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Milk
Nov 20, 2015 23:47:24 GMT -5
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Post by wsteinhoff on Nov 20, 2015 23:47:24 GMT -5
I understand that birds can not digest lactose and that they aren't built to digest dairy products but I have heard before that dairy (milk, cheese,and yogurt) in small amounts can be good for them. Being lactose intolerant myself I always have lactose-free milk around. Since it's getting late for tonight I only did some quick research but I've found things saying both that it is and that it is not okay to give lactose-free milk to birds. Anyone know which it is? Has anyone here even tried giving lactose-free dairy to their birds? I don't plan to give them this or at the very least not until I know for sure it would be safe, it was more of a curiosity that came to me when I saw the milk in the fridge.
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Post by easttex on Nov 21, 2015 6:21:33 GMT -5
It seems logical that since birds lack the enzyme required to process lactose, it would be okay to give them lactose-free dairy, but I wouldn't do it. Lactose-free milk is the only kind that I've seen on any reliable "do not feed, ever" lists, because of the process. It isn't actually removed, but is broken down into smaller elements, which can be harmful to birds.
If you're going to give him anything, I think it would be better to give regular dairy, in very small amounts. I sometimes add a little mozzarella to the scrambled egg I give Peppy. Cottage cheese and plain yogurt in small amounts are okay.
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Milk
Nov 21, 2015 10:45:16 GMT -5
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Post by wsteinhoff on Nov 21, 2015 10:45:16 GMT -5
It seems logical that since birds lack the enzyme required to process lactose, it would be okay to give them lactose-free dairy, but I wouldn't do it. Lactose-free milk is the only kind that I've seen on any reliable "do not feed, ever" lists, because of the process. It isn't actually removed, but is broken down into smaller elements, which can be harmful to birds. If you're going to give him anything, I think it would be better to give regular dairy, in very small amounts. I sometimes add a little mozzarella to the scrambled egg I give Peppy. Cottage cheese and plain yogurt in small amounts are okay. Oh, I didn't realize that about the milk. Having drank it my whole life and being a research geek with the power of google I guess I probably should've known by now how it's made. If it is broken down like that though then it would likely be done with some sort of chemical so I would say you're right about it not being safe. I have given him tiny bits of low fat mozzarella before and I do have cottage cheese and plain yogurt. |
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