Bird Food Sources of Magnesium & Zinc

For a bird to live a long and healthy life, a balanced diet is critical. Magnesium and zinc are both important micro-minerals in a bird's diet and can be added with other foods or treats, or found in many prepackaged formulas.

  1. Balanced Diet

    • A balanced food source for a bird includes water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids (or fats), minerals and vitamins. Both zinc and magnesium fall into the minerals category as "micro-minerals," since they require such minuscule amounts.

    Zinc

    • Birds require a small amount of zinc in their food to remain healthy. This is measured in parts-per-million in pre-packaged foods. The zinc found in food, which supports immune health and development, is different than the heavy-metal zinc that can be toxic to birds. Zinc in galvanized bowls or feeders can be dangerous if ingested.

    Natural Zinc Sources

    • Zinc can be found in natural food sources such as coconut, broccoli, garbanzo beans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and the breast meat of chicken and turkey.

    Magnesium

    • Magnesium is required in small amounts in a bird's diet. Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium, for healthy bones.

    Natural Magnesium Sources

    • Natural sources of magnesium include kiwi, tangerine, honeydew, alfalfa sprouts, green beans, black eyed peas, kidney beans, cashews, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and millet.