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My parakeet is thin. What high-calorie food or supplement can I give?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female | 8 years old | 31 lbs

Is there a good high calorie supplement, vitamin or food that I can offer my seed junkie parakeet? She scored a poor body condition, was described as thin at her exam. Currently taking Metacam for an ouchy foot.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Todd Cecil

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on January 3rd, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about your budgies. Offering vegetables, cooked beans/legumes are important components of the avian diet. Weight loss due to muscle atrophy or resorption is often related to unbalance amino acid (protein) consumption but correction is more difficult in older animals.
With the swollen foot, make sure it is not a condition of gout, as this is a kidney ailment and meloxicam could be hard on the kidneys. Monitor water consumption and urination.
Good luck.
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