What Can Parrots Eat? Expert Feeding Tips

Published: 5 Mar 2025

If you’re asking What can parrots eat?, you’re already on the right track as a parrot owner. A healthy, balanced diet is the key to keeping your parrot active, colorful, and full of life. In the wild, parrots eat a wide variety of seeds, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and even small amounts of protein. At home, it’s important to replicate that variety with safe, nutritious foods that support long-term health.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what food parrots can eat, what to avoid, and how to create a balanced meal plan for your feathered friend. 🦜

Table of Content

What Do Parrots Eat in the Wild?
What Can Parrots Eat? Safe and Healthy Food List
Fruits Parrots Can Eat
Vegetables Parrots Can Eat
Pellets vs Seeds - Which Is Best?
Can Parrots Eat Nuts? 🥜
Protein in a Parrot’s Diet
🚫 What Parrots Should Never Eat
How Much Should You Feed a Parrot?
Wild & Foraged Foods for Parrots 🌿
Conclusion
FAQs

What Do Parrots Eat in the Wild?

Wild parrots are omnivores, which means their diet naturally includes:

Seeds and nuts
Fruits and berries
Leafy greens and vegetables
Small insects or plant proteins

As pets, parrots thrive on a diet that mirrors this natural balance, but with safer, cleaner, and toxin-free options.

What Can Parrots Eat? Safe and Healthy Food List

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Fruits Parrots Can Eat

Fruits are a favorite snack for parrots. They’re rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars. However, they should make up only 20–30% of your parrot’s diet to avoid excess sugar.

Safe Fruits for Parrots (with benefits):

Apples (no seeds): Rich in vitamins A & C.
Bananas: Soft, easy to eat, high in potassium.
Citrus fruits (small amounts): Boost immunity with vitamin C.
Grapes: Hydrating and antioxidant-rich.
Mango: Vitamin A for eye and feather health.
Papaya: Aids digestion with natural enzymes.
Pomegranate: Fun to eat and full of antioxidants.
Peaches (no pit): Great for skin and feather health.

👉 Important: Always remove seeds and pits, as many contain toxins harmful to parrots.

Vegetables Parrots Can Eat

Vegetables are the foundation of a parrot’s healthy diet. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in fat.

Best Vegetables for Parrots:

Broccoli: Rich in calcium and antioxidants.
Carrots: Beta-carotene supports eye health.
Bell Peppers (any color): Boost immunity with vitamin C.
Spinach & Kale: High in iron and calcium (feed in moderation).
Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes: Vitamin A for feathers and vision.
Corn on the Cob: Fun enrichment food with natural energy.
Zucchini (Courgettes): Hydrating and light.
Collard & Mustard Greens: Great calcium source for bone health.

💡 Pro Tip: Offer a mix of leafy greens + crunchy veggies daily for variety.

Pellets vs Seeds – Which Is Best?

One of the most common questions is whether to feed parrots pellets or seeds.

Pellets: Specially formulated to provide a balanced diet. Recommended as the main staple.
Seeds: Natural and tasty but often too high in fat. Should only be an occasional supplement.

👉 Best practice: Feed a pellet-based diet and rotate seeds, fruits, and vegetables for balance.

Can Parrots Eat Nuts? 🥜

Yes, parrots love nuts, but they should be given in moderation due to their high fat content. Nuts also make excellent training treats.

Safe Nuts for Parrots:

Almonds (unsalted, raw) → Vitamin E for feathers.
Walnuts → Omega-3 for brain and heart health.
Cashews (unsalted, raw) → Magnesium for bones.
Pistachios (shelled, raw) → Vitamin B6.

⚠️ Always avoid salted, roasted, or flavored nuts.

Protein in a Parrot’s Diet

Parrots usually get enough protein from legumes, beans, and pellets. Some species may enjoy small amounts of cooked eggs, beans, or lentils.

👉 Animal protein (like chicken or fish) should only be given occasionally and always discussed with a vet.

🚫 What Parrots Should Never Eat

Some foods are toxic or harmful to parrots and should always be avoided:

Chocolate
Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
Alcohol
Avocado
Garlic & Onion
Mushrooms
Fried or salty foods
Apple/cherry seeds, peach pits
Raw beans (toxic unless cooked)
Raw rhubarb
High-sugar or processed foods

If in doubt, don’t feed it. Always consult an avian vet for safety.

How Much Should You Feed a Parrot?

Portion sizes depend on species, age, and activity level. As a guideline:

40–50% of diet: Fresh fruits and vegetables
30–40%: Pellets
10–20%: Nuts and seeds (as treats)

Example: A medium-sized parrot may eat ¼–½ cup of pellets + fruits/veggies daily. Always provide fresh, clean water.

Wild & Foraged Foods for Parrots 🌿

Parrots enjoy safe, wild-foraged foods like dandelion greens, edible flowers, and safe herbs. Just make sure they’re pesticide-free and safe for birds.

Conclusion

So guys, in this article, we’ve covered “what do parrot eat” in detail. Providing your parrot with a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality pellets will keep them happy and healthy. Personally, I recommend adding a variety of fresh greens and occasional treats like nuts to keep their meals exciting. Always remember to avoid toxic foods like chocolate and avocado!

Now, it’s time to take action start improving your parrot’s diet today! If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow parrot lovers and help others care for their feathered friends. 🦜✨

FAQs

Here are some common questions about parrots diet, with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

How much should I feed my parrot daily?

Feed your parrot 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality pellets daily, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Adjust portions based on their size, activity, and appetite. Always provide freshwater.

What food do parrots eat?

Parrots eat pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A varied diet ensures proper nutrition and prevents boredom. Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, or fat.

What do parrots eat and drink?

Parrots eat pellets, fresh produce, and seeds, and drink fresh water daily. Ensure their water is clean and changed regularly. Avoid giving caffeinated or sugary drinks.

Can parrots eat sunflower seeds?

Yes, parrots can eat sunflower seeds, but they should only be given as a treat due to their high fat content. Overfeeding them can lead to obesity or liver issues.

What birds eat safflower seeds?

Parrots, cockatoos, and wild birds like cardinals and house finches enjoy safflower seeds. These seeds are a healthier option, with less fat than sunflower seeds.

Are there any fruits parrots shouldn’t eat?

Plain, air-popped popcorn without any salt, butter, or seasoning is safe for parrots. It provides a fun, crunchy treat but should be offered in small amounts occasionally.

Can parrots eat popcorn?

Plain, air-popped popcorn without any salt, butter, or seasoning is safe for parrots. It provides a fun, crunchy treat but should be offered in small amounts occasionally.

What are the best pellets for parrots?

High-quality pellets without artificial colors, added sugars, or fillers are ideal. Look for pellets formulated for your parrot’s species to meet their nutritional needs.

Which birds eat sunflower seeds?

Parrots, cockatiels, and wild birds like finches and sparrows enjoy sunflower seeds. While nutritious, they are calorie-dense, so limit them to occasional treats.

What vegetables can parrots eat?

Parrots can eat spinach, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and feather quality.