You probably read nutrition labels to weed out foods high in saturated fat, sodium or calories in your own diet, but who's watching your bird's waistline? Many bird foods offer your pet an incomplete diet that can lead to health problems and even shorten his life span. Here's what you need to know before you go grocery shopping for your feathered friend.

Seed Diets

These diets aren't for the birds - literally. Although birds love them, seeds are deficient in several vitamins, minerals, amino acids and they're often high in fat.

Some seed diets boast the addition of vitamins and minerals. The downside, most of the supplements sift to the bottom of the bag or seed cup, and birds often discard them. Over time, this deficient diet undermines your bird's health, making him susceptible to disease.

While grassland birds, such as budgies, finches and cockatiels, eat mostly seeds in the wild, for parrots and other rainforest species, these sumptuous morsels are not a common menu item - they're an acquired taste.

In the wild, grassland birds supplement their seed diets with other foods. The seeds they choose also tend to be more varied and are mostly immature green seeds, which are nutritionally superior to those in commercial seed mixes.

Birds, like children, often hanker for tasty but unhealthy treats, and they need your guidance to eat a balanced diet. Selection and variety are the keys to good nutrition, so offer seed mixes and millet sprays only as a treat or supplement to a balanced diet.

Formulated Pellets

Formulated pellets are the foundation of a nutritionally complete diet. They're easy to buy, feed, store, and they won't put a big dent in your wallet. Since manufacturers blend the ingredients, it's impossible for a bird to pick his favorite foods and leave the rest.

You should gradually offer pellets with your pet's old food over a two-week period. A bird who wasn't raised eating pellets may fear them, may not recognize them as food, and may even throw them back the first time they land in his bowl. But don't give up. Try mixing them into other favorite soft foods, such as cooked cereal, mashed fruit or spaghetti sauce.

Monitor your bird's food dish and droppings daily, and make sure you see him munching down pellets. Birds occasionally starve themselves rather than eat unfamiliar foods, so feel his keel (breastbone) regularly to make sure it doesn't protrude - a sign your pal's on a crash diet.

It is unlikely however, that your bird will accept a pellet diet, but you should continue to offer it. Some birds finally become more adventurous after a year or longer, and it's worth the work to improve your bird's nutrition.

Supplements and Treats

Pellet diets provide a sound foundation, but your pet also needs the variety he'll get from pastas, cereals, breads, beans, potatoes and especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Most everything you eat (assuming you don't live on burgers, fries and soda) is also good for your bird in moderation. You can even offer small portions of well-done meats and dairy products.

Avoid sugary, high-fat, high-salt foods, including smoked and processed meat. Wash all produce carefully to remove pesticides and bacterial contaminants, and never feed spoiled food or waste, such as wilted vegetables or fruit cores. Avocado (which may be toxic to birds), alcohol, chocolate and other caffeine-containing foods and drinks are definite no-nos. And never feed too much of any one food, no matter how much your feathered friend begs.

Serving Dinner

Wild birds forage and select from a wide variety of foods. Eating is your bird's work, exercise, entertainment and social activity, so spice up mealtimes with a little variety.

Presentation is everything, so try serving different-size chunks he can hold or tear up. Also offer foods that require some effort to eat, such as corn on the cob, or hide foods under dishes or in the nooks and crannies of toys - but don't let them spoil if he doesn't find them quickly. Suspend foods from the top and sides of the cage so he must climb and reach for them, or devise food toys.

Unless your bird's overweight, offer a free-choice pellet diet, and serve up fresh fruits twice a day. Your mealtimes are the perfect opportunity to share some of the tasty morsels on your plate. One caution: Always cool your bird's food to prevent burns.

If your bird is unfamiliar with fresh foods, introduce them to his diet gradually. Start with small, non-threatening portions and tiny pieces of food until he accepts it. For small birds, try grating new foods. If your pet's on the plump side, cut back on the between-meal snacks and consult your veterinarian about a diet and weight-control program.

Your pet will relish fruity morsels and the occasional seed snack - just make sure they're part of a balanced diet.