Spinach yes spinach no spinach maybe nobody knows

[Rebel]

My birds all love spinach. Two different vets tell me spinach every day is ok. I read about and understand it contains oxalic acid and the supposed effect it has on birds. Is it a thing and if so, why would my vets say they never heard about spinach hindering the absorption of calcium?

 

[Shezbug]

My daughter loves spinach and eats it every day of late- her last blood test has the doctors very concerned about the off the charts high iron she has in her system just now.

I am a huge believer in everything in moderation.

Maybe alternate spinach with cos lettuce and other vegetables

 

[Mizzely]

All dark leafy greens contain oxalic acid. I'm surprised your vet didn't know about spinach; it's one of the ones that is usually unfairly vilified, while the same person will go on to suggest kale, which also is high in oxalates. Even some surprising sources like almonds, beets, and raspberries show up on lists of high oxalic acid foods.

Oxalates bind with minerals, especially calcium, to prevent the body from absorbing it. This obviously sucks if you are trying to absorb calcium, but it can also lead to kidney stones.

I think it is best to alternate as they all have different profiles.

Here are a couple of (people) articles, but I know even in reptiles like bearded dragons, this subject comes up a lot.

Oxalate (Oxalic Acid)

This is an article about oxalate and its health effects. Oxalate is an antinutrient found in many plants and has been linked with some health problems.

www.healthline.com

The Real Reason Why We Steam Dark Leafy Greens

Do you love dark leafy greens? I love them, too. But did you know that you have to steam dark leafy greens before you eat them? Here's the reason why.

traditionalcookingschool.com

 

[Rebel]

My daughter loves spinach and eats it every day of late- her last blood test has the doctors very concerned about the off the charts high iron she has in her system just now.

I am a huge believer in everything in moderation.

Maybe alternate spinach with cos lettuce and other vegetables

I usually give them romaine and spinach at the same time , but if you think its best to alternate, thats what ill do. Theres nothing worse than trying to do whats best for my birds and ends up being wrong.

 

[Rebel]

All dark leafy greens contain oxalic acid. I'm surprised your vet didn't know about spinach; it's one of the ones that is usually unfairly vilified, while the same person will go on to suggest kale, which also is high in oxalates. Even some surprising sources like almonds, beets, and raspberries show up on lists of high oxalic acid foods.

Oxalates bind with minerals, especially calcium, to prevent the body from absorbing it. This obviously sucks if you are trying to absorb calcium, but it can also lead to kidney stones.

I think it is best to alternate as they all have different profiles.

Here are a couple of (people) articles, but I know even in reptiles like bearded dragons, this subject comes up a lot.

Oxalate (Oxalic Acid)

This is an article about oxalate and its health effects. Oxalate is an antinutrient found in many plants and has been linked with some health problems.

www.healthline.com

The Real Reason Why We Steam Dark Leafy Greens

Do you love dark leafy greens? I love them, too. But did you know that you have to steam dark leafy greens before you eat them? Here's the reason why.

traditionalcookingschool.com

Not one but two vets didnt know the effects of spinach. They both said the spinach has a lot of calcium in it so it would be beneficial for my chronic egg layer. I trusted them and thought i was doing right. Im surprised and grateful she hasnt had any ill effects from all of the spinach. This also makes me wonder if this is whats causing her strange poop. The reason i took her to vet #2. I never suspected the spinach because all of my other birds poop normal poop for the most part. Apparently i need some advice to keep me from "doing the right thing". If anyone would be so kind as to make me a simple daily vegetable schedule, i would be very grateful. She loves pasta and eggs too. Now im not sure what is best for her. You read so many crazy things on the internet. Everything contradicts itself. Really dont know what to believe. I just wants whats best for them.

 

[Mizzely]

Part of the problem is we don't really know the best thing, especially across so many species and so many individuals and lifestyles. We have general ideas is all. Spinach is a good source of calcium, but a lot of it can't be absorbed due to the oxalates. That's why a varied diet is considered essential; feeding too much of anything can be "bad".

Some other sources of calcium you can try are sesame seeds, almond slivers, quinoa, edamame, and chia seeds. That and just rotating between leafy greens; arugula, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc.

 

[Rebel]

Part of the problem is we don't really know the best thing, especially across so many species and so many individuals and lifestyles. We have general ideas is all. Spinach is a good source of calcium, but a lot of it can't be absorbed due to the oxalates. That's why a varied diet is considered essential; feeding too much of anything can be "bad".

Some other sources of calcium you can try are sesame seeds, almond slivers, quinoa, edamame, and chia seeds. That and just rotating between leafy greens; arugula, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc.

Thank you much for your advice. I have a much better understanding now. Rotate is what i will do.

 

[Rebel]

My daughter loves spinach and eats it every day of late- her last blood test has the doctors very concerned about the off the charts high iron she has in her system just now.

I am a huge believer in everything in moderation.

Maybe alternate spinach with cos lettuce and other vegetables

I didnt even put two and two together with the iron thing. We had a discussion a little while ago about all the iron in human cereal and how it was bad for birds. I had blood work done not long ago and the dr said i should eat my spinach because my iron was a little low. Here i am giving my birds all kinds of spinach. What a dope.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Zara]

Some other sources of calcium you can try are sesame seeds, almond slivers, quinoa, edamame, and chia seeds. That and just rotating between leafy greens; arugula, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc.

To add to these suggestions, poppy seeds, carrots and dill are also good sources of calcium (mine love sesame seeds)