FAQs
We hear from customers around the world who have questions about our pellets and seed mixes. Below are some of the most frequent that come our way.
Do you offer free samples?
We do offer sample trial packs of our large pellets, small pellets and mini pellets. The 2-ounce bags are $1 each and shipping is $3.99 for up to three bags. See the order page here. Parrots of all sizes have been enjoying our pellets and seeds since 2003 and we are confident your companion bird will love our products as well. Available in the U.S. only.
Do you offer free shipping?
We offer several shipping-included options on bundle packs that contain our most popular items. See all of the bundle shipping options here. (Shipping included items are available to U.S. customers only.)
What do I do if my order was lost or damaged in transit?
If your order arrives damaged you can file a claim with USPS or UPS, depending on the service provided. TOP's ships packages with insurance so each order should be reimbursed from the shipping provider upon proof of damage.
If the bag(s) were damaged while opening the box and show a clean, clear split other than on a seam, that damaged is not eligible for a refund.
We do not offer refunds on orders which show that USPS or UPS has delivered the order to the destination address. You can make a claim with the shipping service.
In the case of a missing package, all items purchased from TOP's Parrot Food are made pursuant to a shipment contract, meaning that the risk of loss and title for such items pass to you upon our delivery to the carrier.
My shipment was sent to an old address, I do not receive USPS delivery, or I forgot to include my apartment number. Can you reship to me?
Due to the high cost of shipping, we are not able to reship orders that are returned to us due to an insufficient address, missing apartment number or if you do not received USPS mail delivery and did not inform TOP's. If the products are returned to us we will refund the product cost only to you and then you are free to place a new order if you'd like.
Is TOP's USDA Organic certified?
Yes, TOP's Parrot Food earned its USDA Organic certification for its pellets, seed mixes and treats. All of our packaging now reflects our USDA status. We are proud to say that TOP's offers the only certified organic pellet that does not contain fillers like corn, soy or peanuts or any artificial flavors or colors. We use only all natural, organic, non GMO ingredients.
My bird did not eat the food. Can I return it or get a refund?
We do not accept returns of food once it has left our facility and do not provide refunds if a bird does not eat any item.
If you are just starting to transition your bird to TOP's pellets, we suggest purchasing Sample Bags and consulting the TOP's Transition Guide to help with the process.
If there is a quality issue with the food please contact us within 30 days of purchase. You will be required to provide photos for any issue.
What is your return policy?
We do not accept returns of food once it has left our facility and do not provide refunds if a bird does not eat any item or if you purchased the wrong product.
Did you change your packaging recently? What happened to the gold, silver and white bags?
TOP's introduced new, color packaging in April 2023 for its 1 lb. and 4 lb. pellet bags. Seed bags and 10 lb. pellet bags have transitioned to white packaging.
How do I know which TOP's products I should purchase for my birds?
Check out this easy-to-follow Feeding Guide to see which TOP's products are best for various sizes of birds. Regardless of size, our large, small and mini pellets are made with the exact same ingredients and can be eaten by any size parrot.
How long have you been in business?
TOP’s Parrot Food™ was established in 2003. Our USDA Organic pellets were developed by top avian nutritionists to be the best offering for parrots on the market. Like you, we are passionate about parrots of all sizes and care deeply about their nutrition. Our mission is to provide you and your companion parrots with the highest quality food available, that's why we use only locally-sourced, all-natural, organic, and non GMO ingredients from carefully chosen suppliers for our specialized pellets and seed mixes. You'll never see any dyes, artificial ingredients or fillers, like corn or soy, in our products. Afterall, healthy food makes healthy birds and our wish is for you and your parrot to have a long, happy and fulfilling friendship together.
Who developed your pellets?
TOP's pellets were developed in 2003 by avian nutritionists, including Dr. Alicia McWatters, to be the best diet on the market. TOP's pellets are cold-pressed (not extruded or baked) to keep natural enzymes, vitamins, and other nutrients intact. See this blog post to learn why avian veterinarians recommend TOP's to their patients.
How do I get my parrot to switch to pellets?
This is a common question and there are a number of online resources to consult. Check out the TOP's Parrot Food Pellet Transition E-Book. We also like this article written by a veterinarian that provides tips and information on how to convert your bird from eating seeds to pellets.
Do your products contain GMOs, dyes, fillers or artificial ingredients?
No. TOP's Parrot Food products are USDA Organic, non GMO and made with 100% pure ingredients. Other pellets on the market contain fillers such as corn, soy, peanuts, added minerals and added artificial vitamins. TOP's contains only real food ingredients.
Did you change the pellet recipe lately?
No, the TOP's pellet ingredients and recipe are the same as always. Since we are USDA Organic Certified all of the ingredients that go into the pellets are organic. The formulation and ingredients are the same.
What ingredients are in your pellet products?
TOP's Parrot Food offers your companion bird a certified organic food that is an excellent addition to any diet. Alfalfa, barley, rice and millet comprise roughly 95 percent of the pellets. Below are a few product ingredient highlights of our pellets so you can get better acquainted with what you feed your friends.
