6 Best Finch Food – With High Nutritional Value

House Finch

Table of Contents

Like humans, finches need a well-balanced diet to live healthier and longer. As a birder, you need to research and get the best finch food indoors for your finch. If you need to see your finch pet flourishing in your home, you just need to get the right food. 

However, the best finch food for indoors depends on various factors like the nutritional value of the food and if the food will improve the general health of your finch. Also, the finch food should have a balanced composition in terms of proteins, fats, minerals, and water.

Let’s dive in! 

Best Finch Food for Indoors- Our Top 6 Picks

Best Protein Food: Higgins Protein Egg Bird Food

The Higgins protein egg bird food provides both plant and animal proteins as it contains real baked eggs and wholesome ingredients like flaxseeds, honey, chia seeds, nyjer seeds, oats, and millet.

In addition, the food also contains probiotics, essential vitamins, minerals, 6 fatty acids, omega-3, and vital nutrients to support the overall health of the Finches.

The protein egg bird food is good for birds, especially molting or nesting, to support their muscles, feathers, and bones.

Additionally, the bird food contains superfoods such as green tea and algae to support the growth and development of the Finch birds.

Best for Varieties: Kaytee Fiesta Variety Mix Canary and Finch Food

The Kaytee Fiesta variety food is made with a combination of vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds and comes in different colors, textures, and shapes.

The Kaytee fiesta variety food contains dehydrated carrots, sunflowers, corn, egg, apples, beets, corn, and millet.

The food has a  crunchy texture, making it easy for the finch bird to eat. Besides, the food contains omega-3 and probiotics that support digestion, eyes, brain, and heart.

In addition, the food also contains proteins, moisture, fat, and fiber for a complete, well-balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition for your bird.

 

group of house finches perched on a bird feeder

Best Easy to Spot: Lyric Peanut Pieces Wild Bird Food

The lyric peanut wild bird food is packed with peanuts high in proteins and fats and is suitable for those choosy finch birds.

The food contains a combination of split and whole peanuts that are easy for pinch birds to grab and eat.

The peanuts have no shells that can pill when the birds are feeding; hence there will be no clean-up mess afterward. Also, the peanuts have no germinating seeds that can start to grow down from the feeders.

The peanuts are colored; hence it is easy for the birds to spot them in your backyard.

Best Single Ingredient: Lyric Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food

Lyric black oil sunflower wild bird food is made with high-quality, clean, and nutritious premium sunflower seeds that your finch birds love to eat.

The sunflower wild bird food is made from a single ingredient: black oil sunflower seeds, and you can mix the food with other seeds while feeding your finches.

Additionally, the sunflower wild bird food also contains fiber, protein, fats, and moisture so that the food can have balanced nutrition.

The food is great for use in various feeders, including a platform feeder, hopper feeder, window feeder, tube feeder, and fire mesh feeder.

group of house finches perched on a bird feeder

Best Fruity Flavors: Zupreem FruitBlend Bird Food

The Zupreem fruit blend bird food contains a complete and healthy diet. It contains fruits like grapes, oranges, apples, and bananas and essential nutrients like fats, proteins, and vitamins D and E, which are essential for the good health of your little finch.

The fruit blend flavors make the food enjoyable to eat while at the same time giving your finch bird balanced nutrition.

This food has different colors from the various fruits that attract the pet finches to come and feed. The fruit blend bird food comes with natural fruit flavors, ensuring a healthy nutritional diet.

Lawrence's Goldfinch perched on a branch

Best for Picky Eaters: Kaytee Forti-diet Bird Food

The Kaytee Forti-diet bird food contains wholesome ingredients such as kale, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, alfalfa, and parsley to feed your finch pet.

In addition, the food has other nutrients such as minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins to encourage healthy foraging for your finch.

The Kaytee Forti-diet bird food can be used as a treat, meal topper, or a healthy side dish when feeding your finch pet.

The dry greens on the food attract pinch pets encouraging the birds to eat more while taking more nutrients in their body and improving their eating behaviors.

Lawrence's Goldfinch perched on a branch

Criteria for Selecting Finch Food

Nutritional Requirements of Finches Finches have specific nutritional requirements that must be met through their diet to ensure their optimal health and well-being.

When choosing the best finch food, it is important to consider the following aspects:

  1. Balanced Diet: Providing a balanced diet is crucial for finches as it ensures they receive the right combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This balance supports their growth, energy levels, and overall health.

  2. Protein Content: Protein is essential for finches as it plays a vital role in muscle development, feather maintenance, and overall body functions. Look for finch foods with a suitable protein content, such as seeds or pellets that include quality sources of protein like insects or legumes.

