The Benefits of Freeze-Dried Bird Food Over Raw and Dried Foods

By Diane Burroughs

What is freeze-dried bird food?

Freeze-dried bird food is a type of bird food that has been processed to preserve its nutritional content and flavor without the need for added preservatives or sugar. The process of freeze-drying involves the use of extremely cold temperatures and low air pressure to remove most of the moisture from the food. This process not only preserves the flavor and nutrients of the food, but it also allows the food to remain shelf-stable for long periods of time. Freeze-dried bird food can come in many different forms, including pellets, chop, vegetables, fruits, and more. 

Freeze-dried foods offer many benefits over other dried foods and raw foods, such as an improved flavor profile and extended shelf life.  

Additionally, freeze-dried foods are typically much easier to digest than raw foods because they do not require as much energy for digestion.  

Freeze-dried foods also contain much higher levels of vitamins and minerals than other dried foods and raw foods since the freeze-drying process locks in the nutrient content of the food.  

Furthermore, freeze-dried bird food does not contain any artificial preservatives or sugars which makes them healthier than many other types of bird food on the market. Finally, freeze-dried foods are very easy to store since they take up less space than other dried foods and raw foods. 

How is freeze-dried food different from dehydrated food or raw food?

Freeze-dried bird food is different from dehydrated or raw food in several ways. Freeze-dried food retains more nutrients than either of the other two options, as the process of freeze-drying preserves the food’s natural nutrition.  

Freeze-dried bird food also has a longer shelf life due to its low moisture content, while dehydrated and raw food tend to spoil quickly.  

Furthermore, freeze-dried bird food is typically much more convenient and easier to store than either dehydrated or raw food, as the freeze-dried product does not require special packaging or refrigeration 

And finally, freeze-dried bird food is usually cheaper than the other two options. Not only is the cost lower per pound, but the fact that it lasts longer means you don’t have to buy as much bird food over time. With freeze-dried bird food, you can feed your feathered friend a healthier diet without breaking the bank 

Is freeze-dried bird food healthy?

When it comes to bird food, many bird owners are increasingly turning to freeze-dried options as an alternative to traditional dry, canned, and frozen foods. Freeze-dried bird food is made by dehydrating raw food items in a vacuum chamber and then cooling them rapidly to preserve moisture and nutritional content. This process results in food that is lightweight, easy to store and has a long shelf life. 

Cooked bird pellets and dehydrated raw foods lose many nutrients in the cooking process. Fresh grocery store vegetables degrade quickly and are often tossed in the trash contributing to the methane gas problem that causes global warming. 

Freeze-dried bird food offers a number of nutritional advantages. Foods that are freeze-dried retain 98 - 99% of their nutritional value, while dehydrated foods retain only 60-75% of their original nutritional value. Freeze-drying also locks in essential nutrients by stopping enzyme reactions that diminish nutritional benefits over time. Your bird can access antioxidants and phytochemicals that help fight off cancer. They'll get vitamins A, C, E, and K and important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium from freeze-dried food for years to come. 

In addition, quality freeze-dried bird food is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors which are common in other bird foods.

For birds with sensitive digestive systems, freeze-dried bird food can be a great option as it is much easier to digest than processed dry or canned foods. Moreover, freeze-dried bird food offers a much more appetizing texture and flavor than either dehydrated or canned food products. As such, it can be more appealing to picky eaters who may turn up their beaks at other food options.  

Overall, when considering the health benefits of freeze-dried bird food versus its dehydrated or canned counterparts, there is no doubt that the former is superior in terms of nutrition, digestibility, and palatability. 

How long does freeze dried food last?

Freeze-dried bird food has an incredible shelf life of up to 25 years because most of the moisture has been removed. This makes it a great option for long-term storage, as it will last much longer than raw or dehydrated bird food.

However, once opened, freeze-dried bird food should be kept in an airtight container and used within 30 days for optimal freshness. Opened freeze-dried bird food is also known to lose some nutritional value over time, so it's best to replace it with fresh food after the expiration date printed on the package.  

Dehydrated foods can last for up to a year while fresh vegetables and fruits should be used within seven days for optimum nutrition. Freeze-dried bird food provides an ideal solution for birds because it is lightweight, easy to store, and has a very long shelf life. Unlike dried bird food, which can lack essential nutrients due to processing, freeze-dried bird food retains all of its essential vitamins and minerals.  

