What Should I Feed My Parrot—Best Food Options

Best food options for your parrots, including pellets, fruits, vegetables, homemade

As a responsible parrot owner, ensuring your feathered friend receives a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being.

So…

In this blog post…we’ll explore the best food options for your parrots, including pellets, fruits, vegetables, homemade foods, and what to avoid. Let’s dive in!

Oh! Wait!

Here are a few general guidelines you should know:

• Pellets: Pellets should form the base of your parrot’s diet, around 50-60%.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables should make 30-40% of your parrot’s diet.

• Seeds (Grains) as Treats: Seeds and grains should be considered treats rather than the base meal.

• Mineral Supplements: Most commercially available pellet diets for parrots are formulated to provide all necessary vitamins and minerals. However, if your avian veterinarian recommends additional supplements, follow their guidance regarding dosage and frequency.

• Water: Fresh, clean water should be available to your parrot at all times. Change the water daily to prevent contamination.

Now, let’s calculate the daily food quantities for your parrot based on a typical scenario…

…let’s assume your parrot is a medium-sized species, such as an African Grey Parrot.

• Pellets: 50-60% of the diet. For a medium-sized parrot, this could be around 30-35 grams (about 2-3 tablespoons).

• Fruits and Vegetables: 30-40% of the diet. For a medium-sized parrot, this could be around 20-25 grams (about 1-2 tablespoons).

• Seeds (Grains) as Treats: Up to 10% of the diet. For a medium-sized parrot, this could be around 5-7 grams (about 1-2 teaspoons).

• Mineral Supplements: Follow your veterinarian’s guidance.

• Water: Offer fresh water in a clean dish daily. Parrots may consume around 5-10% of their body weight in water everyday, but this can vary.

Awesome, now let’s get back to the food options!

Pellet Food for Parrots

Pellets are a cornerstone of a parrot’s diet, offering convenience and balanced nutrition in one package.

The best pellet for you parrot are those formulated and designed to meet the specific dietary needs of parrots, providing a mix of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Look for pellets tailored to your parrot’s species and age, as different birds have varying nutritional requirements.

Different parrots will also accept varying pellet grain sizes.

Go for high-quality pellets without added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The three brands I recommend, more for new-owners are:

Best Fruits for Your Parrots

Fresh fruits are a delicious and nutritious addition to your parrot’s diet, offering essential vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.

When selecting fruits for your parrot, go for several options like apples, bananas, berries, grapes, melons, and citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines.

Ensure the fruits are washed thoroughly to remove any pesticides or residues and remove seeds or pits that could be toxic to your parrot.

Remember to offer fruits in moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake and potential digestive issues.

Feed your parrot fruits 3-5 times per week as part of a balanced diet alongside high-quality pellets and vegetables. Monitor their health and adjust fruit offerings based on individual preferences and nutritional needs. Consult your avian veterinarian for guidance.

Parrots should not have fruit everyday due to the natural sugars found in fruits, which can be excessive if consumed in large quantities.

Daily vegetable portions are a healthier alternative, providing the same essential nutrients without the high sugar content in fruits.

What is A Parrots Favorite Fruit

Parrots enjoy a variety of fruits, but an all-species favorite is apples. Berries-strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries-come in second, and grapes are parrot’s third favorite fruit.

However, I know of a few parrots that love pomegranates, bananas, and watermelon, but overall, parrots tend to be lukewarm about citruses (oranges, tangerines) and mangos.

I did a survey in a forum on this question (What is your parrot’s favorite fruit), and below are the results from 50 parrot owners**.

What Fruits Are Not Good for Parrots

Avocado is the only fruit entirely unsafe for parrots and most birds (and pets). The fruit contains a toxin called persin, which can be fatal. Symptoms of avocado poisoning in parrots include difficulty breathing, weakness, lethargy, and sudden death.

Persin affects a parrot’s heart and respiratory system, leading to respiratory distress and cardiac issues.

Pits and certain seeds can also be unsafe for parrots due to their toxic or potentially harmful components, but the rest of the fruits (flesh and skin) are safe.

• Apple seeds: Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to birds and can lead to cyanide poisoning if ingested in large quantities.

• Cherry pits: Cherry pits contain cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide when chewed or ingested. Ingestion of cherry pits can lead to cyanide poisoning in birds.

• Peach pits: Peach pits contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or ingested. Consumption of peach pits can lead to cyanide poisoning in birds.

• Plum pits: Plum pits contain cyanogenic glycosides, similar to peach pits, which can release cyanide when chewed or ingested. Ingestion of plum pits can lead to cyanide poisoning in birds.

• Apricot pits: Apricot pits contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Consumption of apricot pits can lead to cyanide poisoning in birds.

Best Vegetables for Parrots

Vegetables, like fruits, are vital for a good parrot diet, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for overall health.

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce are excellent choices, along with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers.

Always chop vegetables into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards and encourage your parrot to explore different textures and flavors.

Rotate between vegetables regularly to provide variety and ensure your parrot receives diverse nutrients.

Rotating the veggies also ensures your bird does not get bored. Parrots are intelligent birds and need variety for well-rounded socialization.

Incorporating vegetables into your parrot’s diet contributes to their overall health and well-being.

What Vegetable Do Parrots Like The Most

Parrots are like humans. Each bird is unique with independent preferences, but they all seem to like some things, including vegetables, better than others.

All parrots, regardless of species and size, seem to like corn-on-the-cob the best. Peas and carrots rank second favorites, and peppers (Green, Yellow, Red) are arguably third best.

