Best Food For Pigeons

As a pet pigeon owner, I have come to understand the importance of proper nutrition for my feathered friend.

Pigeons require a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits, as well as supplements and vitamins to ensure that they receive all the necessary nutrients for good health.

Choosing the right food for your pigeon can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can ensure that your pigeon is getting the best nutrition possible.

That is why I’ve decided to write this article, to share my knowledge and experience as a pet pigeon owner and present a list of the best food options for pigeons, along with links to specific products that I have personally used and recommend.

By providing this information, I hope to help other pigeon owners make informed choices about what to feed their feathered friends.

Best food for pigeons: pigeon mix

Here is the list of the best pigeon feeds you may want to try to buy for your feathered friend.

Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed (Nutritionally Complete Bird Food)

The best complete food for pigeons overall

Key features of Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed:

• High variety of seed types and added iodine
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• For all pigeons (including pet pigeons) and doves
• Superior quality as seeds are air-cleaner and polished

King 45 Pigeon Mix

The best pigeon food mix for racing and larger show pigeons

Key features of King 45 Pigeon Mix:

• A unique ration of larger grains
• The mix contains 45% of various peas
• 17% of protein and 67% of carbohydrates
• Non-GMO

Morning Song Dove & Ground Feeding

The best pigeon food for ground feeding or in table feeders

Key features of Song & Dove Ground Feeding:

• Contains a blend of favorites for doves and ground-feeding birds
• Great for attracting wild birds, including doves
• Ingredients include red milo, white millet, and black oil sunflower

Des Moines Pigeon Feed No Corn Special Pigeon Mix

The best pigeon food mix without corn

Key features of No Corn Special Pigeon Mix:

• It contains 20% peas
• The feed is made of 13.5% protein and about 67% of carbohydrates
• Ingredients include milo, hard red winder wheat, Canadian field pies, safflower seed, white proso millet, Austrian peas
• Non-GMO

Best pigeon food by type

Below are the essential types of food for pigeons.

Grains and seeds commonly used in pigeon feed

Pigeons require a diet that is high in carbohydrates, which can be found in grains and seeds such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. These should make up the bulk of a pigeon’s diet.

The best grains and seeds for pigeons: High Energy Pigeon Mix

High Energy Pigeon Mix  is the best pigeon blend of grains and seeds for pigeons that have high energy needs like young pigeons or racing pigeons

Key features of High Energy Pigeon Mix:

• 16% protein and 62% carbohydrates
• The blend contains 30% of small-graded Nutra Corn along with Red Flint corn and popcorn
• Ingredients include small-graded Nutra Corn, Canadian field peas, milo, hard red winter wheat, hybrid red flint corn, safflower seed, red shelled corn, oat groats, hulled sunflower seed, maple peas, yellow popcorn, Austrian peas, roasted soybeans, vetch, flax, peanut pickouts, and rapeseed

Vegetables and fruits that can be included in a pigeon diet

Pigeons also benefit from the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. These can include leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, as well as fruits like apples, pears, and berries. Vegetables like carrot and pumpkin can also be offered.

The best vegetables and fruits for pigeons: Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats for Small Birds

The best pigeon food when it comes to fruit and veggie treats

Key features of this pigeon food mix:

• A healthy and natural snack
• No artificial flavors or colors
• A great component of a balanced diet for pigoens

Supplements and vitamins for pigeons

In addition to a balanced diet, pigeons also require a variety of supplements and vitamins to maintain good health. These can include calcium, which is essential for strong bones, and vitamins like vitamin E, which is important for healthy feathers. Some pigeon feed manufacturers offer specially formulated supplements that can be added to a pigeon’s diet.

The best supplements and vitamins for pigeons: Pigeon Tabs

This is the best complete vitamin and mineral supplement for pigeons.

Key features of Pigeon Tabs:

• This is a complete vitamin and mineral supplement for pigeons
• Contains vitamins, minerals and aminoacids
• Each tablet contains vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, liver, methionine, vitamin C, Manganese, iron, zinc, cobalt, magnesium, Vitamin K, niacinamide, L-Lysine, Riboflavin, vitamin D, D-Biotin, calcium, vitamin B6, B1, B12

Best pigeon food options for different life stages

And here are the best pigeon food options depending on the life stage of your pigeon or the type of pigeon you have.

Best pigeon food options for young pigeons

Young pigeons have different nutritional requirements than adult pigeons. They require a diet that is high in protein to support their growth and development. This can include a mix of grain and seeds, as well as mealworms, and other protein-rich foods like boiled eggs, and cooked beans.

Best pigeon food options for moulting pigeons

Pigeons go through a moulting process where they lose old feathers and grow new ones. During this process, they require extra protein and vitamins to support the growth of new feathers. This can include a mix of grain and seeds, as well as mealworms, and other protein-rich foods like boiled eggs, and cooked beans, as well as a supplement of vitamins and minerals specially formulated for moulting pigeons.

Best pigeons food options for breeding pigeons

Breeding pigeons have different nutritional requirements than non-breeding pigeons. They require a diet that is high in protein to support the growth and development of their chicks. This can include a mix of grain and seeds, as well as mealworms, and other protein-rich foods like boiled eggs, and cooked beans.

Food options for racing pigeons

Racing pigeons have specific nutritional requirements to maintain their health and performance. They require a diet that is high in energy, which can be found in grains like barley, wheat, and oats. Racing pigeon feed is specially formulated to provide the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to support their high-energy needs.

Food options for pet pigeons

Pet pigeons have different nutritional requirements than racing or breeding pigeons. They require a diet that is balanced, with a mix of grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Some pet pigeons may also benefit from the addition of supplements like calcium and vitamins to support their overall health.

Pigeon feeding considerations

Here are a few tips and insights on feeding your pet pigeon based on my experience.

Proper portion sizes and feeding schedules

It’s important to provide pigeons with the appropriate amount of food to ensure they are getting the right nutrition without overfeeding or underfeeding. A general guideline is to feed a pigeon around 1/4 cup of food per pound of body weight per day. It is important to establish a consistent feeding schedule and make sure that the food is fresh and clean.

How to introduce new foods to a pigeon’s diet

Pigeons can be picky eaters, so it is important to introduce new foods gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their regular diet, and gradually increase the amount over time. This will help prevent digestive upset and ensure that the pigeon is getting the proper nutrition.

How to identify and address any nutritional deficiencies

Pigeons may show signs of nutritional deficiencies if they are not getting the right balance of nutrients in their diet. These signs can include poor feather growth, weight loss, and a lack of energy. If you suspect a nutritional deficiency, it is important to consult with an avian veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Final thoughts on pigeon food

In conclusion, as the author of this article, I hope that you have gained a better understanding of the importance of providing your pet pigeon with the right nutrition.

Through this article, I have shared my knowledge and research on the best food options for pigeons, including grains and seeds, vegetables and fruits, and supplements and vitamins.

I have also highlighted the specific food needs for breeding, racing, and pet pigeons, as well as young and molting pigeons.

I hope that by providing this information, I have been able to educate and empower you – a pet pigeon owner – to make informed decisions about your pigeon’s diet.

Frequently asked questions about the best pigeon food

Check other articles:

• Can Pigeons Eat Rice?
• Do Pigeons Explode When They Eat Rice?
• What Do Pigeons Eat?
• Do Pigeons Make Milk?