Complete Birds Food Guide

What Can Birds Eat?

Pet birds need varied diets beyond just seeds. Pellets should be the base, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

🥣

50-70%

Pellets

🥦

20-30%

Fruits/Veggies

🌻

10-15%

Seeds/Nuts

🚫

Avocado

✅Safe Foods for Birds

🥣

Pellets

Base of diet, species-appropriate

🍎

Apples

Remove seeds (contain cyanide)

🥕

Carrots

Raw or cooked, vitamin A

🥦

Broccoli

Nutrient-rich, calcium

🍇

Grapes

Safe for birds (not dogs!)

🥚

Cooked Eggs

Protein source with shell

🚫TOXIC Foods - Never Feed

🥑

Avocado

DEADLY

Persin is fatal to birds

🍫

Chocolate

TOXIC

Theobromine poisoning

☕

Caffeine

TOXIC

Coffee, tea, soda

🍎

Apple Seeds

TOXIC

Contain cyanide

🧅

Onions/Garlic

TOXIC

Cause red blood cell damage

🍺

Alcohol

TOXIC

Never give alcohol

🧂

Salt

AVOID

High sodium dangerous

🍑

Fruit Pits

TOXIC

Cherry, peach pits contain cyanide

🍽️ Birds Diet Basics

Pellets

Should be 50-70% of diet. Species-specific formulations.

Fresh Foods

Daily fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash thoroughly.

Seeds

Treats only, not main diet. High in fat.

Water

Fresh daily. Change if contaminated with food.

🆘If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

1. Stay Calm

Note what was eaten, how much, and when.

2. Call For Help

ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 or your vet.

3. Don't Wait

Time matters. Don't try home remedies first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can birds eat seeds only?▼

No—all-seed diets cause malnutrition, fatty liver disease, and shortened lifespan. Pellets should be the base.

Why is avocado deadly for birds?▼

Avocado contains persin, which is extremely toxic to birds and can cause heart failure within 12-24 hours.

Can birds eat bread?▼

Small amounts occasionally, but it's not nutritious. Whole grain is better than white. Not a dietary staple.

Learn More About Birds

Explore our complete care guides, cost estimates, and breed information.

Browse Breeds →Cost Guide