What to feed a parrot: pellets vs seed, fresh foods and foods that are toxic

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Diet is one of the biggest factors in a parrot's long-term health, and it is where many well-meaning owners go wrong. The classic bowl of seed that comes with a new bird is not a complete diet. Here is how to build a better one, and which foods to keep out of reach.

Why an all-seed diet is a problem

Seed mixes are tasty to parrots, which is why many birds pick out their favourites and leave the rest. Veterinary guidance describes seed mixes as high in fat and short of important nutrients, especially vitamin A. A bird fed only seed can look fine for years while problems build up. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, damages the lining of the mouth and airways and makes infections more likely. Seed still has a place, but as a small part of the diet or as a treat and training reward.

Pellets as a base

Formulated pellets are made to provide a balanced diet in every bite, so a bird cannot pick out only the fatty parts. Many avian vets suggest pellets as the base of the diet for many common pet species, with fresh foods alongside. The right proportions differ between species, so ask your vet what suits your bird; budgies and cockatiels, for instance, have different needs from larger parrots.

Switching a seed-eater to pellets

Parrots can be stubborn about new food, and some will go hungry rather than try it. Switch gradually:

Offer pellets in a separate bowl alongside the usual food.
Slowly reduce the seed over several weeks while the bird learns pellets are food.
Eat or pretend to eat pellets in front of the bird; parrots copy their flock.
Weigh the bird regularly on a kitchen scale during the change. A bird that is losing weight is not eating enough, and a vet should advise.

Never simply remove the seed and wait. Small birds can lose condition quickly.

Fresh foods

Offer a variety of fresh vegetables daily, washed and chopped into pieces the bird can handle:

leafy greens and herbs
peppers, carrots, broccoli, squash and peas
small amounts of fruit, which is high in sugar

Dark green and orange vegetables are useful sources of vitamin A. Remove fresh food before it spoils, especially in warm weather. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and bowls washed daily.

Foods to keep away from parrots

Avocado: every part of the plant, including the fruit, skin, stone and leaves, is widely listed as toxic to birds. Avoid it completely.
Chocolate: contains theobromine and caffeine, which birds handle poorly. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous.
Caffeine: coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks.
Alcohol: even small amounts can be dangerous to a small bird.
Onion and garlic, raw or cooked.
Apple and pear seeds and the stones of cherries, peaches, apricots and plums: they contain compounds that can release cyanide. The flesh of these fruits is fine once seeds and stones are removed.
Salty, sugary and fatty human food: crisps, sweets, fried food and anything heavily seasoned.

If your bird eats something on this list, call an avian vet or an animal poison line straight away rather than waiting for symptoms. Birds are small and can deteriorate quickly.

Feeding as enrichment

Wild parrots spend much of the day looking for food. Hiding food in paper, cardboard or foraging toys gives a pet bird something to do and can reduce boredom behaviours such as screaming. Every species and every bird is different, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with your avian vet. Share what your parrot eats, or ask about a food you are unsure of, in the comments.