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Which diet is linked to fatty liver disease in pet birds?

A diet of mostly seeds is linked to fatty liver disease.

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  1. A pellet-based diet
  2. A diet of mostly seeds ✔
  3. Fresh vegetables

Why: Seed diets are high in fat. Merck notes a high rate of fatty liver disease in inactive pet birds that eat mostly seeds.

Huh, didn't know that: Galah cockatoos, macaws, Amazon parrots and Quaker parrots are especially likely to become obese.

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References

Answer: A diet of mostly seeds. Seed diets are high in fat. Merck notes a high rate of fatty liver disease in inactive pet birds that eat mostly seeds.

  1. Nutritional Diseases of Pet Birds (Merck Veterinary Manual, professional version) www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/nutritional-diseases-of-pet-birds
    the high incidence of hepatic lipidosis, atherosclerosis, and right-side heart failure in sedentary captive birds consuming primarily seed diets
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Nutritional Disorders of Pet Birds (Merck Veterinary Manual) www.merckvetmanual.com/bird-owners/disorders-and-diseases-of-birds/nutritional-disorders-of-pet-birds
    Galah cockatoos, macaws, Amazon parrots, and Quaker parrots are especially likely to become obese.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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