Furthermore, freeze-dried bird food does not need to be soaked before eating like many dried bird foods do. Finally, birds find the taste of freeze-dried bird food more appealing than other types of bird food as its texture and aroma are far more natural. All of these benefits make freeze-dried bird food an ideal choice for feeding your feathered frIends! 

Dehydrated foods can last for up to a year while fresh vegetables and fruits should be used within seven days for optimum nutrition. Freeze-dried bird food provides an ideal solution for birds because it is lightweight, easy to store, and has a very long shelf life. Unlike dried bird food, which can lack essential nutrients due to processing, freeze-dried bird food retains all of its essential vitamins and minerals. 

How do you prepare freeze-dried bird food?

It is essential to remember that freeze-dried bird food is intended to supplement a high-quality pellet-based diet, and you will need to teach your bird to accept both. Use established methods to successfully convert your bird to a healthier diet and stick with it. Over 90% of birds convert to a healthy diet in just a few days!

Preparing freeze-dried bird food is a very easy process and requires minimal effort. The key to rehydrating freeze-dried bird food, such as parrot food, is to do it slowly and carefully.  

To start, take the desired amount of freeze-dried bird food and place it in a bowl. Slowly pour warm water over the food and let it sit for a few minutes. You can stir the mix occasionally to ensure that all of the freeze-dried bird food is evenly hydrated. Once the food has had time to soften, it's ready to serve.  

It's important to never add too much water or the food may become soggy. After the bird has finished its meal, make sure to discard any uneaten food and replace the water before serving a new batch. 

What are the disadvantages of freeze-dried bird food?

Many human-grade freeze-dried bird food manufacturers use sulphites as a preservative. Using these products with our sensitive pet birds is a big "no-no." Don't be fooled into buying cheap freeze-dried food products from sources like Alibaba for this very reason.  

The main disadvantage of freeze-dried bird food is the expensive equipment and maintenance that is required for production. Imagine a machine that flash-freezes the food at -48 degrees celsius and then pressurizes the food to draw out the moisture and you'll quickly realize why freeze-dryers start at $2,000.00 USD. 

Freeze-drying food does not kill bacteria; however, it slows down or inhibits their growth by removing water. Like any other food preparation method, it is important to thoroughly wash and dry foods before freeze-drying.  

Preparation of freeze-dried is labor-intensive and time-consuming. First, you'll need to choose a variety of fresh, healthy foods. Once you get them home, You'll also want to carefully remove any blemishes and bruises. Next, plan to blanch some vegetables. Finally, chop the food into chunks, place the pieces on the trays and allow 24 hours, give or take, for the machine to do its magic. Sure, it is cheaper to buy less nutritious dehydrated foods or chop your own veggies, but they can spoil quickly and making large batches to freeze is also time-consuming. 

Storing freeze dried foods such as parrot food has its advantages: it has an extended shelf life compared to raw or cooked bird food, so there is no need to worry about spoiling quickly or running out. Because there are minimal vitamins lost in the freeze drying process, bird owners don't have to worry about supplementing their parrots' diets with additional vitamins. Additionally, since there are no additional preservatives added during the process, parrot owners don't have to worry about feeding their feathered friends artificial ingredients. Lastly, parrots love the taste and texture of freeze dried bird food so owners don't have to worry about their pets being picky eaters! 

What are the advantages of freeze-dried bird food?

Freeze-dried foods offer many benefits over other dried foods and raw foods, such as an improved flavor profile and extended shelf life. Additionally, freeze-dried foods are typically much easier to digest than raw foods because they do not require as much energy for digestion. 

Freeze-dried foods also contain much higher levels of vitamins and minerals than other dried foods and raw foods since the freeze-drying process locks in the nutrient content of the food. Furthermore, freeze-dried bird food does not contain any artificial preservatives or sugars which makes them healthier than many other types of bird food on the market. Finally, freeze-dried foods are very easy to store since they take up less space than other dried foods and raw foods.  

Freeze-dried bird food is also perfect for foraging toys since it is lightweight, easy to break apart, and does not easily spoil. This makes them a great choice for enriching the lives of pet birds with interactive toys filled with food. Freeze-dried bird food can also be combined with other types of food to create a nutritious and tasty meal for your feathered friend. 

