Best Nuts for Parrots: What to Feed and How Much

Nuts are one of the foods parrots love most, and for good reason. They're a natural part of many wild parrots' diets and can provide healthy fats, protein, vitamin E and minerals. The key is choosing the right nuts and feeding the right amount for your bird.

How many nuts should a parrot eat?

It depends on the species:

• Macaws, especially large ones, need more healthy fat than most parrots, so nuts are a bigger part of their diet. See our macaw feeding guide.
• Cockatoos and Amazons gain weight easily, so nuts work best as treats and training rewards.
• Small birds like cockatiels and budgies need only tiny amounts.

If you're unsure, ask your avian vet how much is right for your bird.

Choosing safe nuts

• Unsalted and unseasoned only. Salted snack nuts are not good for birds.
• Fresh, not stale. Nuts that smell like old oil have gone rancid.
• No mold. Moldy nuts, especially peanuts, can carry toxins. Buy from a trusted source and store nuts properly.

Our most popular nuts for parrots

Mixed Nuts

An out-of-shell mix of almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. Available by the pound or in a 20 lb bulk bag.

Pistachios (In Shell)

Unsalted and fresh with no added preservatives. Great for foraging.

Pine Nuts (In Shell)

A small nut that's perfect for training rewards and foraging toys.

Patagonian Tree Nut

A shelled mix of almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, roasted and whole cashews, Brazil nuts, filberts and pepitas.

Patagonian Spice & Nut (In Shell)

In-shell pecans, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and pine nuts, with whole star anise and cinnamon sticks.

Higgins Boca Nuts

A shelled mix of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews and pecans with banana, papaya, pineapple and pepitas, fortified with vitamins and minerals. Also available in the shell for medium to large birds.

In shell or out of shell?

In-shell nuts give your bird a job to do and are great for beak exercise and foraging. Shelled nuts are easier for smaller birds and are handy for training. Learn more in using in-shell nuts for foraging.

Storing nuts

Nuts contain natural oils that go rancid. Keep a short supply in a sealed container at room temperature and refrigerate the rest. See how to store bird food.