【Sold out】PEGO's Freeze Dried Food

Freeze-drying is a method in which food is first frozen and then dried under vacuum by sublimating the ice (turning it directly from solid to vapor). Foods made this way are called freeze-dried.

[Why do we recommend it?]
Pellets were once commonly recommended to make up about 70% of the diet, but that view has been shifting. Today, many recommend keeping pellets around 30% and making 70% or more of the diet from whole foods—vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, herbs, coconut, and mealworms.

A range of expert opinions and research in Europe and North America has fueled a growing movement among some bird keepers to reduce pellet ratios and favor whole foods.

Many people find it burdensome to buy several kinds of organic whole foods every day and prepare them (washing and chopping). In those cases, freeze-dried foods are a practical alternative.

[Nutritional value of freeze-drying]
Freeze-drying can retain about 95% of a food’s original nutrients. If fresh produce is considered 100%, only about 5% is lost. Recent advances also allow these foods to be made without additives, and because little heat is used, nutrient and flavor loss is minimal. Color, aroma, and nutritional value are well preserved, so you can feed with confidence.

[Palatability]
Individual responses vary, but we’ve received many reports of birds that dislike fresh vegetables enjoying the texture of freeze-dried foods. Birds often need time to recognize a new item as “food,” so introduce it gradually. Try offering it powdered or lightly moistened to find what your bird prefers.

This blend is suitable for a wide range of bird species, including finches, small to large parrots, and more.
It is also appropriate for Eclectus parrots and Galahs (Rose-breasted Cockatoos).

Please note: Suitability for lories and lorikeets has not been confirmed, so we recommend feeding at the owner's discretion.
This product may also be given to other small animals, but please check the ingredients carefully and use your best judgment when offering it.

For best results, moisten freeze-dried food before serving. We do not recommend offering it completely dry.

Reason 1: To help prevent dehydration. Because it is very dry, it can draw water from the body and may increase water intake.

Reason 2: To support enzymes. When kept dry, the natural enzymes in whole foods are largely inactive (dormant). If you want to provide optimal nutrition, adding water may help reactivate enzymatic activity.

Feeding it dry is not “wrong,” but this guidance has been updated from a nutritional perspective. Eating comes first. If you do serve it dry, please make sure your bird stays well hydrated.

In bird nutrition, “whole foods” are ingredients that wild birds could obtain in nature—fresh vegetables and fruits, seeds, nuts, herbs, coconut, edible flowers, insects, and items that are soaked or sprouted. In short, foods you can recognize at a glance.

With the exception of processed products such as pellets, supplements, and bird cookies, most of these are considered whole foods. (Seeds count as whole foods, too.)

Avian experts recommend the following amounts as a general guideline:

Small parrots: 1 tablespoon
Medium parrots: 2 tablespoons
Large parrots: 3 tablespoons

Suggested routine:
In the morning, aim to offer foods with higher moisture content.

Morning: A variety of fresh, raw whole foods
Evening: Freeze-dried food

Pellets should make up no more than 30% of the total diet, or be used simply as treats.

Introduce freeze-dried food gradually into daily meals to help your bird get used to vegetables over time.

Tips:
Small birds such as finches and budgies (budgerigars) may find the original pieces too large. If so, crush them by hand, place them in a bag and press, or grind them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.

Our top recommendation is to soak freeze-dried food to rehydrate it before feeding.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and humidity. Once opened, use promptly; reseal the zipper closure tightly or transfer to an airtight container. For reference, our team keeps them in airtight jars from IKEA.

Coming Soon.

Made with USDA-certified organic, non-GMO whole-food ingredients.
Vegetables and fruits are washed with apple cider vinegar or baking soda. All ingredients are freeze-dried (no heat).

Net weight: 150 g
(Depending on ingredient density, some mixes may look sparse but feel heavier, or look full yet feel lighter.)

All ingredients are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO whole foods. We use Google Translate, so the English ingredient names shown are the accurate ones. Everything is freeze-dried.

To be updated

Q: Does this sell out quickly? When is the next restock?
A: Yes—each batch usually sells out within a few days. We’ll post restock updates on this page and on Instagram.

Q: Will the exact same blend be restocked?
A: No. We don’t repeat identical formulas. Because we prioritize dietary diversity, the ingredients change from batch to batch. If you find a blend you love, consider purchasing extra.

Q: My bird’s droppings look watery / have a different color.
A: This often means your bird is well hydrated, and certain foods—especially beets—can turn droppings red. The color usually reflects the foods eaten, so it’s not a problem. If the color changes from day to day, that’s a good sign your bird is eating a variety of foods and getting diverse nutrients.

Q: Is this recommended for my [parrot species]?
A: Ingredients vary each time, but we list any species for which we don’t recommend it under the “Parrot Species” section—please check there. In general, our blends are suitable for most species.

Q: I’ve heard that [ingredient] isn’t safe for parrots. Is this okay?
A: Yes. We use only ingredients considered safe for parrots, based on peer-reviewed data, studies, and guidance from biologists, animal scientists, certified bird trainers, and nutrition professionals in the U.S. and Europe. If guidance in your country differs and you’re concerned, please refrain from purchasing.

Q: Can I use this alongside supplements or medications?
A: As a whole-food product, it’s generally fine. Be mindful of citrus and potential interactions. When in doubt, contact the supplement or medication manufacturer and share their guidance with your veterinarian.

Q: I was told to keep whole foods under 30% of the diet.
A: It depends on why. Years ago, many recommended pellets at about 70% of the diet. That view has been shifting; today, many aim for roughly 30% pellets and 70% or more whole foods (vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, herbs, coconut, mealworms). In the U.S. and Europe, some keepers and experts are moving in this direction. If your bird has a specific health issue, please follow your specialist’s advice.

Q: I found seeds in the fruit / a stem on the vegetable. Is that a problem?
A: It’s not a problem. We’ve had questions about apple seeds before—we don’t suggest offering them on purpose, but a few eaten incidentally aren’t a concern. In general, fruit “seeds” are typically fine for birds, while hard “pits” (stones) should not be fed. If you’re unsure, simply remove them. Zucchini or carrot tops are also fine; remove them if you prefer.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets maximum “defect action levels” for incidental insect matter, and those limits vary by food type and manufacturing process. Because this product uses pesticide-free ingredients and contains no additives, incidental insects may occasionally be present. Insects associated with produce or herbs (i.e., whole foods) are a natural source of animal protein and are generally not harmful to birds; however, please remove them if you prefer. Returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for issues related to incidental insects