Vitamins for Macaws

Macaws require a number of vitamins to maintain good health. A macaw's specific dietary needs differ from species to species, however, there are some vitamins for macaws that are universal and are essential to all species for good health. Though the amount of food required and the level of vitamins may differ from one macaw species to another, it is important to ensure that the foods given to your pet macaw contain a healthy level of some essential vitamins and minerals.

  1. Calcium

    • Calcium is essential to macaw health to mineralize bone, maintain a healthy metabolism and produce healthy eggs for reproduction. Commercial bird foods do not contain the levels of calcium required by macaws, so it is important to include fresh, calcium rich foods like mustard greens, pumpkin seeds, salmon and broccoli in the macaw diet.

    Vitamin A

    • Macaws require vitamin A for healthy immune function, cellular growth and good vision. According to avian specialist Susan E. Orosz, how much vitamin A the macaw requires for optimal health is unknown, but since a small cockatiel requires at least 2,000 IU/kg of the vitamin a day, maintaining at least that level of the in the macaw diet is recommended. Foods rich in Vitamin A include broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens. It is important to note that while a vitamin A deficiency is bad for your macaw's health, an excess amount of vitamin A can be toxic to a macaw. It is important to ensure that you provide a balanced diet of vitamin A rich foods to prevent a deficiency or toxicity from occurring.

    Vitamin C

    • Macaws require vitamin C for the production of collagen, growth and reproduction. A macaw that is exhibiting signs of stress such as loss of appetite or feather plucking may require additional amounts of vitamin C as stress can cause a deficiency of this particular vitamin. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe and green, leafy vegetables.

    Vitamin D

    • Vitamin D is necessary for liver and kidney function, as well as egg production. Vitamin D is synthesized in the body by sunlight, so it is essential that your macaw receive daily exposure to the UVB rays of the sun. Inadequate amounts of exposure to UVB rays prevent the body from producing vitamin D, which will result in a deficiency of this essential vitamin.

    Vitamin K

    • Vitamin K is integral for healthy blood and kidneys. A deficiency of vitamin K in macaws can result in free-bleeding if injured and degeneration of kidney tubules. Foods that should be included in a macaw diet that are rich in vitamin K include apple peels, grapes, plums, parsley and broccoli.

    Vitamin E

    • Deficiencies in vitamin E can cause complications with the vascular, neuromuscular and reproductive systems. Vitamin E can be found naturally in a variety of macaw friendly foods including broccoli, spinach, mango, and nuts and legumes like sunflower seeds, peanuts and hazelnuts.