parrotlet formula is a great option. It features a wide variety of seeds including safflower, sunflower, and pumpkin as well as a mixture of grains like buckwheat, corn, and wheat.

Each bag also contains a blend of nuts and dried fruits and vegetables to ensure nutritional balance throughout the formula. The only potential problem is that it comes in a 20-pound bag which may take quite a while to use if you only have one or two parrotlets.

Premium Choice

4.

Roudybush Daily Maintenance Mini Bird Food

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Product Info

• Crude Protein: 11.0% Min
• Crude Fat: 6.0% Min
• Crude Fiber: 3.5% Max

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 11%

Crude Fat: 6%

Crude Fiber: 3.5%

Moisture: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 12.5%

Fat: 6.82%

Fiber: 3.98%

Carbs: 76.7%

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 parrotlet, consider this RoudyBush Daily Maintenance Mini Pellets formula. This formula is uniquely designed for birds 3 inches and larger, including parrotlets, 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.

Best Durable

5.

ZuPreem FruitBlend Flavor with Natural Fruit Flavors Daily Small Bird Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Crude Protein: 12.5% Min
• Crude Fat: 8.0% Min
• Crude Fiber: 5% Max

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 14%

Crude Fat: 4%

Crude Fiber: 3.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 15.56%

Fat: 4.44%

Fiber: 3.89%

Carbs: 76.11%

Pros

• Each bite contains 21 vitamins and minerals
• Complete and balanced nutrition for small birds
• Unique variety of fruit flavors

Cons

• Some birds don’t like pellets
• Pellets may break apart easily and make a mess

If your parrotlets prefer fruit flavors over traditional pellets, this Zupreem Avian Maintenance FruitBlend Diet for Small Birds is a good choice. This formula consists of nutritionally balanced pellets with a unique fruit blend flavor.

Your parrotlets will find the flavors they like but you’ll rest easy knowing that the bird’s nutritional needs are being met. Each bite contains 21 vitamins and minerals and there are no artificial preservatives or unnecessary ingredients.

How Much Should You Feed Your Parrotlets?

Parrotlets are very small, so they don’t require a large volume of food. The amount you feed them depends on whether you’re feeding a seed blend or pellets, but for the most part you’ll be feeding your parrotlet about 1 to 3 tablespoons daily with small bits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Parrotlets?

Most birds tend to eat small amounts throughout the day, so plan to feed your parrotlet a day’s worth of food once a day and let the bird eat as it likes. Provide fresh water on a daily basis and make sure to thoroughly clean the food dish before refilling it.

Final Remarks

When it comes to feeding your parrotlets, you need to decide between a commercial pellet and a nutritionally balanced seed blend. Whichever you choose, make sure to select a high-quality product. If you’re not sure where to start shopping for parrotlet food, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!