Ingredients:
Organic alfalfa, organic hulled millet, organic barley, organic rice, organic sunflower seed hulled, organic sesame seeds unhulled, organic quinoa whole, organic pumpkin, organic buckwheat hulled, organic dandelion leaf powder, organic carrot powder, organic spinach leaf powder, organic purple dulse, kelp, organic rose hips powder, organic rose hips crushed, organic orange peel powder, organic lemon peel powder, organic rosemary whole leaf, organic cayenne ground, organic crushed red chili peppers, organic nettle leaf, cinnamon.
- All ingredients are organic
- Readily accepted by all size hookbills
- An all natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients for a happy and healthy bird
- Naturally preserved with Rosemary, Rose Hips, Lemon and Orange Peel
- No artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No artificial vitamins
- No soy, peanuts or wheat
- No sucrose/sugar added
- No animal products or animal by-products
- No genetically modified organisms (GMO)
What is the Guaranteed Analysis of your pellets?
Crude Protein min 13.6%, Crude Fiber max 8%, Crude Fat min 5%, Moisture max 10.3%.
Calories: 2.7 kcal/gram
Vitamin A - As Retinol: 3IU/100g
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 5.3mg/kg
Vitamin C: 3mg/100mg
Vitamin D3: 94.9IU/kg
Vitamin E: 52.7IU/kg
What about Vitamin D?
There is natural Vitamin D and artificial Vitamin D. The Vitamin D in most pellets is artificial. When taking artificial Vitamin D you need to increase the liquid intake, meaning you have to drink more which is difficult to get a parrot to do. The Vitamin D in TOP’s pellets (94.9IU/kg) is provided by seaweeds and alfalfa, which are natural forms of Vitamin D. From this natural form of the Vitamin D the body can absorb as much as it needs and no increased drinking is necessary and therefore no danger of kidney damage.
How much should I feed my bird? Are your pellets meant to be complete meals?
TOP's pellets are an important part of a complete diet. Feed approximately as much as your bird will consume in a day. Some days birds will eat more than others so the amount will fluctuate. Discard the remainder and feed fresh pellets each time. Consult your avian veterinarian if you have any specific diet related concerns.
Although an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, we believe that no pellet can provide 100 percent of a bird’s nutritional needs. Please be sure to offer them vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds for a varied diet.
Read this blog about the importance of a varied diet, and this blog on seed mixes and parrots.
How are your products packaged?
TOP's products are packed in consumer grade retail bags. Some bags may contain oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life for more than 12 months. This process is different than vacuum sealing so some bags may contain more natural atmospheric volume than others and may be less formed than other bags.
Where is the expiration date on your packaging?
The expiration date for each pellet bag can be found on the bottom of the bag. Some bags may show the best by date at the top of the bag above the tear line. This date is the best by date for unopened bags. Once opened, reseal in original or similar container and use within 8-10 weeks.
How should I store the pellets after they are opened?
Store in a cool, dry place, free from insect infestation. Refrigeration is not recommended due to moisture. Once opened for daily use, reseal in original or similar container and use within 8-10 weeks.
Pellets can be frozen to extend shelf life. Treat like any other food and use within six months of placing the opened bag in the freezer.
How should I store a TOP's seed mix after it has been opened?
Store in a cool, dry place, free from insect infestation. Once opened for daily use, reseal in original or similar container and use within 10-12 weeks.
Seed can be frozen to extend shelf life. Treat like any other food and use within six months of placing the opened bag in the freezer.
Why don't you use soy, peanuts or wheat in your pellets?
Here's why TOP's Parrot Food pellets do not contain soy, peanuts or wheat:
Soy
Soy beans in their natural state contain large quantities of natural toxins and there is data that soy is cumulatively toxic when fed to animals. For example, The PARROT SOCIETY NEW ZEALAND claims that soy products in bird food have caused such problems as immune system breakdown, failure of organs and multiplication of the birds’ own benign bacteria.
Peanuts
It seems that more and more birds develop allergic reactions to peanuts, so we view them as a great treat for birds that are not allergic to them, but not part of their daily diet.
Wheat
Wheat is a common allergen and contains about 80 different components that can cause a negative reaction.
Other pellets on the market contain fillers such as corn, soy, peanuts, added minerals and added artificial vitamins. TOP's contains only real food ingredients.
Where are your products made?
All TOP's products are made in the United States.
How soon will my order arrive?
We usually process and ship orders within 24 hours in the United States via USPS and UPS.
What is your privacy policy?
We do not use your personal data for any purpose other than to fulfill your orders. Our ecommerce vendor manages all data. We do not store credit cards or have access to credit cards that are used for purchases.
Do you ship internationally?
Because we are an agricultural and food item, we cannot always ship internationally and do not guarantee delivery if you choose to ship to an international destination. Please contact us if you have questions about shipping to your country. TOP's is available through retail partners in several countries in Asia, North America, South Africa, Europe and Australia.