Safe Foods for Pet Birds (and Toxic Foods to Avoid)

Sharing healthy food with your bird is one of the joys of bird ownership. Fresh foods add vitamins, variety and enrichment to your bird's day. But some common foods, and even some kitchen habits, can be very dangerous for birds. This guide covers what you can safely share and what to keep far away from your feathered friend.

Building a balanced bird diet

Most avian veterinarians recommend that common pet birds such as budgies, cockatiels and conures eat a balanced pellet as the base of their diet, along with fresh vegetables and smaller amounts of fruit, seeds and grains. Seed-only diets are linked to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Needs vary by species, so ask your avian vet what is right for your bird.

Safe vegetables

Wash produce well and serve it raw or lightly steamed, without seasoning.

• Leafy greens: kale, romaine, collard greens, dandelion greens, Swiss chard (in moderation)
• Bell peppers (all colors, seeds are fine)
• Carrots and carrot tops
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Sweet potato (cooked)
• Butternut squash and pumpkin (cooked)
• Peas and green beans
• Zucchini and cucumber
• Corn (in moderation)
• Herbs: parsley, cilantro, basil

Safe fruits

Offer fruit in small portions, as it is high in natural sugar. Remove pits and seeds from fruits in the rose family.

Safe grains and proteins

• Cooked brown rice, quinoa and whole-wheat pasta (plain)
• Cooked oatmeal (plain)
• Cooked beans and lentils (never raw or dried)
• Hard-boiled or scrambled egg, plain, in small amounts
• Sprouted seeds

Toxic foods: never feed these

• Avocado: contains persin, which can be deadly to birds.
• Chocolate and cocoa: contain theobromine and caffeine.
• Caffeine: coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks.
• Alcohol: even small amounts are dangerous.
• Xylitol: a sugar substitute found in gum, candy and some baked goods.
• Onions and garlic: can damage red blood cells and irritate the digestive tract.
• Fruit pits and apple seeds: contain compounds that can release cyanide.
• Raw or dried beans: contain a toxin destroyed by thorough cooking.
• Salty, sugary and fatty snacks: chips, fries, candy and processed foods.
• Moldy foods and peanuts: mold can produce aflatoxins; buy high-quality, human-grade nuts if feeding any.

Household dangers beyond food

Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems. Be aware of these hidden risks:

• Nonstick cookware: overheated PTFE (Teflon) releases fumes that can kill birds within minutes. Many bird owners switch to stainless steel or cast iron.
• Aerosols and scented products: air fresheners, scented candles, plug-ins and cleaning sprays.
• Smoke: cigarette smoke and vapor.
• Heavy metals: lead and zinc in old paint, jewelry, keys and some cheap cages or toys.
• Toxic plants: such as dieffenbachia, philodendron and lilies.

Signs of possible poisoning

Contact an avian vet or animal poison control center right away if your bird shows sudden lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, wobbling, seizures or fluffed-up feathers after possible exposure to something toxic.

How to switch a picky bird to healthier food

• Offer fresh foods first thing in the morning when your bird is hungriest.
• Eat the same food in front of your bird; birds are flock eaters and copy you.
• Try different shapes: chopped, shredded, whole or skewered.
• Be patient. It can take many tries before a bird accepts a new food.

For species-specific diets, see our budgie and cockatiel care guides.

Frequently asked questions

Can birds eat bread?

A tiny piece of plain whole-grain bread is not toxic, but bread offers little nutrition. Moldy bread is dangerous.

Can birds eat peanut butter?

Only small amounts of unsalted natural peanut butter, and never products containing xylitol.

Do birds need grit?

Most parrots, including budgies and cockatiels, hull their seeds and do not need grit. Ask your avian vet.