What is the purpose of grit in a bird's diet?

The purpose of grit in a bird's diet is to help digest food. Grit consists of small, hard particles that birds swallow and store in their gizzards, which is a muscular part of their digestive system. When birds consume food, the gizzard contracts and the grit helps grind and break down the food into smaller pieces. This mechanical digestion is crucial for birds, particularly those that eat seeds and grains, as they lack teeth to chew their food. By aiding in the digestion process, grit ensures that birds can efficiently absorb the nutrients from their food, contributing to their overall health and well-being.

This distinguishes grit’s role from other dietary elements that serve different functions, such as providing energy, aiding in feather growth, or helping with hydration.