Providing your pet bird with proper nutrition is one of the most important steps in ensuring a long, healthy life. Just like humans, birds need a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and proteins to thrive. When you first bring a bird home, it’s best to start with the same food it was eating previously, introducing any diet changes gradually to avoid stress. Because every species has unique dietary needs, consulting with an avian veterinarian is the best way to create a tailored feeding plan. To help you get started, this guide breaks down the different food options for pet birds so you can choose the best diet for your feathered friend.

What to Feed a Pet Bird: Bird Food Options

Seeds and Nuts

Pet birds can eat both germinated and ungerminated seeds but, with a few exceptions, seeds and nuts should not be a regular part of your pet bird’s primary diet. They should be reserved as treats only.

Some of the most common seeds found in bird food seed mixes include safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, millet seed, canary seed, hemp seed and thistle seed.

Seeds are unhealthy when they are the main part of your bird’s diet. Just like everything, moderation is key. Seeds are often high in carbohydrates and fats and deficient in vital nutrients such calcium, Vitamin D3 and lysine, one of the essential amino acids. A seed-only diet does not provide proper nutrition and must be supplemented with various fresh foods as well as vitamin and mineral supplements. Pet birds that are fed only seeds may become overweight and even develop illnesses, such as atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease.

But don’t get us wrong, seeds and nuts used as a treat or for training are just fine. Seeds fulfill a pet bird’s psychological need for ‘working’ for its food since the bird must use its beak to crack open the seed. Seeds also provide some vitamins and trace elements.

Nuts are a great source of extra protein. Some birds, like macaws, need these extra protein sources. Types of nuts you can offer your bird are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts. Feed plain nuts only, and avoid anything that is salted or honey-roasted.

Pellets for Birds

Manufactured extruded or pelleted diets are often recommended by veterinarians, breeders and other avian professionals. Studies have shown that generally the dietary needs for a pet bird can be met with a diet containing about 75 percent pellets and 25 percent carefully selected healthy low fat table foods.

A pellet usually consists of ground up grains and seeds, vitamins and minerals that are baked at a low heat and formed into shapes. Some pellets add coloring to appeal to your bird, while other pellets are natural colors. Some aviculturists do not recommend feeding dry pellets to Lories and other softbills.

One important note: Do not add vitamin supplements to pelleted meals unless your avian veterinarian tells you to. Too many vitamins can result in your bird developing hypervitaminosis, which can be very serious.

Fruits and Vegetables

While you may not want to snack on some of your bird’s pellets and seeds, there are a few bird-safe treats that you can both enjoy together. Many vegetables are packed full of vitamins, fiber, protein, calcium and other nutrients. Your bird will enjoy dark-leafy greens such as parsley, spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli and Swiss chard. Bell peppers, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots and squashes such as pumpkins, butternut and spaghetti are also great. Roasted squash seeds are also a tasty treat idea. Try mixing in legumes, beans, sprouts and whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and oats. But save the dressing for your salad only… do not put any sort of dressing on your bird’s vegetables.

Birds also love the taste and colorful look of most fruits, both dried and fresh. Fruits high in vitamin A such as mangoes, papayas, cantaloupe, persimmon, apricots and pomegranates are a great option. Most birds also enjoy pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, bananas and of course apples.

Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables for Pet Birds

Fruits and vegetables are nutritious additions to your bird’s diet but are highly perishable. Always wash produce thoroughly before serving to remove pesticides and contaminants. Remove any uneaten fruits and vegetables from your bird’s dish after a few hours to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety, ensuring your feathered friend stays healthy and happy.

Meats and Eggs

Pet birds can benefit from small amounts of high-quality, animal-based protein as part of a balanced diet. Offer well-cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, or fish in moderation. Eggs are another excellent option—try providing unseasoned scrambled eggs or protein egg food, and even include the cooked, crumbled shell for added calcium. Avoid processed or high-salt meats such as ham, sausage, pepperoni, and deli meats, as these can be harmful to birds.

