The Ultimate List – 250 Safe And Toxic Foods For Parrots

What’s safe for your parrots to munch on? Wondering what to steer clear of? Check out this list of over 250 items, and growing! If you’re unsure about a specific food, use your browser’s “search” or “find in page” feature. Click on underlined items for detailed articles on their safety.

What this table CAN do:

Here’s a compilation of general information about various foods, sourced from credible outlets including avian nutritionists. We’ll offer a “to the best of our knowledge” safety indicator, relying on our assessment of each food item’s nutritional content.

What this table CANNOT do:

1. Prescribe Diets for Specific Species: Different parrot species have unique dietary needs. Always research your specific parrot species to create a diet tailored to their requirements. Cross-check information from various sources for a comprehensive understanding.
2. No Absolute Safety Guarantee: Safety or toxicity of food depends on factors like bird size, quantity consumed, interactions with other foods, environmental conditions, individual health, and specific dietary needs. We cannot guarantee absolute safety. Monitor your bird’s well-being closely.
3. Consult with Professionals: When in doubt, seek advice from avian nutritionists or avian veterinarians. Their expertise ensures accurate guidance tailored to your bird’s individual needs

Read Also: How To Clip A Conures Wings?

Dairy

Most parrots are lactose-intolerant. While dairy is not necessarily toxic, it can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Many dairy products are high in fat, sugar, or salt, which is not healthy if fed frequently. Opt for low/no lactose, low-fat, and additive-free dairy products or simply avoid them.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Dairy	Milk (from animals)	Avoid	Parrots can’t digest lactose, may cause stomach upset
Dairy	Milk (from plants)	Depends	Nut milk (almond, etc.) unsweetened and unflavored are generally okay. Avoid bean milk.
Dairy	Butter	Limited	Full of fat; avoid (better than margarine)
Dairy	Cheese	Limited	Parrots cannot digest lactose, may cause stomach upset
Dairy	Cream (sour, whipped, etc.)	Limited	Full of fat; avoid
Dairy	Ice cream	Limited	Parrots cannot digest lactose; high in fat and sugar. Avoid alcoholic or chocolate ice cream.
Dairy	Margarine	Limited	Full of fat; avoid
Dairy	Yoghurt	Yes	Yoghurt with live cultures has no lactose, therefore is safe. Limit flavored/sweetened yoghurts (high in sugar).

Eggs

Eggs are sometimes included in parrot diets as a protein source. However, note that high protein diets may lead to hormonal challenges. Some aviculturists oppose animal protein for parrots, as they don’t often consume such proteins in the wild.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Eggs	Eggs	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin A, calcium, and protein. Ideal for breeding birds. Feed boiled or fried (without oil). Never offer raw or undercooked.

Flowers/teas

Avoid feeding any caffeinated teas to your parrots, but flower teas are generally safe. Offer flowers in moderation and variety, considering potential medicinal effects. Edible fresh or dried flowers (not those for craft-making!) can also serve as enriching foraging material for your pet parrots.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Flowers/teas	Carnation	Limited	Avoid dyed varieties.
Flowers/teas	Chamomile	Limited	Contains antimicrobial activities, aiding in treating infections and reducing swelling.
Flowers/teas	Jasmine	Limited	Strengthens immunity and treats liver diseases.
Flowers/teas	Passion flower	Limited	Contains cyanide, a toxic compound. Feed in moderation.
Flowers/teas	Rooibos	Limited	Tannin-free, enhances mineral and vitamin absorption.
Flowers/teas	Calendula	Yes	Anti-inflammatory properties. Good for infections and fungus. Best used in salads.
Flowers/teas	Echinacea	Yes	Anti-inflammatory properties.
Flowers/teas	Green tea	Yes	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Boosts immune system and metabolic rate. Dissolve in parrot’s drinking water.
Flowers/teas	Hibiscus	Yes	Good source of vitamin C. Relieves high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Flowers/teas	Rose	Yes	Good source of vitamin C.
Flowers/teas	Rose hips	Yes	Very high in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fruits

