"Just Tomatoes/Veggies/Fruit/etc"?

[Ladyeclectic]

So yesterday while shopping at Whole Foods for some dried fruits and vegetables I came across a brand called "Just ________" (Tomatoes, Strawberries and Bananas, Veggies etc, several options). I picked up several cartons of it to try out with my fids and so far the concensus seems to be they like it! (crunchy FTW lol)

Has anyone else ever used this brand? Is it okay as a daily thing or should they be used as treats? I'll still be giving fresh fruit and veggies but my GCC only seems to enjoy tropical fruits and the Sun is too new to have expressed likes or dislikes yet (and is young enough to start on whatever). I like the dried option as it'll be less work making meals but don't want to short-change the fids.

 

[Von1983]

Do they say they're sulpher dioxide free honey?

It's often not listed.....

 

[Ladyeclectic]

I specifically went to Whole Foods to get SD-free fruits and veggies. When I approached one person about this they brought over someone from the department who assured me that NONE of the products in the store had ANY sulfur dioxide in them. So I'm pretty confident what I bought is good. I can't remember but it may also say on the label (something I bought had it there) that's it's Sulfur-free but it's not in front of me to check at the moment.

 

[Bobby34231]

Von's right on the money, many dried products are preserved with Sulphur Dioxide, you may also want to check for high levels of added sugar and salt, if you can,fresh or frozen fruits and veggies are always better, dried foods lose much of their nutrients in the dehydration process

 

[Ladyeclectic]

Natural Dried Fruits and Vegetables - Just Tomatoes, Etc.!

I guess they're freeze-dried, if that makes any difference. Tasty stuff - I may end up eating more than my fids!

They'll still be getting fresh fruits and veggies, but I like the ease of these. I may end up using them as treats if they like them a lot, as I'd like to begin clicker and target training soon with Mishka.

 

[antoinette]

I refuse point blank to sell any of my dried fruit products to any pet shops, here in South Africa, the reason being, it has been treated with sulphur dioxide in order to keep it fresh and make it last longer. All dried fruit, whether frozen or not, goes through the same process.

 

[Von1983]

I'm a big fan of frozen fruit & veg <3 lol Now THAT'S easy! Bags of fruit salad.....afternoon time...bowl...tip in...fridge...defrost....MORNING POPPET ^.^

Veg = microwave. Cool down.....MORNING POPPET ^.^

To be honest, Cal has SD free dried fruit that I buy specially, but from the amount she eats, it's not really worth me fussing about!

She likes the odd papaya and banana (the only 2 she didn't appreciate fresh) but really...I um an ahhh as to whether I'll even replace! I got it because I got pretty much every food I could think of that was safe into the house to prepare for her arrival. I knew she'd be nervous and unsure at first so wanted her to have a huge variety of food. Of course, now she's settled, we know pellets a few seeds/nuts and fruit/veg is what she favours - thankfully!!!

 

[antoinette]

I'm a big fan of frozen fruit & veg <3 lol Now THAT'S easy! Bags of fruit salad.....afternoon time...bowl...tip in...fridge...defrost....MORNING POPPET ^.^

Veg = microwave. Cool down.....MORNING POPPET ^.^

To be honest, Cal has SD free dried fruit that I buy specially, but from the amount she eats, it's not really worth me fussing about!

She likes the odd papaya and banana (the only 2 she didn't appreciate fresh) but really...I um an ahhh as to whether I'll even replace! I got it because I got pretty much every food I could think of that was safe into the house to prepare for her arrival. I knew she'd be nervous and unsure at first so wanted her to have a huge variety of food. Of course, now she's settled, we know pellets a few seeds/nuts and fruit/veg is what she favours - thankfully!!!

Von, please don't take a chance with the dried fruit, whether they say it's sulphur dioxide free or not. I have stock of papaya and banana, and believe me they are treated with sulphur dioxide. A few of the pet shops stock dried fruit, have re-packed it and sell it, without labeling it, stating that it has been treated with sulphur dioxide.

Rather stick to the fresh fruits and offer nuts.

It is just not worth the risk

 

[Von1983]

It is from a health food shop over here that is specifically dioxide free.

They have a short life on them compared to normal dried fruit, usually just under a month(by the time I buy it anyway!!)as they have just been dried, not treated.

I was looking into doing my own drying in the oven but as I say, she's not THAT mad about it lol. I don't think I will bother once this lil bag is finished.

 

[antoinette]

It is from a health food shop over here that is specifically dioxide free.

They have a short life on them compared to normal dried fruit, usually just under a month(by the time I buy it anyway!!)as they have just been dried, not treated.

I was looking into doing my own drying in the oven but as I say, she's not THAT mad about it lol. I don't think I will bother once this lil bag is finished.

Von I know it sounds like I am ranting, guess I am.
Just making my voice be heard, looking out for all our birds.
I stopped supplying the health shops for exactly the same reason.
One health shop, purchased from me. re-pack and re-sold. Needless to say, I stopped supplying them.

 

[Von1983]

If anyone knows anything about this subject it is YOU Ant!

I would never disbelieve anything you say I promise! I can completely believe that people would do that - anything to make money. Who cares about conscience?

