10. Are food needs different for blue fronted or yellow headed Amazons?

Yes, different Amazon species have slightly different preferences and needs. Blue fronted Amazons love berries and fruits, while yellow headed Amazons may benefit more from antioxidant-rich vegetables. Adjust the diet based on your bird’s behavior and health needs.

Amazon Parrot Diet: Foods, Tips, and Key Nutrition for Your Parrot

Published: 23 Apr 2025

Amazon parrots are a diverse group of smart and colorful birds. From the Blue Fronted Amazon to the Yellow Headed, Double Yellow Headed, and Lilac Crowned Amazon, each one brings unique traits but they all need a balanced and nutritious Amazon Parrot Diet.

Whether you have a Green Parrot, a Red Crowned Amazon, or an Orange Winged Amazon, their dietary needs are more similar than different. Let’s explore what they should (and shouldn’t) eat.

Table of Content

Amazon Parrot Diet

A healthy Amazon parrots diet leads to longer life, brighter feathers, and a better mood. Poor diet causes many health problems like obesity, liver issues, and feather plucking. So, it’s important to feed your bird the right mix of fruits, veggies, pellets, and occasional treats.

What Do Amazon Parrots Eat in the Wild?

In the wild, Amazon parrots eat:

Fruits
Provide natural sugars, vitamins, and hydration.
Leafy greens
Rich in calcium and fiber, great for digestion and bone health.
Nuts
Packed with healthy fats and protein, but should be eaten in moderation.
Flowers
A source of antioxidants and natural enrichment.
Tree bark
Helps with beak trimming and provides fiber.

This natural diet is high in fiber, antioxidants, and water. Try to mimic this when planning food for Amazon parrots at home.

Core Components of an Ideal Amazon Parrot Diet

Amazon parrots thrive on variety. Use this formula:

60-70% high-quality pellets
20-30% fresh fruits and vegetables
5-10% seeds and nuts

Let’s break this down.

Fresh Fruits for Amazon Parrots

Fruits provide natural sugar, vitamins, and hydration. Best choices:

Apple (no seeds)
High in fiber and vitamin C; seeds must be removed as they’re toxic.
Papaya
Rich in vitamin A and great for digestion.
Banana
Provides potassium and quick energy.
Mango
Full of vitamin A and antioxidants for healthy feathers.
Grapes (seedless)
Hydrating and sweet, but best offered in moderation due to sugar.

🟡 Add variety to the blue fronted Amazon parrot diet and yellow headed Amazon parrot diet with these fruits.

Vegetables to Feed Your Amazon Parrot

Green parrot diet benefits most from dark leafy greens like:

Kale
Packed with calcium and vitamin K for strong bones and immune support.
Spinach
Rich in iron and antioxidants, but offer in moderation due to oxalates.
Broccoli
Loaded with vitamin C and fiber; supports digestion and immunity.
Bell peppers
High in vitamin A and colorful variety parrots love.
Carrots
Full of beta-carotene for eye and feather health.

Steam harder veggies for easier digestion. These are great food options for green parrots and Amazons alike.

Pellets: Best Amazon Parrot Food Base

Choose pellets made for Amazon parrots. Look for organic, color-free brands. Top picks:

Harrison’s Adult Lifetime
Roudybush
TOP’s Parrot Food

🟢 Pellets are the best for Amazon parrots when forming the bulk of their daily meals.

Seeds and Nuts: How Much is Safe?

Seeds are high in fat. Limit to treats or training. Safe nuts:

Almonds (unsalted)
A good source of protein and vitamin E; only give unsalted and in small amounts.
Walnuts
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart and brain health.
Pistachios
Contain healthy fats and fiber, but always offer shelled and unsalted.

🔸 Even in the best diet for Amazon parrot, nuts should be given in moderation.

Amazon Parrot Food List by Species

Different Amazon parrot species have similar diets, but some need extra care.

Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot Diet

What do blue fronted Amazon parrots eat?

60% pellets
20% fruits like papaya, mango
10% vegetables
10% seeds/nuts

✅ Ideal blue fronted Amazon diet includes berries, legumes, and dark leafy greens.

Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot Diet

These birds need more antioxidants.

Include berries, spinach, and red bell pepper
Pellets should be 70% of the diet

🟡 Maintain a clean, balanced yellow headed Amazon parrot diet to prevent fatty liver disease.

Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot Diet

Yellow naped parrots love variety.

Rotate between apples, grapes, and bell peppers
Add cooked quinoa for protein

💡 A good yellow naped Amazon parrot diet prevents boredom and food refusal.

Red Crowned Amazon Parrot Diet

These birds love fruit-heavy meals.

Feed pomegranate, guava, and kiwi
Avoid too many nuts

🍒 The red crowned Amazon parrot diet benefits from a touch of sweet fruits and lots of greens.

Orange Winged Amazon Diet

Add more beta-carotene sources like:

Sweet potato
Loaded with beta-carotene and fiber; great for eye and immune health.
Carrot
Rich in vitamin A and supports healthy skin, feathers, and vision.
Pumpkin
High in antioxidants and gentle on the digestive system.

🟠 A strong orange winged Amazon diet supports vibrant feathers.

Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot Diet

These birds are prone to weight gain.

Focus on steamed veggies and pellets
Limit fatty treats

📌 A balanced double yellow headed Amazon diet prevents obesity and behavioral issues.