  3. Vitamin and Mineral Enrichment: Finches require a wide range of vitamins and minerals to support their metabolic processes, immune system, and overall well-being. The best finch food options are typically fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure these nutritional needs are met.

  4. Fiber Content: Adequate fiber intake is important for proper digestion and gut health in finches. Fiber helps regulate their bowel movements and supports a healthy digestive system. Look for finch foods that contain sources of dietary fiber, such as seeds with hulls or certain types of fruits and vegetables.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Finch Food

In addition to the nutritional requirements, several factors should be considered when selecting finch food:

  1. Quality Ingredients: Opt for finch food made with high-quality ingredients. Look for reputable brands that prioritize the use of fresh and natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. High-quality ingredients ensure that the finch food provides maximum nutritional value and minimizes the risk of potential contaminants or additives that may be harmful to finches.

  2. Freshness: The freshness of the finch food is crucial for preserving its nutritional integrity. Look for brands known for their fresh and properly stored products. Check the expiration dates and ensure the packaging is airtight to maintain the freshness of the food.

  3. Variety: Offering a variety of finch food options is important to provide a balanced and interesting diet for your finches. Different types of seeds, pellets, and fresh fruits or vegetables can be included to add variety and prevent dietary monotony. A diverse diet promotes better overall nutrition and reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

  4. Specific Formulations: Consider the age, breed, and specific needs of your finches when selecting their food. Some finches may require specialized formulations designed for breeding, molting, or specific health conditions. These formulations often provide additional nutrients and supplements tailored to meet their specific requirements.

By considering the nutritional requirements of finches and the factors outlined above, you can make an informed choice when selecting their food. Providing the best finch food ensures they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health, vibrant plumage, and overall well-being.

 

Feeding Tips for Finches

Properly feeding finches is essential to ensure they receive the necessary nutrition from the best finch food. Consider the following tips to establish healthy feeding habits:

Proper Feeding Techniques for Finches

  1. Provide Fresh Food: Always offer fresh and high-quality finch food to maintain its nutritional value. Remove any uneaten food from the feeding dishes promptly to prevent spoilage.

  2. Clean Feeding Dishes: Regularly clean and disinfect the finch’s feeding dishes to prevent bacterial growth and maintain a hygienic feeding environment.

  3. Multiple Feeding Stations: Place multiple feeding stations within the finch’s enclosure to prevent competition and allow all birds equal access to food.

  4. Gradual Introductions: If switching to a new brand or type of finch food, introduce it gradually by mixing it with their current food. This helps finches adjust to the new taste and texture without digestive upsets.

 Frequency and Portion Sizes for Feeding Finches

  1. Regular Feeding Schedule: Establish a consistent feeding schedule for your finches to maintain their appetite and ensure they receive proper nutrition. Aim for two feedings per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

  2. Portion Control: Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your finches. Provide an appropriate amount of food that they can consume within a few hours, typically 1-2 teaspoons of finch food per bird per feeding.

  3. Monitor Consumption: Observe your finches during feeding to ensure they are eating adequately. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly if you notice consistent overeating or leftover food.

  4. Supplement with Fresh Foods: In addition to the best finch food, offer small portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens as occasional treats to provide added variety and nutritional enrichment.

American Goldfinch flying in the sky with its notched tail

Yellow Finch Food

Yellow finches, also known as American goldfinches, have specific dietary preferences that can be catered to with appropriate finch food. When it comes to yellow finch food, it is essential to provide options that align with their nutritional needs and appeal to their taste. Here are some key considerations:

Commercial Finch Bird Food Blends

Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds

  • The preferred seed choice for yellow finches
  • High energy and essential oils provided by nyjer seeds
  • Incorporating nyjer seeds into the finch feeder

Other Seed Options

  • Sunflower seeds and millet as additional components of yellow finch food
  • The nutritional value of sunflower seeds and millet for yellow finches

Fresh Fruits as Treats

  • Adding fresh fruits like apples and oranges to the yellow finch diet
  • Nutritional benefits and appeal of fresh fruits for yellow finches

 Water Availability

  • The importance of providing fresh water alongside yellow finch food
  • Ensuring hydration and overall well-being of yellow finches

By offering a well-balanced and appealing selection of yellow finch food, you can create an inviting habitat that attracts these beautiful birds to your garden or feeding area. Remember to provide a variety of options and monitor their preferences to ensure optimal nutrition and enjoyment for yellow finches.

Baby Finch Food

When it comes to feeding baby finches, it is crucial to provide them with specialized food that meets their unique nutritional needs during their early stages of development. Here are some important considerations when it comes to baby finch food:

Nutritional Requirements for Baby finches

Baby finches have specific nutritional requirements to support their growth and development. They need a diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality commercial baby finch food blends are available that provide the necessary nutrients in the right proportions to ensure optimal health.

