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Post by Karen R Quinn on Aug 10, 2009 17:33:07 GMT -7
Dairy Free Calcium Sources:
Here is a list of items that are a natural source for calcium.
Almonds, Deep Green Leafy Vegetables: Turnip Greens, Mustard Greens, Kale, Dandelion Greens, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Kohlrabi, Endive, Watercress, Bok Choy, Brussel Sprouts. Calcium-fortified orange juice, Tofu is also high in calcium; comparable to dairy sources like milk, yogurt and cheese.
Sneak some tofu in some cooked eggs or accent it with some garlic - sometimes it is just adding a special flavor that will trigger them to eat it. Creatively masking the identity. Note: Calcium will be absorbed better from fresh veggies than from an artificial source like a vitamin.
Please Note: Tofu is a soy based product. Parrots who have hormonal tendencies should not be offered soy products. Soybeans contain natural forms of estrogen which can enhance hormone levels. If your parrot has plucking/picking habits, I recommend discontinuing all soy products.
Keep in mind that Calcium is lost in cooking some foods even under the best conditions. I would recommend using fresh vegetables and organic where available. Keeping in mind that high oxalate vegetables such as spinach and swiss chard decrease calcium absorption. However, these vegetables are the exception rather than the norm. Common beans such as kidney, chick pea and pinto contain oxalate and phytates, which interfere with calcium absorption.
If you are concerned with calcium absorption, then it might be better to stay away from the above mentioned items. Vitamin A enriched vegetables and fruit are wonderful for aiding in calcium absorption.
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