General Remarks: Other than a few toxic fruits and fruit parts (avocado, avocado stones, pits of pitted fruits like peach, cherry, apricot, and apple seeds), most fruits are generally safe. Include fruits in your parrots’ diet but be cautious with amounts due to high sugar content.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Fruits	Fruit, dried	Depends	Dried fruits with no additives like preservatives and sugars are generally safe.
Fruits	Clementine	Limited	Highly acidic, feed in moderation.
Fruits	Mandarin	Limited	Highly acidic, may cause stomach upset if given too much or too often.
Fruits	Olive	Limited	High in fats and sodium chloride, may lead to healthy and high blood pressure.
Fruits	Pomelo (pummelo, shaddock)	Limited	Highly acidic, feed in moderation.
Fruits	Starfruit (carambola)	Limited	Seeds can be bitter and unpleasant to taste.
Fruits	Tamarind	Limited	No nutritional value, may cause allergic reactions if consumed excessively.
Fruits	Avocado	No	Flesh, pit, and skin are highly toxic; contains persin, a toxic chemical compound.
Fruits	Banana	Yes	Remove peels; may contain high amounts of pesticides.
Fruits	Blackberry	Yes	Excellent source of anthocyanins, anti-inflammatory properties.
Fruits	Blackcurrant	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin C.
Fruits	Blueberry	Yes	High in nutrients and lower in calories.
Fruits	Cantaloupe	Yes	Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Remove rinds; not toxic but hard for parrots to tear.
Fruits	Coconut	Yes	Unique blend of minerals and vitamins. Avoid dessicated coconut; soak before feeding.
Fruits	Cranberry	Yes	Good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals.
Fruits	Custard apple (Cherimoya)	Yes	Avoid seeds and pits; flesh has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fruits	Date	Yes	Promotes healthy blood flow.
Fruits	Dragonfruit (pitaya)	Yes	Very high in fiber; feed in moderation.
Fruits	Durian	Yes	Rich in vitamin C, folic acid. Husks are inedible.
Fruits	Elderberry	Yes	Offer ripe elderberries only; excellent source of vitamin C.
Fruits	Fig	Yes	Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Fruits	Gooseberry	Yes	Tart taste; rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.
Fruits	Grape	Yes	High in sugars; feed as a treat.
Fruits	Guava	Yes	Good source of vitamins; wash thoroughly to remove pesticides.
Fruits	Honeydew	Yes	Good source of fiber for digestive tract health.
Fruits	Jackfruit	Yes	Delicious snack; avoid overeating.
Fruits	Kiwi	Yes	Excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Feed in moderation; slightly acidic.
Fruits	Kumquat	Yes	Healthy fruit rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fruits	Longan	Yes	Avoid peels (pesticides); seeds are tough and slightly toxic.
Fruits	Loquat	Yes	Remove toxic seeds and pits.
Fruits	Lychee (litchi)	Yes	Avoid peels (pesticides); seeds are tough and slightly toxic.
Fruits	Mango	Yes	Wash pit thoroughly before feeding.
Fruits	Mangosteen	Yes	Avoid skin (contains toxic liquid) and large seeds; flesh is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Fruits	Mulberry	Yes	Offer as a treat; great source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
Fruits	Nectarine	Yes	Avoid cyanide-containing seeds and pits. Feed fresh nectarines; dried ones may contain sulphates.
Fruits	Orange	Yes	Highly acidic; feed in moderation.
Fruits	Papaya	Yes	Excellent source of fiber, fat, and protein; keeps parrots fit and healthy.
Fruits	Passion Fruit	Yes	Wash well to remove pesticides.
Fruits	Peach	Yes	Avoid cyanide-containing pits; flesh is safe.
Fruits	Pear	Yes	Rich in vitamin A and calcium.
Fruits	Persimmon	Yes	Feed when ripe; unripe ones contain toxic tannins.
Fruits	Pineapple	Yes	Good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes.
Fruits	Plum	Yes	Avoid cyanide-containing pits; flesh is safe.
Fruits	Pomegranate	Yes	Full of antioxidants and health benefits; pit is not edible.
Fruits	Prickly Pear	Yes	Remove skin before feeding.
Fruits	Prune	Yes	Avoid cyanide-containing pits; safe when pitted.
Fruits	Raisin	Yes	Excellent source of vitamins and nutrients.
Fruits	Rambutan	Yes	Avoid peels (pesticides); seeds are tough and slightly toxic.
Fruits	Raspberry	Yes	Clean well before feeding; may contain parasites.
Fruits	Rose apple (jambu)	Yes	Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, and fiber.
Fruits	Soursop	Yes	Seeds are toxic; avoid consumption.
Fruits	Strawberry	Yes	Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Fruits	Tangerine	Yes	Entire fruit, flesh, peels, and seeds are safe.
Fruits	Watermelon	Yes	Seeds, flesh, and rinds are all okay.
Fruits	Wolfberry (goji berry)

Insects

Insects are occasionally consumed by parrots in the wild as part of their diverse diets. Some insects are safe to feed in moderation as they offer valuable protein sources.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Insects	Worms	Yes	Mealworms, in particular, are rich in proteins.

Meat

Meat can serve as an alternative protein source for parrots. However, some are cautious about feeding animal proteins due to processing, hormone injections, high fat content, and preparation methods (cooking with oil, salt, etc.). Never feed raw meat to your birds.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Meats	Meat	Depends	Chicken and turkey are the healthiest but must be cooked with no oil or seasoning.
Meats	Seafood	Yes	Safe if free of pollutants, toxins, and heavy metals.

