Be sure to consult your vet or avian nutritional consultant to create an optimal feeding program for your Grey. The following provides an outline of foods "rich" in certain nutrients. The list of nutrients and foods is NOT exhaustive,
as the chart is meant only as a guide.
 

NUTRIENT

FUNCTION

FOODS

Vitamin A
Beta Carotene

Maintains tissue lining, respiratory, reproductive, digestive and urinary tracts.

Yellow/winter squash;; sweet potatoes/yams; carrots; egg yolks; alfalfa sprouts; endive; kale; cod liver oil; collard greens; mustard greens; turnip greens; broccoli; beet greens; chicory; chard; green peppers; chili peppers; red sweet peppers; pumpkins; dandelion greens; parsley; mango; cantaloupe; persimmons; apricots; papaya; Brussels sprouts; asparagus; zucchini; peas; fish-liver oils. (The darker the flesh, the higher the vitamin A/beta carotene.)

B Vitamins*

Participates in metabolic reactions and energy at cell level and other internal growth.

Eggs; cheese; nuts; sunflower seeds; millet seeds; green leafy vegetables; cereals; grains; asparagus; broccoli; lemons; bananas; wheat germ; yogurt; brewer’s yeast; Brussels sprouts. * This list is only partial as there are eight B vitamins that work as a team.

Vitamin C
(Ascorbic acid)

Most important for stressful situations, an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant and anti-stress nutrient.

Potatoes; broccoli; red peppers; green peppers; tomatoes; asparagus; peas; radishes; Swiss chard; zucchini; guavas; kiwi fruit; oranges and juice; papayas; cauliflower; strawberries; cantaloupe; Brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E

Antioxidant protecting cell membranes

Egg yolk; green leafy vegetables; alfalfa sprouts; oats; wheat germ; almonds; cashews; corn; lima beans; sunflower seeds.

Protein

Provides amino acids (the body’s building blocks).

Egg yolk and white; soybean meal; low fat plain yogurt; low fat cheese; low fat cottage cheese; well-cooked chicken and chicken bones; fish; turkey; water packed tuna; brown rice; enriched pasta; nuts; quinoa; amaranth; rice/bean combinations; peanut butter; tofu.

Calcium

Maintains growth and support of bone structure (particularly important for Greys).

Egg shells; low fat cheese; low fat yogurt; mineral block; collard greens; turnip greens; mustard greens; chicory; kale; dandelion; broccoli; almonds; brewer’s yeast; buttermilk; oats; kelp; cooked dried beans and peas; sesame seeds; tofu; oranges; berries; parsley.

Vitamin D3

Promotes proper calcium and phosphorous absorption and utilization.

Egg yolk (boiled at least 15-20 minutes); sunlight; Vita-Lites; fish-liver oil; salmon; sardines; sweet potatoes; dark leafy vegetables; cold water fish.

Phosphorus

Important for RNA/DNA synthesis, nerve health, heart/muscle contraction, kidney function, as well as many other functions. Phosphorus should be in equal amount to magnesium and both half that to calcium.

Foods high in protein, such as hard boiled eggs; brown rice; yogurt; cheese; well-cooked chicken; legumes.

Magnesium

Involved with many metabolic processes; helps regulate acid-alkaline balance and promotes absorption and metabolism of other minerals, particularly calcium. Magnesium should be in equal amount to phosphorus and both half that to calcium.

Whole grains; dark-green vegetables; corn; apples; legumes; seeds; nuts; almonds; natural feeds; wheat germ.

Iron

Combines with protein and copper to assist in hemoglobin production and is required for stress and disease resistance.

Legumes; eggs; green leafy vegetables; kelp; seeds (sesame/sunflower/pumpkin); nuts (almonds); grains; raisins.

Vitamin K

Promotes blood clotting, and is useful for normal functioning of liver and maintenance of strong bones.

Kelp; alfalfa; green leafy vegetables; eggs; soybeans; beet greens.

Zinc

Assists with enzymatic reactions, carbohydrate digestion, facilitates the action of the B vitamins, circulation, liver function, immune system function, protein synthesis and cell growth, skin, bone, joint health, wound healing and growth of reproduction organs.

Peas; legumes; nuts; leafy vegetables; seeds (sesame/sunflower/pumpkin); egg yolks; whole grains (sprouted).

Selenium

It’s an important antioxidant, commonly combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system from damage by preventing the development of free radicals.

Eggs; sesame and sunflower seeds; whole grains; vegetables; garlic.

Iodine

Necessary for normal cell metabolism, metabolism of excess fat and thyroid function.

Kelp; sesame seeds; soybeans; summer squashes.