Can Parrots Eat Brussels Sprouts? {Benefits & Hazards}

Around the world, you can find a lot of different vegetables that are being used in different dishes depending on the traditions that the area follows. And also you can find a lot of different veggies that look like each other, but the fact they are totally different and may belong to different families.

One of these veggies is the Brussels sprouts, these green balls that originate from Belgium are not very famous around the world, but if you searched about it in the origin country, you find that is very popular among the locals and they eat it and use in many traditional dishes.

So, Can Parrots Eat Brussels Sprouts?

Yes, parrots can eat Brussels sprouts. And since parrots need green veggies in their diet, adding Brussel sports to their daily meals or as treat is good. Brussels sprouts are extremely healthy for parrots, but adding them should be along with seeds and nuts.

And in this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about feeding Brussels sprouts to your parrot, how much, and how often they should eat.

So, let’s get into this

bowl of brussel sprouts

What is Brussels Sprouts?

The Brussels sprouts are a type of vegetable that belongs to the Gemmifera family. In fact, the cabbages that have the same look as the Brussels sprouts belong to the same family, and no wonder why they look like each other this much. The major difference between them is the size, and the cabbages are much bigger than Brussels sprouts.

And historically, Brussels sprouts are thought to have originated in Rome, but they weren’t very popular back then. Until it hit its stride in Belgium and became very popular as an agricultural crop in the 16th century. In Belgium, Brussels sprouts got their name they still carry to this day.

Benefits Your Parrot Will Get from Eating Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are very rich in nutrients that humans and animals need in their daily meals, and according to the USDA, every cup of Brussels sprouts (88g) contains the following nutrients:

  • 37.8 Calories
  • 2.97 grams of protein
  • 0.264 gram of fat
  • 7.88 grams of carbs
  • 3.34 grams of fiber
  • 1.94 grams of sugar
  • 37 mg of calcium
  • 1.23 mg of iron
  • 20.2 mg of magnesium
  • 60.7 of phosphorus
  • 342 mg of potassium
  • 20.4 mg of sodium
  • 0.37 mg of zinc
  • 0.297 mg of manganese
  • 74.8 mg of Vitamin C

Not to mention the smaller amounts of other nutrients like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B-6, folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and many more.

As Brussels sprouts are very rich in nutrients, and as long as they are safe for parrots (And they are), they make healthy and delicious snacks for parrots to enjoy every day.

And if you think your parrot may hate Brussels sprouts, let me tell you that most, if not all, parrots will like to eat it. And sometimes they prefer them over other types of fruits like mango, and dates.

So I highly recommend adding these veggies to your parrot diet system. But, before you do, I suggest you keep reading to find if they’re any drawbacks to parrots eating Brussels sprouts and what is the best way to serve them.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Even the safest food, like seeds and nuts, can have some drawbacks if eaten excessively, the same goes with Brussels sprout. Serve them in moderation. Do not overfeed your parrot Brussels sprouts. The high level of fiber might cause your parrot diarrhea.

I know fiber can be very helpful whilst your parrot has constipation, but the more unneeded fiber, the more likely your parrot will have diarrhea. Besides the bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, that may happen when consuming a lot of fiber.

Apart from that, you need to consult the vet when your parrot is under any kind of medication. And this is because of the Existence of vitamin K in Brussels sprouts, and the complications that may occur.

The bottom line is to feed Brussels Sprouts in moderation and avoid them while your parrot is sick.

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts to Your Parrot

You have 2 options to serve Brussels sprouts to your parrot. You can serve them raw or cooked. You can boil the Sprouts before serving and it’s totally safe, but the issue here is that the nutrients here may get reduced while the cooking process is happening.

So, raw is the best choice if you want your parrot to get the most of them.

As we mentioned earlier, the Brussels sprouts are tiny and some owners may think that it’s good to serve the whole sprout to the parrot, but the fact it’s not good. The whole sprout can cause the bird some annoying symptoms in the digestive system, like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

So, instead of serving whole Brussels sprouts, cut them into 3 or 4 pieces, so your parrot can eat them safely with no side effects.

Don’t feed them to your parrot as a complete meal. No Brussels sprouts can not meet the dietary requirement your parrot need. Serve them as treats, or as an ingredient in your parrot daily meals.

Apart from that, while you feed your parrot, Brussels Sprouts regularly, or as an ingredient in daily meals, remember to remove the leftover after your parrot finishes his meal. You don’t want him to eat rotten Brussels sprouts. They are not like seeds and nuts; they spoil faster.

After your parrot finishes his meal, take the rest of the Brussels Sprout or any other vegetables and put them in the fridge. This way you can save them for other meals.

How Much Brussels Sprouts is Safe For Parrots

Although Brussels sprouts are small, it’s recommended to cut them into pieces to avoid any risks. Quarter or third of the sprout is the best if you are using them as treats for your parrot.

And if you want to add Brussels sprouts as an ingredient in your parrot diet, along with seeds and nuts, make sure it’s not over 10% of the entire meal.

FAQ

Are Brussels Sprouts Poisonous?

No, Brussels Sprouts are not poisonous and they are totally safe for parrots to consume. However, excessive consumption can cause the parrot some side effects like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and reduction in appetite.

Can Parrots Eat Cooked Brussels Sprouts?

Yes, parrots can eat cooked Brussels Sprouts as long as they are not heavily seasoned or fried. Boiled or steamed Brussels sprouts are the safest to serve for parrots, along with the raw sprouts which are the most beneficial for parrots.

Can African Greys Eat Brussels Sprouts?

Of course, African Greys and all different parrots can eat Brussels sprouts, whether as a snack, treat, or as an ingredient in their daily meals. In fact, Brussels sprouts provide parrots with a lot of important nutrients, and the good thing is that all of them are in one source.

And yes, that’s about it. Hope you found this article to be informative, and easy to digest. Thank you for reading …