Lilac Crowned Amazon Diet

Very active, so they need more protein:

Lentils
Plant-based protein and fiber to support energy and digestion.
Boiled egg (rarely)
Excellent source of complete protein; offer in small, occasional servings.
Whole grains
Provide sustained energy, B vitamins, and support muscle health.

🌱 A proper lilac crowned Amazon diet should include calcium-rich greens like kale and bok choy.

Amazon Parrot Food Recipes (DIY Options)

Try these Amazon parrot food recipes:

1. Tropical Parrot Salad

Chopped mango
Shredded carrots
Bell peppers
Sprouted lentils

2. Warm Mash

Cooked quinoa
Sweet potato mash
Chopped spinach
Chia seeds

Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for daily rotation!

What Can Amazon Parrots Not Eat?

Avoid these at all costs:

Chocolate
Contains theobromine, which is toxic to parrots and can lead to severe illness.
Avocado
Contains persin, a toxin that can cause heart failure and death in parrots.
Caffeine
Stimulates the heart and can cause arrhythmias and nervous system issues.
Onion and garlic
Can cause digestive issues, anemia, and damage to red blood cells.
Alcohol
Extremely harmful and can cause respiratory failure, coma, or death.
Apple seeds
Contain cyanide, which is toxic in large quantities and can be fatal.

🚫 Knowing what can Amazon parrots not eat is just as important as knowing what to feed them.

Best Diet for Amazon Parrots at Different Ages

Young parrots: More protein (boiled egg, legumes)
Adults: Balanced pellets, fruits, and veggies
Seniors: Low-fat, high-fiber food

⚖️ Adjust the best Amazon parrot food mix based on your bird’s age and health.

Feeding Tips for Green Parrots and Mixed Flocks

Green parrots need:

Dark greens daily
Rich in calcium and iron for strong bones and overall health.
Less fruit sugar
Keep fruit servings minimal to avoid obesity and ensure balanced nutrition.
Variety in textures
Provide a mix of fresh, dried, and cooked foods to stimulate interest and mental enrichment.

🦜 A healthy green parrot diet looks a lot like an Amazon’s, but slightly less sugary.

Sample Amazon Parrot Feeding Schedule

Time	Meal
8 AM	Pellets + Chopped Veggies
12 PM	Fruit snack
3 PM	Training treat (nut or seed)
6 PM	Warm mash or mixed grains

🔁 Consistency helps digestion and behavior.

Top Mistakes to Avoid in Amazon Parrot Diet

Overfeeding seeds
Giving too much fruit
Ignoring water hygiene
Sticking to one type of food

❗ Avoid these to support your Amazon parrot’s long, happy life.

Conclusion

So, guys in this article we have discussed Amazon Parrot Diet in detail. Creating the right Amazon parrot diet is the key to raising a happy, active, and long-living bird. From species-specific needs like the blue fronted Amazon diet or yellow headed Amazon parrot diet, to daily essentials like fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets, a balanced diet supports their immune system, energy, and bright feathers. It’s not just about feeding—it’s about making every meal count with the best food for Amazon parrots.

Avoid toxic foods, rotate their menu with colorful, nutritious options, and be sure to tailor your parrot’s meals based on its species and age. A well-planned Amazon parrot diet builds the foundation for a lifetime of health, bonding, and joy.

👉 Want to learn more about enrichment, behavior, or training? Read our next expert article and take your Amazon parrot care to the next level!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Amazon Parrot Diet, with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

1. What do Amazon parrots eat daily?

Amazon parrots eat a mix of pellets, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. The bulk of their daily diet should be pellets (60-70%), followed by fresh produce. A well-balanced diet supports their immune system, feathers, and energy levels.

2. What is the best Amazon parrot food?

The best food for Amazon parrots is organic, color-free pellets made specifically for parrots, like Harrison’s or Roudybush. These offer complete nutrition and prevent picky eating. When combined with fresh veggies and fruits, they form an ideal daily diet.

3. Can I feed my Amazon parrot banana?

Yes, bananas are safe and healthy for Amazon parrots. They contain potassium and natural sugars, which parrots enjoy. Offer banana in moderation and always in small pieces to prevent overfeeding.

4. How often should I feed my parrot fruit?

You can offer fruit once or twice per day, depending on your parrot’s size and weight. Keep the portions small to avoid excess sugar. Always rotate fruits for variety and better nutrition.

5. What can Amazon parrots not eat?

Amazon parrots must never eat avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, or apple seeds. These foods are toxic and can lead to serious illness or death. Always research before offering new foods.

6. Do Amazon parrots need pellets?

Yes, pellets are essential for providing complete and balanced nutrition. They help fill nutritional gaps that seeds or fresh food alone can’t cover. Choose high-quality brands with no artificial dyes or sugars.

7. Can Amazon parrots eat cooked food?

Yes, cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, and mashed sweet potato are excellent additions. Avoid salt, oil, and spices in cooked food. These meals are especially good during colder months or for senior parrots.

8. How much water do Amazon parrots need?

Amazon parrots need clean, fresh water available at all times. Change the water at least twice a day to prevent bacterial growth. During hot days, consider offering wet fruits to boost hydration.

9. What’s a healthy treat for my Amazon?

Healthy treats include unsalted almonds, pistachios, or cooked corn kernels. Use treats during training or bonding sessions to keep things fun. Remember to limit them to avoid excess fat.