Vegetables

Parrot diets should predominantly include raw vegetables, offering a rich mix of essential nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. Prioritize washing vegetables thoroughly to eliminate pesticides and herbicides.

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Vegetables	Fiddlehead	Depends	Some types safe, others toxic. Contains omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin C. Use caution.
Vegetables	Kaffir lime leaves	Depends	Not toxic, but may have pesticides. Safe if untreated. Some parrots may not like the taste.
Vegetables	Tomatillo	Depends	Fruits safe, leaves and stems toxic. Exercise caution.
Vegetables	Garlic	Limited	Tiny amounts are safe, but high amounts may lead to blood anemia. Exercise moderation.
Vegetables	Horseradish	Limited	High in toxic mustard oil. Approach with caution.
Vegetables	Leek	Limited	Small amounts are safe, but excess may lead to blood anemia. Use in moderation.
Vegetables	Lentils	Limited	Good protein source but cook to remove anti-nutrients. Moderation is key.
Vegetables	Mushrooms	Limited	Fresh, store-bought mushrooms in small quantities are acceptable. UV light exposure is good.
Vegetables	Onion	Limited	Tiny amounts are safe, but excess may lead to blood anemia. Use sparingly.
Vegetables	Onion, spring	Limited	Small amounts are safe, but excess may lead to blood anemia. Use in moderation.
Vegetables	Rhubarb	Limited	Leaves unsafe; stalks contain oxalic acid (cook for safety). Exercise caution.
Vegetables	Shallots	Limited	Small amounts are safe, but excess may lead to blood anemia. Use in moderation.
Vegetables	Tomato	Limited	High acid content. Vines and leaves are toxic. Use with caution.
Vegetables	Cassava	No	Contains cyanide; highly toxic. Avoid entirely.
Vegetables	Amaranth leaf	Yes	Rich in lysine and methionine. Contains antioxidants. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Arrowroot	Yes	Low in fats, suitable for weight management. Safe for parrots.
Vegetables	Artichoke	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Safe for parrots.
Vegetables	Arugula	Yes	Good source of vitamin A and C. Supports immune health in parrots.
Vegetables	Asparagus	Yes	High in vitamins but not a natural food for parrots. Feed in moderation.
Vegetables	Bamboo shoot	Yes	Safe if untreated. Cook for 20 minutes to remove cyanogenic glycosides.
Vegetables	Bean, black	Yes	Safe when cooked. Avoid raw beans containing hemagglutinin. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, cannellini	Yes	Cook thoroughly before feeding. Raw or undercooked beans are harmful. Safe when cooked.
Vegetables	Bean, fava	Yes	Raw or dried beans toxic. Contain hemagglutinin. Cook before offering to parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, garbanzo	Yes	High in nutrients; cook before feeding. Avoid raw garbanzo beans. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, green	Yes	Excellent source of fiber and essential vitamins. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, kidney	Yes	Ensure thorough cooking. Good protein and fiber source for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, lima	Yes	Safe when cooked. Offer in moderation. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, mung	Yes	Sprout before feeding. Unsafe when dry. Suitable for parrots in moderation.
Vegetables	Bean, pinto	Yes	Cook or sprout before feeding. Raw pinto beans are unsafe. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, red (adzuki)	Yes	Cooked red beans are safe. Raw, dry beans contain toxic hemagglutinin. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bean, soy (edamame)	Yes	Good protein source. Cook well before serving. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Beet (beetroot)	Yes	Rich in vitamins and minerals. Promotes healthy blood flow. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bell peppers	Yes	Excellent source of vitamin C. Safe for parrots.
Vegetables	Bitter melon	Yes	High in vitamin C, supporting parrot’s immune system. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Bok Choy (pak choi)	Yes	Rich in calcium, promoting muscle health and bone density. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Broccoli	Yes	Nutrient-rich. Wash thoroughly if feeding raw. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Brussel sprout	Yes	Abundant in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Suitable for parrots.
Vegetables	Burdock root	Yes	Source of inulin and fiber, aiding digestion in parrots. Suitable for parrots.

Miscellaneous

CATEGORY	FOOD ITEM	Is it Safe for Parrots?	REMARKS
Miscellaneous	Honey	Depends	Harbors bacteria and mold; may contain herbicides and pesticides. Not suitable for parrot consumption.
Miscellaneous	Spicy food	Depends	Parrots enjoy spicy food, but some spices like cassia/Chinese cinnamon (high in coumarin) can be toxic, causing liver damage. Exercise caution.
Miscellaneous	Aloe vera	Yes	Promotes healthier liver functions. Avoid leaves and sap, which contain aloin causing intestinal irritations.
Miscelaneous	Grass	Yes	Aids parrots in regenerating an