Vitakraft Premium Menu for budgies, 500 g is an everyday seed mix from the German brand Vitakraft. It's based on grains (93%) and seeds (3.5%), with dried carrot pieces, eucalyptus leaves, honey and fish oil. The Vital complex with iodine supplies iodine and trace elements, the Immun Aktiv complex with beta-glucans supports immunity, and vitamins A and D3 plus balanced calcium and phosphorus support plumage and bones. It contains no sugar, colourings, preservatives or flavourings. The daily amount is 1–2 teaspoons (about 10 g).
What it is and who makes it
Vitakraft is a German company that has made pet food and treats for over a century. The Menu range covers main foods for various birds and rodents. The zip-lock bag keeps the mix fresh after opening.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grains (93%) | Diet basis — energy and protein |
| Seeds (3.5%) | Fats for energy and plumage |
| Dried carrot (1%) | Vitamins and variety |
| Eucalyptus leaves (0.2%) | A plant ingredient for the airways |
| Vital complex with iodine | Iodine and trace elements for metabolism |
| Beta-glucans | Immune support |
Per kg it adds vitamin A (6,000 IU), vitamin D3 (600 IU), iodine, manganese and zinc.
Pros
- With iodine. Budgies need iodine for thyroid function.
- Vitamins and minerals. A, D3, calcium and phosphorus for bones and feathers.
- No sugar or colourings. No preservatives or flavourings.
- Clear amount. 1–2 teaspoons a day.
- Zip-lock. Stays fresh after opening.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Seeds only. The diet must be supplemented with greens, vegetables and minerals.
- Husks. Clean the feeder and blow away husks daily.
- No exact grain list. The types of grain aren't specified.
- Small pack. 500 g lasts one budgie about 1.5 months.
How to feed a budgie
- Seed mix — 1–2 teaspoons a day, a fresh portion every morning.
- Greens and vegetables daily: lettuce, dandelion, carrot, cucumber, broccoli.
- Fruit in small amounts: apple, pear without seeds.
- A mineral block or cuttlebone always in the cage.
- Fresh water every day.
- Never: avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, salty or sweet table food.
More in budgie food and care.
Signs of diet problems
Dull, fluffed-up or brittle feathers, a prolonged moult, lethargy, changes in droppings, or a bird that's too fat or thin are reasons to review the diet and see an avian vet. Budgies easily become obese on a monotonous seed diet without enough flight, so let them fly around the room and don't overdo seeds and treats.
Who it suits
Budgies, as their main seed food alongside greens, vegetables and minerals. Treats and vitamins are in bird treats and vitamins, cages in bird cages, and other foods in bird food. Canaries need their own mix — see our Versele-Laga Prestige Canaries review.
Verdict
Vitakraft Premium Menu is a straightforward budgie staple with iodine, vitamins and beta-glucans and no sugar or colourings. It's a good foundation, but a complete budgie diet also includes daily greens, vegetables, minerals and fresh water.
Getting a budgie to eat greens and vegetables
Many budgies refuse unfamiliar food at first. Offer greens and vegetables every day at the same time, clipped to the cage bars or in a special holder. Leading by example works well: if the bird sees you "eating" the same piece, it's more willing to try. Start with grated carrot mixed with a little seed, then gradually reduce the seed. Don't leave fresh food in the cage for more than a few hours so it doesn't spoil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a budgie eat?
1–2 teaspoons (about 10 g) a day.
Why does a budgie need iodine?
Iodine is needed for thyroid function and metabolism.
Does it contain sugar?
No, it's free of sugar, colourings and preservatives.
Does a budgie need extra vitamins?
The essentials are greens, vegetables and minerals; extra vitamins only when needed, for example during moult.
How should it be stored?
In the closed zip-lock pack, somewhere cool and dry.
Is it suitable for other parrots?
It's designed for budgies; other species have their own mixes.