Brocolli, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cucumber are also a favorite for several parrots, especially if they are readily available for other vegetables.

Now… as I did in the fruits section, here are the results for vegetable ranking of how much parrots love them.

What Vegetables are Bad for Parrots

While many vegetables are safe and healthy for parrots, some should be avoided or offered sparingly due to potential health risks or lack of nutritional value.

Perhaps the most apparent ones are onions.

All plants from the onion family, including spring onions, bulb onion, chives, garlic, rhubarb, leek, scallions, and shallots, contain compounds called thiosulfates and disulfides, which can cause oxidative damage to a parrot’s red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia.

A few vegetables to avoid (bad for parrots):

• Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can cause oxidative damage to a parrot’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. It’s best to avoid feeding onions and garlic to your parrot in any form.

• Rhubarb: Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic to parrots if consumed in large quantities. Avoid feeding rhubarb to your parrot, including the leaves and stalks.

• Mushrooms: Some varieties of mushrooms can be toxic to parrots and should be avoided. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding mushrooms to your parrot altogether.

• Tomato Leaves and Stems: While ripe tomatoes are safe for parrots to eat in moderation, the leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain solanine, which can be toxic to parrots. Avoid feeding tomato leaves and stems to your parrot.

• Potatoes: While cooked white potatoes are not inherently toxic to parrots, they are starchy and low in nutritional value.

  Raw potatoes have enzyme (protease) prohibitions that block enzymes from breaking down foods into nutrients, making them impossible for a bird to digest.

  The Starch in a raw potato also tends to sit in the crop or intestines, which can ferment and lead to health issues.

  Please note that sweet potatoes are safe and a parrot’s favorite.

Homemade Human Food for Parrots

Human foods can be safe for parrots if offered in moderation and prepared appropriately. The foods will provide nutritional benefits for your parrots, contributing to their health and well-being, although not to the level of commercial pellets.

Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients for parrots, helping to support muscle growth and development.

Meat, including chicken, fish, and lean red meats, will also provide protein and essential amino acids for their diet. However, it’s imperative to offer cooked meat without bones, skin, or seasoning to ensure safety and digestibility for parrots.

Rice, pasta, and noodles are good carbohydrates for birds, providing energy and fiber for their diet. These foods can be cooked plain without added salt, spices, or sauces, making them suitable options for parrots.

Bread can be offered to parrots in small quantities as a treat, but it should be whole grain and free from added sugars or preservatives.

However, bread is arguably one of the least nutritional human foods for parrots, so avoid it if you can.

Milk is not recommended for parrots as many birds are lactose intolerant and may have difficulty digesting dairy products.

Now…when cooking human foods for your parrots, avoid seasonings, spices, sauces, or oils that may be harmful to them. Instead, opt for simple cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, or baking without any added ingredients.

Salt and processed sugars are also not ideal for parrots, so avoid them.

Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid offering large quantities of human foods to parrots, as they should primarily consume a diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables to ensure nutritional balance.

Homemade Food (Chop) for Parrots

Chop is another ideal food for parrots which you can make at home. It is perfect if you are short on pellets or want to keep your parrot food cost low.

To ensure your parrots receive enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in the chop, include a variety of ingredients from different food groups.

Dark leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, while vegetables and fruits provide additional vitamins and antioxidants,

Cooked grains and legumes offer protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, while nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.

You can also include human food your parrot likes, such as eggs, pasta, rice, and boneless meats.

For meat, cooked chicken, turkey, or lean meats can be diced or shredded and added to the chop.

However, while a parrot chop is a nutritious component of a balanced diet, do not rely solely on a chop-only diet for your parrot’s long-term health.

Fresh preparation is also ideal, but you can freeze portions for convenience.

Frozen chop should be safe for a few weeks stored properly, but remember to thaw it completely before serving it and ensure it remains fresh without freezer burn.

If your parrots are not eager to eat the chop (initially), try offering it alongside their favorite foods or mixed with seeds and grains to encourage them to try it.

Gradually increase the amount of chop offered and reduce the amount of seeds and grains to transition them to a healthier diet.

Offer the chop in a shallow dish or flat surface to make it easily accessible for your parrots to eat.

Here’s a recommended list of ingredients and guidelines for preparing a parrot chop:

1— Ingredients

• Dark leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard)

• Other vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, or peas)

• Fruits (such as apples, oranges, blueberries, or strawberries)

• Cooked whole grains (such as quinoa, brown rice, or barley)

• Cooked legumes (such as lentils, chickpeas, or black beans)

• Nuts and seeds (in moderation, as a source of healthy fats and protein)

• Calcium-rich foods (such as chopped eggshells, cuttlebone, or calcium supplements)

2— Ratios

• Aim for approximately 50-60% vegetables, 20-30% fruits, 10-20% grains and legumes, and 5-10% nuts and seeds in the chop.

• Adjust the ratios based on your parrot’s preferences and nutritional needs, but ensure a range of ingredients to provide various nutrients.

To prepare a parrot chop, wash and chop a variety of fresh, bird-safe ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds, then mix them together in a large bowl.

Chop them into small, manageable pieces, ensuring they are bite-sized for your parrot’s ease of eating and digestion.

Only include the edible parts of vegetables and fruits, removing any seeds, pits, or inedible portions that may be toxic to your parrot.

Serve the chop immediately or freeze in portions for future use, ensuring a balanced ratio of ingredients for optimal nutrition.

That is all for this post.

Happy birding🐦🦜, and watch out for more posts on this series on parrot birds and nutrition. Click on the internal links for advice on specific food categories.