Bird-Safe Fruits and Vegetables: What Parrots Can Eat

Fresh fruits and vegetables are one of the easiest ways to improve your bird's diet. They add vitamins, fiber, moisture and variety, and most birds enjoy them once they get used to them. Here's what's safe to share, and what to keep off the plate.

Bird-safe vegetables

Vegetables should make up more of your bird's fresh food than fruit. Orange and dark green vegetables are especially good because they're rich in vitamin A.

• Sweet potato (cooked)
• Carrots and carrot tops
• Winter squash and pumpkin (cooked)
• Bell peppers and hot peppers (birds don't feel the heat the way we do)
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Kale, collard greens, dandelion greens and other leafy greens
• Peas and green beans
• Zucchini and cucumber
• Corn (in moderation)
• Cooked dried beans, like lentils and chickpeas, fully cooked

Bird-safe fruits

Fruit is healthy but higher in sugar, so offer it in smaller amounts than vegetables.

• Apples (remove all seeds)
• Pears (remove seeds)
• Berries, like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries
• Mango and papaya
• Melon, including watermelon and cantaloupe
• Bananas
• Grapes (in moderation)
• Oranges and other citrus (in small amounts)
• Pomegranate
• Cherries, peaches, plums and apricots, with the pits removed

What to avoid

• Avocado: toxic to birds
• Onion and garlic: can damage red blood cells
• Fruit pits and apple seeds: contain compounds that can release cyanide
• Raw or undercooked dried beans: always cook them fully
• Rhubarb: especially the leaves
• Tomato leaves and stems (the ripe fruit itself is generally fine in small amounts)

See the complete list in foods that are toxic to parrots.

Tips for serving fresh food

• Wash everything well to remove pesticide residue, or choose organic when you can.
• Match the size to your bird. Finely chop for budgies and cockatiels; offer larger chunks or whole pieces for macaws.
• Remove leftovers within a few hours so food doesn't spoil in the cage.
• Try different forms. If your bird ignores chopped carrots, try shredded, steamed or a whole carrot to chew on.
• Be patient. Many birds need to see a new food several times before they'll try it. Eating it in front of them helps.

Fresh food plus a balanced base

Fresh produce works best alongside a balanced daily food. Our Ultimate Blends already include dried fruits and vegetables mixed with fortified pellets, so they pair well with daily fresh veggies. Find the right one for your bird in our species feeding guides.

Related reading: What do parrots eat? A complete diet guide