I was just fortunate enough to read about dioxides in one of my books before I got Cal home. I am VERY glad I did because the breeder was feeding her on "half parrot half cockatiel mix". PLENTY of dried fruit and peanuts in there. I was hoping he would have some pellets as there was nowhere local stocking them. How wrong I was. His (and I quote): Well balanced diet mix went straight in the bin!

 

[antoinette]

If anyone knows anything about this subject it is YOU Ant!

I would never disbelieve anything you say I promise! I can completely believe that people would do that - anything to make money. Who cares about conscience?

I was just fortunate enough to read about dioxides in one of my books before I got Cal home. I am VERY glad I did because the breeder was feeding her on "half parrot half cockatiel mix". PLENTY of dried fruit and peanuts in there. I was hoping he would have some pellets as there was nowhere local stocking them. How wrong I was. His (and I quote): Well balanced diet mix went straight in the bin!

What I can't believe is, the people in the pet shops know (becasue I have told them, about the sulphur dioxide) and they still sell it.
Bet they don't give it to THEIR birds.

 

[Von1983]

It's frustrating that some people just won't listen

Keep fighting the good fight Ant! You're doing your bit and more with not supplying, educating and keeping our gorgeous Mishka healthy.

I joined a UK forum a while back and I thought maybe I could learn things, maybe help give advice but it became apparent some people just can't be told (not by me, just in general) and they were too busy being nasty to eachother to mind what people were saying on a lot of subjects. SD being one of them. Needless to say, I've not been back because I can't MAKE them realise they are hurting their birds. I don't want abuse for it and I don't want to sit and read them taking chunks out of eachother while their seed fed birds are suffering.

 

[antoinette]

It's frustrating that some people just won't listen

Keep fighting the good fight Ant! You're doing your bit and more with not supplying, educating and keeping our gorgeous Mishka healthy.

I joined a UK forum a while back and I thought maybe I could learn things, maybe help give advice but it became apparent some people just can't be told (not by me, just in general) and they were too busy being nasty to eachother to mind what people were saying on a lot of subjects. SD being one of them. Needless to say, I've not been back because I can't MAKE them realise they are hurting their birds. I don't want abuse for it and I don't want to sit and read them taking chunks out of eachother while their seed fed birds are suffering.

I have come to the conclusion, be vocal, and try make a difference.
There is only so much one can do, we can't save the entire world.
oh well at least we are trying

 

[Von1983]

I wish we could save the world....

My current project is a customer who has a CAG but no time for him and feeding him only seed. He's prepared to listen so talk I do!!!! He's not quite at the pellet stage, but at least he's having some fruit and veg now and more interaction.

I keep going....

 

[antoinette]

I wish we could save the world....

My current project is a customer who has a CAG but no time for him and feeding him only seed. He's prepared to listen so talk I do!!!! He's not quite at the pellet stage, but at least he's having some fruit and veg now and more interaction.

I keep going....

Keep going Von, just as we teach our birds

Be patient and preserver, hopefully your advise will be taken, and make a difference in the AG life.

 

[Spiritbird]

When I tell people my bird eats from my plate they usually gasp!! The elderly people I am exposed to still believe birds = seeds. I am educating them and often bring Rosie in the activity room for them to meet. I am the "crazy bird woman". Good job Von on helping bird guardians to understand the importance of good avain nutrition.

 

[Von1983]

I am trying but I must be very subtle and cautious as this gentleman is in his 50's. The bird belonged to his parents and is estimated at older than I am. He's sort of "It's been ok so far." Just sheer luck if you ask me.....

He's a very nice man, but how it started was Dave went to his house when he had an emergency with his boiler (Dave used to have his own business in this field). As this man comes in every day he knew this and asked if he could help. Dave then met the CAG. When I saw the customer next, of course I was eager to hear about the bird and slowly I am learning new bits. The part that is difficult for me is that since the man had custody approaching 10 years ago, he has not been put of the cage. The man says he knows it's not fair, but he'd miss him if he was to rehome him.

I persevere because in my opinion, any little change is beneficial. I am trying to take it one step at a time and figuring out how to handle it. Currently working my way up to asking if I can visit the bird so I know what this cage he's confined to is like.

 

[Ladyeclectic]

What I can't believe is, the people in the pet shops know (becasue I have told them, about the sulphur dioxide) and they still sell it.
Bet they don't give it to THEIR birds.

I remember being so angry when the dried fruit and nuts I got from the local pet store had SD in them! I hadn't thought to even look but glanced at the ingredients to figure out what a piece was and there it was.

Whole Foods has a pretty good reputation for their organics and natural items so I believe it when they say it hasn't been treated. The only thing I'm leery about honestly are the bulk foods for exactly the reason Ant mentioned, that it's a mixture of items and you never quite know if any one ingredient has come from somewhere else.

Von, I applaud what you're trying to do with the CAG and it's owner!! Keep it up, maybe express excitement about seeing an African Grey. They really are awesome birds in person!!!

 

[Von1983]

Yes, I do love CAG's TAG's and AG'S lol!

I am just treading carefully at the minute. He brings his dog in everyday and I always give him a big fuss and a biscuit or 3 lol so he knows I'm an animal person!