What Do Parrots Eat? Best Guide to Parrot Nutrition and Diet

Did you know that parrots are omnivores? This might sound crazy, but they actually eat meat. Most of the time, parrots are given things like seeds and fruits, but there are other things they can have. So, what do parrots eat, and what do their diets look like? We cover it all and even give you some feeding tips! Let’s start off by looking at parrot nutrition.

Introduction to Parrot Nutrition

Parrot diets are important for the same reasons a human diet is – HEALTH! Filling these bodies with the right foods can improve their health, behavior, and how long they live. So, let’s work on getting them healthy by changing what they eat and how much they eat. 

Some believe having food in bird cages helps their mental and physical health. Strange, right? There is no evidence to support this but the choice is yours. Others think that birds should be fed twice a day and that food should not be left in the cage. 

What do Parrots Eat?

Sunflower Seeds 

Parrots love sunflower seeds! But, they should be fed to parrots in moderation since these seeds have high levels of fat. It can lead to fatty liver disease and affect your birdie’s health.

So, how much can they eat at a time? About a handful of seeds! Sunflower seeds should not be their main source of nutrition; it should only be a snack.  

Nuts

Although nuts give birds energy and nutrition, we need to add other foods to their diet. Take a look at some of the safe nut options for birds to eat:

• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Macadamia nuts
• Walnuts

Make sure that these nuts aren’t salted or seasoned!

Fruits

Most fruits are safe for birds to eat. Here are the healthiest fruits for birds to eat:

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bananas 
• Blueberries

Worms

Owners don’t usually feed birds worms, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t! Worms are full of protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats. Who doesn’t want that for their parrot? 

Mealworms can be fed to parrots alive or dried. Experts say that live worms are healthier! Would you try this?

16 Things You Should Avoid Feeding Your Parrot

Some food items affect your parrot’s health tremendously. So, don’t just feed them what you are having or what is close by. List of things your parrot should not have:

1. Onion
2. Dairy products
3. Eggplant
4. Sweeteners
5. Raw beans
6. Mushrooms
7. Fruit pits
8. Peanuts
9. Fat
10. Salt
11. Chocolate
12. Alcohol
13. Avocado
14. Caffeine
15. Garlic
16. Rhubarb 

Nutrition Plan: What to Feed Parrots

Did you know that 70-90% of a parrot diet should be pellets while the other 10-30% should be fresh foods? Yes, that’s right! A parrot’s diet should consist mostly of pellets. Let’s take a look at what that would look like down below.

Pellets

What are pellets? Pellets are packed with seeds, nuts, dry fruits, and flour, which are full of nutrients! These are the best brands to buy from:

• Harrisons
• Zupreem
• Roudybush

Fresh Foods

Vegetables and fruits contain a lot of vitamin A, which is what parrots need. Parrots should eat the following fresh foods in their diet:

• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Squash 
• Mango
• Papaya
• Cantaloupe

Feeding Recommendations

• Variety: Feed your bird various foods to keep them interested in what you are feeding them and ensure that their nutrition comes from different sources.
• Freshness: Ensure that the food you are feeding your parrot is fresh. Stale items lack nutritional value and are not great at hydrating your birdy. 
• Cleanliness: Wash your bird’s food before giving it to them. This is to get rid of toxic chemicals, dirt, and bacteria. 
• Portion Control: Overfeeding can be a real problem because it can lead to issues like obesity. That can affect your parrot’s quality of life.   

FAQ’s

Can parrots have alcohol? 

No, parrots should not have alcohol since it’s very toxic. Many owners let birds taste whatever alcoholic beverage they are having. Most birds can’t get enough of this, so owners think that it’s okay for them to have some. Alcohol can cause your parrot’s organs to shut down, so refrain from giving them anything that contains this substance. 

What are the best foods for parrots to eat?

The best foods for parrots are leafy greens! They include kale, dandelion leaves, spinach, and broccoli. 

How do I know if I should change my parrot’s diet?

Changes in droppings, feather plucking and weight loss are signs that you should change their diet. Birds are typically easy pets to keep and don’t have a lot of behavior issues, so it is easy to see the signs. 

Conclusion

Parrots should have a combination of pellets and fresh foods. This will ensure they get enough nutrients and live a long, healthy life. Harrisons, Zupreem, and Roudybush are the best in the business. As for fresh foods – parrots need about 10-30% of foods like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in their diets. Now, you can also add mealworms, but that’s not necessary. 

Foods like sunflower seeds should be restricted, while others should be avoided completely, as they are toxic to birds and affect their health. Change your parrot’s life today by altering their diet! You won’t be sorry.