Garlic doesn't go into the congee batches I've been making. I've been adding the non-approved parrot foods after he's eaten his share. So I'll put in the stuff I know he can eat (like egg, whole grains, shredded chicken, spinach, etc) and go sit and eat. He gets to eat out of the bowl with me until he is full and not interested anymore, then I'll add all the other stuff I like to eat (bacon, roasted or pickled garlic, sauteed onion, cheese, whatever combo I want in the morning) and finish my breakfast/dinner in peace.
With that info on rice and arsenic however, I'll cut back myself (which makes me a bit sad since I love rice. Its cheap and I can do so many yummy things with it) I was surprised to read that information about sunflower seeds too! I don't give them to him as part of his diet but those are his preferred treats. We're working on recall training and some behavior shaping. I've tried to offer chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews but he spurns all of them. I haven't tried pint nuts yet but those will be next on the shopping list. Any other ideas for suitable treats?
He is not a fan of fruit. Spurned my offerings of grapes, apples, banana, mango, and everything else I've offered over the past few years. He has nibbled fresh leafy greens but prefers to eat them finely chopped and mixed up with other stuff. I haven't tried sprouting anything for him. Not sure where to start with that. Got some ideas? We are slowly expanding the menu of fresh food that he eats. He really needs to see me eating it to get interested, and even then may only sample it here and there before he decides that something really tastes good enough for him to eat.