The Problem With Seed-Only Diets
Most bird owners in Qatar feed seeds as the primary or sole diet. This is the single most common bird nutrition mistake — and it shortens birds' lives significantly. Seeds are high in fat and low in vitamins A, D3, calcium, and many other nutrients birds need. A budgie or cockatiel fed seeds-only typically develops fatty liver disease, feather problems, and a shortened lifespan.
The good news: the solution is straightforward once you understand what birds actually need.
Browse bird food for all bird nutrition products at Pet Glow.
The Right Diet by Species
Budgerigars (Budgies)
Base diet: A quality seed mix (Versele-Laga Prestige Budgie or Manitoba Budgie) — but seeds should be no more than 50-60% of the diet.
Essential additions:
Cockatiels
Similar to budgies but larger portions. Versele-Laga Prestige Cockatiel or Manitoba Cockatiel as the seed base. Fresh vegetables and pellets as above. Cockatiels enjoy millet spray as a treat — not as a staple, as it's high in fat.
Parrots (African Grey, Amazon, Conure, etc.)
Parrots need the most varied diet of any pet bird. Pellets should be 60-70% of the diet for most parrot species — ZuPreem Natural or Harrison's High Potency are excellent options available at Pet Glow.
Fresh food daily: vegetables, fruits (apple, mango, papaya — avoid avocado and citrus in large amounts), legumes (cooked chickpeas, lentils), grains (cooked brown rice, quinoa).
Seeds and nuts are treats for parrots — high fat content makes them unsuitable as dietary staples.
Canaries and Finches
These birds primarily need seed — Versele-Laga Prestige Canary or Manitoba Canary mixes are appropriate. Supplement with egg food (Versele-Laga Egg Food) during moulting and breeding seasons for extra protein. Fresh greens 3x per week.
Qatar-Specific Considerations
Heat and fresh food: Fresh food spoils faster in Qatar's heat. Remove uneaten fresh food within 2–3 hours in summer. Never leave fresh food in the cage overnight.
Dust from seed husks: Birds discard seed husks rather than eating them — the bowl looks full but is actually just husks. Blow across the bowl to remove husks before adding fresh seed. Husks are a significant source of dust in AC-heavy homes.
Water: Change water twice daily in summer. Qatar's heat breeds bacteria quickly in water bowls.
Supplements Available at Pet Glow
Browse bird food for Manitoba, Versele-Laga, ZuPreem and more, with same-day delivery across Doha.