11 best pet bird food

Pet bird food is specially formulated food designed to meet the dietary needs of various species of pet birds. Birds have unique nutritional requirements, and their diets can vary depending on their species, size, and age. Here are some key points about pet bird food:

  1. Types of Bird Food:

    • Seed-Based Diets: Many pet birds, such as parrots, canaries, and finches, are commonly fed seed mixes. These mixes often contain a combination of seeds like sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and millet. However, seed-based diets alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients.

    • Pelleted Diets: Pelleted diets are formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced for specific bird species. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different birds. These pellets are made from a mixture of grains, seeds, vegetables, and other nutrients.

    • Fresh Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables can be an essential part of a bird's diet. They provide vitamins and minerals and can add variety to their meals. Common choices include apples, carrots, spinach, and broccoli.

    • Insects and Protein: Some birds, like parrots and toucans, benefit from an occasional intake of insects or lean protein sources like cooked chicken or eggs.These protein sources can be offered as treats.

  2. Nutritional Requirements:

    • Pet birds require a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
    • Calcium is essential for birds, especially for those that lay eggs, as it helps in the formation of strong eggshells.
    • Vitamin A deficiency can be a concern, so providing foods rich in this vitamin, like sweet potatoes and carrots, is crucial for some species.
  3. Avoiding Toxic Foods:

    • Some human foods, like chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and avocado, are toxic to birds and should never be fed to them.
    • Be cautious with seasoning and spices, as some can be harmful to birds.
  4. Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available to pet birds. They drink water and may also bathe in it to maintain feather health.

  5. Consulting a Veterinarian: It's essential to consult with an avian veterinarian or an expert in bird care to determine the specific dietary needs of your pet bird. Different species have different requirements, and individual birds may have unique dietary needs.

  6. Storage and Hygiene: Bird food should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and contamination. It's important to keep feeding dishes clean and free from droppings and waste.

  7. Treats and Foraging: Providing toys and activities that encourage foraging can help keep birds mentally and physically stimulated. Treats should be offered in moderation to prevent obesity.

  8. Transitioning Diets: If you are switching your bird to a new diet, it's advisable to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix the new food with the old food and gradually increase the proportion of the new diet.

Remember that the specific dietary requirements of pet birds can vary widely between species, so it's essential to research the needs of your particular bird and consult with a qualified avian veterinarian for personalized advice on their nutrition and dietary habits.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best pet bird food on the market
  

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Food

Kaytee

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • Nutritionally Formulated For Cockatiels
  • Contains Omega 3’S To Support Brain And Heart Health
  • Enhances Skin And Feather Health For Vibrant, Healthy Plumage
  • Antioxidants For General Health And Immune Support
  • Contains Prebiotics And Probiotics To Support Digestive Health
  • Naturally Preserved For Ideal Freshness

User questions & answers

Question: do you know of a cockateil pellet food, one I can feed daily as his main food
Answer: Guinea pigs cannot use exercise wheels. I ♡ Amazon but am disgusted that they're connected to sick shiz like this.
Question: Is there dye in the food
Answer: No, guinea pigs cant have wheels or saucers. They have delicate spines and this will cause serious harm or death.
Question: Does anybody knows if a quaker parrot will like this mix
Answer: Overall: 35.25" L x 12.5" D x 12.5" H The boxes are approx 11 x 11
Question: Can parakeets eat this cockatiel food
Answer: I put mine right on the ground. Above ground they may actually nest under them. I’m not sure that there is a way to secure them on a wall well enough to support the weight of the chickens anyway. I can rearrange things and they still use the nest box - wherever it is.