Cooked Food

If you’re a great cook in the kitchen, your bird may enjoy some home-cooked meals. Here’s a tip, most birds LOVE pasta! Just be sure to check the list of Foods that are Toxic to Birds to make sure you don’t accidentally give your feathered friend something you shouldn’t.

It’s also a good idea to avoid giving your bird foods that are high in salt, fat or preserved with sulfites. Fast food is also a no-no for birds due to the risk of bacterial contamination. And, while you may be a fan of cheese, your bird is not. Dairy products such as cheese, cream and butter should be avoided since birds are lactose intolerant.

Keep in mind that it isn’t just ingredients you have to be careful of. Never use nonstick cookware or appliances when cooking anywhere that birds are present. In addition, never use the self-cleaning cycle of an oven when you aren’t able to open the windows, or at any time when your bird can’t be temporarily relocated. Fumes emitted from overheating and smoke from burned-on food can kill birds quickly.

When it comes to cooked foods, if you want to stay on the side of caution until you are up to speed on what’s safe and what isn’t, there are several types of soak-and-cook meals available to buy such as Higgins Worldly Cuisines Cooked Bird Food and these include all bird-friendly ingredients.

One thing to keep in mind with cooked meals, if you’re reheating cooked bird food, make sure it is cooled off before handing the leftovers to your bird.

How Much Food Should I Feed?

The best advice here is to talk to your avian veterinarian about the specific portions to give your bird. Many veterinarians recommend a ¼ cup of pellets per day for small birds and a ½ cup of pellets per day for larger parrots. It is important to always follow your bird food package instructions as well.

While fruits and veggies are great as a supplement, make sure your bird isn’t filling up only on these items. If your bird doesn’t eat its primary food (such as a pelleted or formulated food diet), back off on the amount of vegetables, fruits and other items they are eating.

Fruit Guidelines:

• ½ to 1 teaspoon for a small bird.
• 1 Tablespoon for larger birds.

Veggie Guidelines:

• Half of a spoonful to smaller birds.
• Small spoonful to larger birds.

Protein Source Guidelines:

• ½ Tablespoon for smaller birds.
• 1 ½ Tablespoons for larger birds.

Tricks for Getting a Picky Bird to Eat

If you find your feathered friend is a bit finicky when it comes to mealtime, try these tricks to get them to eat:

• If your Budgie or other small bird refuses to eat fresh food in a dish, try instead attaching chunks of carrot, broccoli, corn on the cob or other fresh food to the cage bar.
• If your larger bird tosses out or ignores unwanted food, try stringing fruit and vegetables on kabob-style rod feeders.
• Believe it or not, looks are important to your bird. Make sure the food you are providing is full of a variety of colors, textures and shapes. Peas, carrots, corn, lima beans, apple slices, papaya, mango, sweet red or green peppers, broccoli, cooked beets and sweet potatoes offer eye appeal, taste and nutrition.

Water and Sunlight: Key Components of a Healthy Bird Diet

While a balanced diet is crucial for your bird’s health, proper hydration and exposure to natural light are equally important. Provide fresh, clean water every day and place food and water dishes at opposite ends of the cage to encourage movement and exercise. For indoor birds, ensure access to natural daylight or high-quality full-spectrum lighting, which is essential for proper nutrient absorption, overall well-being, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.

Final Thoughts on Feeding Your Pet Bird

Providing the right diet for your pet bird is one of the most important ways to keep your feathered friend healthy and happy. From pellets and fresh vegetables to occasional fruits, nuts, and proteins, variety and balance are key. Always introduce new foods gradually, avoid high-fat or processed items, and consult your avian veterinarian to create the best feeding plan for your bird’s species and needs. With proper nutrition, clean water, and safe feeding practices, your bird can thrive for years to come. If you need help with choosing the best food for your bird, call us at 800.786.4751.

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association

Association of Avian Veterinarians