Commercial Baby Finch Food Blends

Commercial baby finch food blends are specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of growing finches. These blends typically contain a combination of finely ground seeds, grains, and additional nutrients. They are easy to digest and offer a balanced nutritional profile suitable for baby finches.

Homemade Baby Finch Food Recipes

For those who prefer a DIY approach, homemade baby finch food can also be prepared. Recipes often include a combination of finely ground seeds, grains, and supplements. However, it is important to ensure that the homemade food meets the necessary nutritional requirements and is safe for the delicate digestive systems of baby finches.

Feeding Techniques

Baby finches require frequent feeding throughout the day, as their tiny stomachs cannot hold large amounts of food. It is essential to offer small, frequent meals to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Feeding them with a soft, moistened baby finch food mixture or using a specialized syringe designed for feeding small birds can facilitate the feeding process.

Transition to Solid Food

As baby finches grow, they will gradually transition to solid food. This process usually begins around three to four weeks of age. Offer a combination of softened baby finch food and small, finely chopped seeds to encourage them to start pecking at solid food.

Providing the right baby finch food is essential for their growth and development. Whether opting for commercial blends or homemade recipes, ensuring a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is crucial. Monitoring their feeding patterns and consulting a veterinarian experienced in avian care can also provide valuable guidance throughout the process.

Frequently asked questions

The best food for finches is a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Commercial finch bird food blends specifically formulated for finches are widely available and provide essential nutrients. These blends often contain a mix of small seeds such as millet, canary grass seed, and nyjer (thistle) seed.

Finches primarily eat seeds and grains, such as millet, canary grass seed, sunflower seeds, and nyjer (thistle) seeds. They also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as occasional treats, including apple slices, orange pieces, cucumber slices, and leafy greens.

 

No, finches should not eat dog food. Dog food is not suitable for finches as it does not provide the necessary nutrients they need for their specific dietary requirements.

 

 Yes, finches can eat carrot slices or grated carrot as an occasional treat. Carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals and can be a source of enrichment for finches.

 

Yes, finches can eat egg food, which is a nutritious food mix that contains hard-boiled eggs, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients. Egg food is often given to finches during breeding season or as a protein-rich supplement.

 

Yes, finches can eat small pieces of ripe banana as an occasional treat. Bananas provide some beneficial nutrients and can add variety to their diet.

Can I give eggshells to my finches? Yes, finely crushed or powdered eggshells can be offered to finches as a calcium supplement. This can help meet their calcium needs, especially during breeding or molting periods.

To make egg food for finches, hard-boil eggs and mash them into small pieces. Mix the mashed eggs with breadcrumbs, finely grated vegetables, and a small amount of crushed calcium supplement. Ensure the mixture is well combined before serving it to the finches.

 

 No, finches should not eat garlic. Garlic can be toxic to birds and should be avoided in their diet.

 

It is generally recommended to feed birds cooked or steamed carrots rather than raw ones. Raw carrots can be challenging for birds to digest, while cooked or steamed carrots are softer and easier to consume.

 

Yes, zebra finches can eat small pieces of ripe banana as an occasional treat. However, it should not be a significant part of their diet.

 

Yes, zebra finches can eat small amounts of oats as part of their diet. Rolled oats or cooked oatmeal can be offered occasionally as a source of variety and added fiber.

 

Zebra finches can eat small amounts of boiled eggs as a protein-rich treat. It can be given occasionally, especially during the breeding season.

 

Zebra finches can enjoy a variety of healthy snacks, including small pieces of fruits like apple or orange, leafy greens such as spinach or kale, and small amounts of millet spray or other bird-safe treats specifically designed for finches.

Can we give boiled egg to finches? Yes, boiled eggs can be given to finches as a source of protein. It is recommended to chop or mash the boiled egg into small pieces before offering it to them.

 

Final Words

Your finch pet requires the best finch food indoors that has nutritional benefits. The above review describes the best quality foods available for your little birds.

Finches have different nutritional needs; hence, as a birder, first find out what foods your birds like to eat that can add value to their overall health.

Picture of Marry J Correy

Marry J Correy

Living in San Francisco, we get to see (and hear) quite a few House Finches all year round.
When a couple of them made their home in my back yard, I started to feed them and even got a little wooden birdhouse.
So I thought I'd tell you what I discovered...

About Me

Living in San Francisco, we get to see (and hear) quite a few House Finches all year round.
When a couple of them made their home in my back yard, I started to feed them and even got a little wooden birdhouse.
So I thought I’d tell you what I discovered…

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