LAFEBER'S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food, Made with Non-GMO and Human-Grade Ingredients, for Cockatiels, 4 lbs

LAFEBER'S

Based on 999 reviews Check latest price
  • NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE FORAGING COCKATIEL FOOD: formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists; twice the foraging of pellets and the same complete nutrition
  • SUPERIOR SHAPE FOR FORAGING: the round Nutri-Berries shape offers important beak play and exercise, which helps prevent bird boredom and feather picking
  • NON-GMO AND HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS: no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS & OMEGA 3&6 BALANCED: help support healthy skin, feathers, and immune system
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: we are a small, family company that works hard to produce gourmet pet bird food, which is why we're confident in offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions of the large box
Answer: If you mean the delivery box, I threw it away and don't know the size. If you mean the food container, it is 8" across and 6" high and 24" around.
Question: Do they need to be refrigerated
Answer: No, nutriberries do not need to be refrigerated!
Question: Which nutriberries product is most suitable for a parrotlet - cockateil or parakeet version/size, please
Answer: Parakeet size Nutri-Berries are best suited for Parrotlets. BirdDog Depot
Question: can quaker parrots eats this and does it give them the same nutrition as cockatiels
Answer: My Quaker eats this. He seems healthy enough.

Kaytee Exact Rainbow Chunky Food for Parrots

Kaytee

Based on 548 reviews Check latest price
  • Premium Extruded Food For Large Parrots
  • Recognized Nutritional Leader By Veterinarians And Breeders
  • Contains Omega 3'S To Support Brain And Heart Health
  • Enhances Skin & Feather Health For Vibrant, Healthy Plumage
  • Prebiotics And Probiotics Support Digestive Health
  • 100% Consumable Extruded Nutrition With No Shells Or Seed Hulls
  • Naturally Preserved For Ideal Freshness

User questions & answers

Question: Would this food be too big for a Quaker to handle
Answer: Its half an inch.
Question: are the macaw size pellets really bigger than the Parrot/Conure size
Answer: not sure it says on the add
Question: Why does it say “other” as ingredients
Answer: 1 is a bit smaller than the 2. I got the 1 for my 20 gallon hermit crab tank
Question: Looking for a 20 lb kaytee exact
Answer: I am not 100% but I think this particular one would be too small for a hedgehog.

Kaytee Spray Millet for Birds

Kaytee

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kaytee spray millet is a favorite treat all birds enjoy. Millet comes naturally on a stem and is good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat. Spray millet is great for fledglings, juveniles and full-grown birds.

  • Highly palatable treat
  • Good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat
  • Adds recommended nutritional variety to a bird's diet
  • Ideal for bonding and playtime
  • Natural with no artificial colors or flavors, packaging may vary

User questions & answers

Question: Why the price jump from 6.62 to 9.98, in only 6weeks
Answer: I don’t think all the toys would be good for them. My caique LOVES the large ball. My cockatiel loves the bridge/perch. (Which is actually why I bought this). I wouldn’t recommend these for an Amazon. Try mor sturdy toys, like leather ones.
Question: Will love birds enjoy this treat
Answer: If you buy a bird from a big pet store you will get a sick bird. They are raised on large farms. A private home is your best bet. I bought my bird from a very small village pet store. The day the babies came into the store from a private home I went in and got him. He was so little he did not make a single sound for six months. I thought I had a deaf-mute parakeet. Now he says about twenty words. He calls me mama.
Question: Hi do they all have a hole punched spot on the bag
Answer: yes it's 99% singing canaries about 35 min
Question: Will the seeds sprout if exposed to water
Answer: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Both of these metals are potentially toxic to birds

Product features

Kaytee Spray Millet

Kaytee Spray Millet is a favorite treat all birds enjoy. Millet comes naturally on a stem and is good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat. Spray Millet is great for fledglings, juveniles, and full-grown birds.

  • Highly palatable treat
  • Good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat
  • Adds recommended nutritional variety to a bird's diet
  • Ideal for bonding and playtime
  • Natural with no artificial colors or flavors

LAFEBER'S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food, Made with Non-GMO and Human-Grade Ingredients

LAFEBER'S

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE FORAGING PARROT FOOD: formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists; offers twice the foraging of pellets and the same complete nutrition
  • SUPERIOR SHAPE FOR FORAGING: the round Nutri-Berries shape offers important beak play and exercise, which helps prevent bird boredom and feather picking
  • NON-GMO AND HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS: no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; real pieces of mango, papaya, and pineapple
  • RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS & OMEGA 3 & 6 BALANCED: help support healthy skin, feathers, and immune system
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: we are a small family company that works hard to produce gourmet pet bird food, which is why we're confident in offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee

User questions & answers

Question: Are these good for a nutritional every day food and what is the difference between these and the lafeber premium pellets
Answer: I love my cage -- had it a few years now with 4 parakeets. There are small gaps but I don't see anything bigger than 1/2 inch. I love finches -- they will have room to fly and socialize. I cover the bottom with newspaper so it's a breeze to keep clean.
Question: Is the 20 lb. box the exact same pellets that the 3 lb bag is? The 20 lb. box does not say on the front "with papaya-pineapple-mango
Answer: It measures right at about 36 inches
Question: Why the huge price hike
Answer: there is extra bars to hold the cup in place
Question: is this product for a small, medium, or large sized parrot
Answer: its color is silver or you may call it gray

Sweet Harvest Cockatiel Bird Food (No Sunflower Seeds), 4 lbs Bag - Seed Mix for Cockatiels

Sweet Harvest

Based on 684 reviews Check latest price
  • Premium Seed Mix for Cockatiels
  • Triple Cleaned and Nitrogen Flushed for Freshness
  • Natural Ingredients Enriched with Vitamins and Minerals
  • No Filler Ingredients, Less Waste
  • Promotes Bright Feathers and Healthy Skin

User questions & answers

Question: Can I give this food to my lovebirds
Answer: Small: 14.5L x 7W x 15.5H in. Large: 18.5L x 9W x 13.5H in.
Question: Can I feed to parakeets/budgies
Answer: I think it's on the smaller end for your birds. I have a Pionus Maximillian and a Senegal in mine.
Question: Does this have any warnings about shared lines/facilities or may contain traces of peanut
Answer: Yes. We have our Grey in one and she loves it.
Question: Has anyone noticed weevil's in the seeds
Answer: There is a grate and it is removable

Hagen Tropimix Bird Food for Cockatiels & Lovebirds, HARI Parrot Food with Seeds, Fruit, Vegetables, Grains, Vitamins & Amino Acids

Hari

Based on 634 reviews Check latest price
  • Provides Essential Vitamins And Amino Acids Required For Feather Growth, Vivid Colors And Luster; 2-Pound, Standup Zipper Bag
  • Builds The Immune System By Stimulating Blood And Vascular Systems
  • Provides Essential Vitamins And Amino Acids Required For Feather Growth, Vivid Colors And Luster
  • Great Taste, Fulfills Your Bird'S Appetite
  • Contributes To Clear Vision

User questions & answers

Question: So, this package of healthy organic seeds or it just pellets
Answer: Actually, we offer a parakeet version of this food!
Question: Are these pellets too small for a Meyers parrot
Answer: Yes, it is!
Question: how can i reach the seller? my new bag came very musty and old smelling, not fresh. would never feed my baby quaker this one
Answer: I'm sure that it is, however I wouldn't want my birds to stay in the case for an extremely long period of time. Maybe for a trip to the vet's or to visit. However Not to live in, I would recommend a cage for long term living. Hope this is helpful.
Question: Peanuts are bad for birds. Is there a peanut free version
Answer: I use it for my cockatiels. It is fine for two if it's a short ride but I wouldn't want to have both in it for an extended trip.

Wild Harvest A1203 Daily Blend For Small Birds, Small Birds

Spectrum Brands Pet LLC

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Wild Harvest team is dedicated to providing products that promote complete nutrition for your birds and small animals. Using natural ingredients, Wild Harvest provides the perfect blend of food and treats to meet the distinct dietary needs of birds and small animals. Wild Harvest universal blend nutrient rich food for small Birds is a nutritious blend of premium seeds like canary grass seed, Red and White millets and wholesome grains. Specially formulated with vitamins and minerals, Wild Harvest universal blend nutrient rich food for small Birds provides the nutrients important for your bird, with a great, natural taste they can't resist. Wild Harvest universal blend is ideal for parakeets, canaries, Finches and other small Birds. Helps support vibrant plumage and optimum health with the proper food. When Introducing a new formula, allow time for your bird to adjust from current food to new food. Follow suggested guidelines on packaging. Food conversion times may vary from bird to bird.

