Some might have heard about Ethoxyquin, but many aren’t aware about it and the impact to the avian health. I decided to start off this post about Ethoxyquin, hoping everyone reading this will make wiser choice in selecting the healthier and safer commercial diet for our feathered friends.

So what is Ethoxyquin? Ethoxyquin is a quinoline-based antioxidant used as a food preservative to extend shelf-life, and also a pesticide. It is commonly used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the rancidification of fats (The explanation was quoted from Wikipedia). To add-on, Ethoxyquin is also use as a rubber stabilizer.

A chemical compound used in pesticide? You see what I mean. I’m sure no one will be happy to feed a chemical compound found in pesticide for their parrots, it’s like feeding poison.

A prolong intake with Ethoxyquin can cause great impact to the health, resulting in damage to kidneys and liver, and even possibility of tumors and growths. We shouldn’t put our parrots’ health and lives at risk, so whenever buying any commercial diet, read those labels on the packaging.

Most commercial seed mixes and pellets are preserved by Ethoxyquin, avoid these and stop offering to the birds. Why not considering other commerical pellets that are organic, naturally preserved by Vitamin C and other healthier natural preservatives? At least they don’t put our parrots’ health at risk, and give us a peace in mind.