Nutrients are substances needed for growth, metabolism, and for other body functions. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide calories or energy. There are three macronutrients:
- carbohydrates
- protein
- fat
Micronutrients are nutrients that our bodies need in smaller amounts, and include vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients are essential to good health and the proper functioning of the body's systems.
The following table provides an overview of the micronutrients essential to your bird's health as well as information on their specific sources and benefits:
| Nutrient | Benefit & Source |
| Vitamin A | Prevention of bacterial infection, tissue and bone growth, healthy skin, vision, reproduction |
| carrots, yams, winter squash, broccoli, dark leaf greens, spinach, Swiss chard, corn, asparagus, green peppers, alfalfa, pumpkin, sweet potato, chili peppers, kale, soy beans, apricots, cantaloupe, papayas, mangos, nectarines, peaches, apples, blueberries, cranberries, guava, kiwi, plums, figs, dark grapes, bananas, pineapple, pomegranates | |
| Vitamin C | Needed during times of stress and illness, collagen and cortisone production |
| citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, beets, cantaloupe | |
| Vitamin D3 | Needed for the metabolism of calcium, enhances immunity, maintains healthy heart and nervous system |
|
Naturally synthesized with exposure to unfiltered UV radiation from direct sunlight (i.e., no glass) or from full spectrum lighting. hard boiled egg yolk, fish-liver oil, supplements |
|
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant, supports brain function, oxygen conservation, promotes healing |
| peanuts, almonds, safflower, walnuts, whole grain cereal, eggs, leafy greens and wheat germ | |
| Vitamin H | Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, enzyme production |
| tuna, cooked egg yolks, soybeans, split peas, garbanzo beans, cauliflower, sunflower, peanuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, oatmeal, chicken, cheese and banana | |
| Vitamin K | Regulates blood clotting, bone formation and repair |
| broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, soybeans, alfalfa, oats, cheddar cheese | |
| Vitamin B1 | Vital to cellular reactions and normal functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system |
| alfafa, soybeans, beets and dark leafy greens | |
| Vitamin B2 | Converts food to energy, healthy egg production, blood cell development, eyesight and skin health |
| cheese, bee pollen, wheat germ, beef, almonds, chicken | |
| Vitamin B3 | Energy for cells, healthy feathers |
| halibut, tuna, turkey, dried peaches, barley, peanuts, sunflower, almonds, brewer's yeast | |
| Vitamin B5 | Fatty acid breakdown and carbohydrate metabolism, relieves stress |
| blue cheese, eggs, turkey, corn, peas, soybeans, walnuts, lentils, wheat germ, brewer's yeast | |
| Vitamin B6 | Synthesis of oxygen in blood, amino acid breakdown, brain and nervous system |
| wheat germ, hazelnuts, sunflower, soybeans, tuna | |
| Vitamin B12 | Cell division and growth, red blood cell development, metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates |
| shellfish, swiss cheese, blue cheese, beef, ocean fish | |
| Folic Acid | Production of red blood cells |
| sprouts, wheat germ, endive, asparagus, collard greens, barley, almonds, cashews | |
| Calcium | Building and maintenance of strong bones, eggshell development, blood clotting, nerve transmission, metabolism of vitamin D |
| egg shell, yogurt, Swiss chard, Swiss cheese, low fat cheese, beet greens, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, sesame seeds, watercress, cuttlebone, mineral block, oyster shell, alfalfa meal, whey, broccoli leaves, spinach, cabbage (outside leaves) | |
| Phosphorous | Metabolism of fats, formation of bones, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, acid balance, nerve and heart health, kidney function |
| cereal grains, hard boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, fish and meat, brewer's yeast, dried whey, wheat germ meal, yogurt, chicken and garlic | |
| Magnesium | Regulates acid-base balance, facilitates absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous |
| whole grains, dark leafy greens, almonds, corn, apples |
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