  • Ideal For Canaries, Parakeets, Finches And Other Small Birds
  • Vitamin And Mineral Enriched
  • Helps Support Vibrant Plumage And Optimum Health
  • Blend Of Premium Seeds Like Canary Grass Seed, Red And White Millets And Wholesome Grains

User questions & answers

Question: The product picture shows "universal blend," but the product description reads "daily blend." wild harvest sells both kinds. which is correct
Answer: They probably can. My cockatiels didn’t like it, they threw it all over.
Question: Do these sprout when fallen on soil
Answer: Buy 5 pounds.. it's a great price
Question: How many pounds are there in this bag
Answer: No this food does not contain sunflower seeds.
Question: do larger birds like this seed
Answer: It looks like the mix is 50% millet.

Product features

Wild Harvest A1203 Daily Blend For Small Birds, Small Birds

A seed blend formulated with all the necessary nutrients small birds need to promote good health.

Higgins Sunburst Parakeet Bird Food Gourmet Blend Parakeet Bird Food Mix 2 lb. bag. Fast Just Jak's Pet Market

Higgins

Based on 147 reviews Check latest price
  • Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Parakeet Bird Food Mix 2 lb. bag. Fast Free Delivery, by Just Jak's Pet Market
  • A Gourmet Parakeet Food made with assorted fruits and veggies
  • No artificial colors or preservatives
  • Enriched with DHA, balanced with omega fatty acids as well as digestive probiotics
  • Treat your Parakeet to this well balanced all natural food!!

User questions & answers

Question: The packaging is the old 2018 packaging. is this product fresh? i’ve already ran into one seller selling beyond the best buy date
Answer: Not sure, I don't have a Quaker Parrot but I have a Cockatiel & he LOVES IT!! Good luck!

Volkman Avian Science Super African Grey Bird Food

Volkman

Based on 993 reviews Check latest price
  • Special nutritious bird food mix for African Grey & Amazon parrots
  • High-quality fortified seed mix
  • Ideal for larger sized parrots
  • More than a seed mix, Volkman diets include freshly dehydrated fruits and vegetables

User questions & answers

Question: Why does this have a licorice smell to it
Answer: Apparently someone did not want to take the time to type out the very extensive ingredient list. From the Kaytee site the ingredients are: Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Ground Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Meal, Dried Whole Egg, Dried Molasses Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Ground Flax Seed (Source of Omega-3), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Wheat Germ Meal, L-Lysine, Salt, Fructooligosaccharide, Brewers Dried Yeast, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Vitamin A Supplement, Choline Chloride, Dried Cane Molasses, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Yeast Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K activity), Niacin, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3),Beta-Carotene, Canthaxanthin (Color), Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1, Natural and Artificial Flavors
Question: Is this food a treat for parrots or a main meal like pellets
Answer: Contact us at 1-800-529-8331 and we can assist you!
Question: Is this only for African Greys and Amazons or can I give it to a Goffins cockatoo too
Answer: Try looking for Kaytee Exact Natural Optimal Nutrition Diet For Cockatiels. This food is the closes I've seen to a pellet food. Birds love seeds. Good luck.
Question: Are there alot of sunflower seeds in this mix? The vet says my Moms bird Poppy is chubby and needs to cut back on the sunflower seeds
Answer: The ingredient used to color the pieces in the https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VACPE2/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza is edible grade vegetable based food coloring.

Higgins Safflower Gold Natural Food Mix for Parrots, Cockatoos, Amazons & Macaws. Parrot Food, Large Bird Food 3 lb Bag (Fast Delivery) by Just Jak's Pet Market

Higgins

Based on 76 reviews Check latest price
  • Higgins Safflower Gold Natural Food Mix for Parrots, Cockatoos, Amazons & Macaws. Parrot food, Large Bird Food 3 lb Bag (Fast Delivery) by Just Jak's Pet Market
  • Parrot Food, Cockatoo Food, Macaw Food, Yellow nape Amazon food. Large Bird Food, Medium Parrot Food. Large Parrot Food
  • Specially blended for parrots, it contains safflower seeds with a delicious gourmet blend of veggies, legumes, seeds, and grains. It contains wheat, cashews, peanuts, bananas, pumpkin seeds, blueberries, and more delectable treats that also pack a dose of wholesome nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, plant-based DHA omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics to support immune system and digestive health. It’s proudly made in the USA and contains no sunflower seeds, artificial flavor
  • Keep your feathered pal healthy with the Higgins Safflower Gold Bird Food for Parrots.

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