🥗 1. Balanced Diet Overview
A healthy parrot diet should include a mix of the following:
| Food Type | Percentage | Example Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Pellets (Main Diet) | 50–60% | Commercial parrot pellets (formulated for species like African Grey, Cockatiel, or Macaw) |
| Fresh Vegetables | 20–25% | Carrots, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, peas, sweet potatoes |
| Fresh Fruits | 10–15% | Apples, bananas, mango, berries, papaya (avoid seeds from apples) |
| Seeds & Nuts (Treats) | 5–10% | Sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds (small amounts only) |
| Grains & Legumes | Small portion | Cooked brown rice, lentils, quinoa, oats |
🧠 Tip: Pellets should always be the base of the diet, not just seeds — since seed-only diets cause malnutrition and obesity.
🚫 2. Foods to Avoid (Toxic to Parrots)
Never feed your parrot the following:
- ❌ Avocado (contains persin – toxic)
- ❌ Chocolate or caffeine
- ❌ Onions or garlic
- ❌ Alcohol or sugary drinks
- ❌ Salted or fried foods
- ❌ Fruit pits and apple seeds (contain cyanide)
Even small amounts of these foods can make your parrot very sick.
💧 3. Water Requirements
- Always provide fresh, clean water daily.
- Use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl (not plastic).
- Change water at least twice a day if it gets dirty from food or droppings.
- Avoid flavored or mineral waters — plain water is best.
🍽️ 4. Feeding Schedule
| Time | What to Feed |
|---|---|
| Morning (after sunrise) | Pellets + small serving of veggies |
| Afternoon (midday) | Fruits + grains or legumes |
| Evening | Pellets again or a few nuts as a treat |
Remove uneaten fresh food after 2 hours to prevent spoilage or bacteria growth.
🐦 5. Treats & Training Rewards
Use healthy treats like:
- Small pieces of fruit (grapes, berries)
- Bits of cooked corn or carrots
- Unsalted nuts
Keep treats under 5% of total daily diet — just enough for bonding and training.
🥣 6. Feeding Tips
✅ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
✅ Offer food in clean bowls daily.
✅ Try to mimic natural foraging — hide small treats or hang food toys.
✅ Introduce new foods slowly — parrots can be picky eaters!
✅ Observe droppings and feather health — they reflect diet quality.
❤️ 7. Example Daily Menu (for Medium Parrots)
Morning: 2 tbsp pellets + chopped spinach + carrot slices
Afternoon: Apple slices + cooked lentils
Evening: 2 tbsp pellets + 1 almond
⚕️ 8. Signs of Poor Nutrition
Watch for:
- Dull or missing feathers
- Weakness or lethargy
- Overgrown beak or claws
- Changes in droppings
- Loss of appetite
If you notice these, consult an avian vet — your parrot may need a dietary adjustment.
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