Ideal for road trips and evacuation kits, freeze-dried bird food is incredibly lightweight and compact. Freeze-dried foods last longer than raw or other dried foods, making them the perfect choice for long journeys where access to fresh food may be difficult.  

Birds can receive all the nutrition they need from freeze-dried bird food without compromising on taste. Plus, a quality brand of freeze-dried bird food is free of additives, making them suitable for even picky eaters who are sensitive to additives in their diet. Freeze-dried bird food provides all the same benefits as fresh fruits and vegetables but without the mess and hassle of having to prepare fresh produce every day.  

With freeze-dried bird food, you get all the nutrition without having to worry about spoilage. Freeze-dried bird food has been carefully formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of pet birds while still providing a delicious experience that your feathered friends will love! 

How do I get my bird to eat freeze-dried food?

Introducing your bird to freeze-dried food can be a bit of a challenge as some birds can be quite resistant to trying new foods. However, it is possible to get your bird to enjoy this type of food.  

The most important thing is to model eating the food in front of them to show them that it is safe. A lot of people don't realize that birds need to be shown which foods are safe before they'll give them a try. 

Begin by offering your bird small amounts of freeze-dried bird food in addition to its regular diet. As your bird becomes more comfortable with the new food, you can gradually increase the amount and start to replace some of its regular diet with freeze-dried bird food.  

It is important to reward your bird when they try the new food by providing lots of verbal praise, such as saying "Good bird!" or "What a good parrot!". Positive reinforcement can go a long way in getting your bird to accept new foods, so be sure to make it a pleasant experience for them. With a little bit of patience and effort, your bird should eventually develop a taste for freeze-dried bird food. 

Why is freeze-dried bird food so expensive?

It is no secret that freeze-dried bird food, such as parrot food, is significantly more expensive than other types of bird food. This is due to the complex machines and lengthy process needed to make them.  

Freeze-dried bird food requires high temperatures and pressure, as well as special vacuum chambers, in order to preserve all the natural vitamins and minerals without the need for any added preservatives.  

The machines used to make freeze-dried bird food are highly sophisticated, require careful monitoring, and take a long time to operate, which makes them costly to purchase and maintain. Furthermore, the ingredients used in freeze-dried bird food are often of a higher quality than those used in other types of bird food, and these also come with an increased cost.  

All these factors combine to make freeze-dried bird food one of the more expensive types of bird food available on the market today. 

In conclusion

When it comes to providing the best nutrition for your feathered friend, freeze-dried bird food is an excellent option. Freeze-drying is a process that preserves the nutritional value of foods and ensures that your parrot gets the highest quality of nutrients. It is also easier to store than raw or dehydrated food and has a longer shelf life. Freeze-dried bird food also helps reduce waste and provides added convenience for busy owners who may not have time to constantly buy and prepare fresh food for their birds. Despite being more expensive than other types of bird food, the health benefits far outweigh the costs. If you want to ensure that your parrot is getting the most nutrient-rich meal, then freeze-dried bird food is the way to go. 

Tropical birds, in particular, have access to thousands of plants with a high nutrition content, but in our homes, the nutritional value of raw bird food decreases with time. This means that while freeze-dried foods offer convenience, they also offer more nutrients than the raw bird food you may be feeding your pet. So if you want to ensure your bird is getting the most out of its meals, then consider switching to freeze-dried bird food.

Ultimately, feeding your pet with freeze-dried bird food provides peace of mind knowing that your bird is getting the best nutrition, without having to worry about preparing it fresh or storing raw bird food for long periods of time. 

PRINT THIS INFOGRAPHIC

 Related Posts: 

How your bird's diet can make it calm 

The Signs Of Malnutrition In Birds And What You Can Do About It Right Now!

Everything You Need To Know About Bird Calcium For A Happy, Healthy Bird

Fat Is Not The "F" Word In Birds' Diets

Popular Premium Bird Foods

---

Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written a number of bird behavior books and she offers behavior consultations. She's developed a range of UnRuffledRx Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.

Diane's products have been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon, a conference for exotic pet veterinarians. Her bird collars & supplements are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores throughout the US. With over 30 years in the field of behavior, Diane has created thousands of successful individualized behavior plans that help pets thrive.

TAGS: #FreezeDriedBirdFood #FreezeDriedForBirds

SHARING IS CARING! PLEASE SHARE ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA NOW!