Best fruits and vegetables for parrots and parakeets

Find out which fruits and vegetables are healthiest for your parrot or parakeet.
Vitamin A is essential for a strong immune system, healthy eyes, skin, feathers, and respiratory system. Many parrots, especially Amazons, African Greys, and cockatoos, are deficient in vitamin A when fed a diet that is too limited (e.g., only seed mixes). Vegetables are the best natural source!

Amazon parrots

Amazons have a tendency to become overweight, but also have a high need for vitamin A.

Best vegetables:

Carrot (raw or steamed – rich in beta-carotene)

Red bell pepper (vitamin A + C)

Pumpkin (steamed, rich in beta-carotene)

Sweet potato (boiled or steamed, no additives)

Endive, kale, Swiss chard (dark green leafy vegetables – packed with nutrients)

Fruit in moderation:

Mango (rich in vitamin A)

Papaya

Pomegranate (antioxidants)

Banana (potassium, not too often because of sugars)

African grey redstart

Sensitive to vitamin A deficiency and stress. Benefit from antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Best vegetables:

• Carrot

• Red pepper

• Spinach (in moderation due to oxalates)

• Sweet potato

• Broccoli (lightly steamed)

Fruit in moderation:

• Mango

• Papaya

• Blueberries (antioxidants)

• Kiwi (vitamin C)

Macaws

Have high energy needs and can tolerate more fat and fruit than other varieties.

Best vegetables:

• Pumpkin

• Carrot

• Red pepper

• Green asparagus

• Swiss chard

Fruit (more widely permitted):

• Mango

• Papaya

• Pomegranate

• Grapes (not too often)

• Apple (without seeds)

Cockatoos

Prone to obesity and feather plucking – focus on high-fiber vegetables and low sugar.

Best vegetables:

• Endive

• Broccoli

• Carrot

• Celery

• Courgette

Fruit (very limited):

• Kiwi

• Apple

• Papaya

Parakeets (such as budgerigars, cockatiels)

Small stomachs mean small portions. Vitamin A is essential here too.

Best vegetables:

• Carrot (grated)

• Spinach (in moderation)

• Romaine lettuce (not iceberg lettuce)

• Red bell pepper

• Sprouts (such as alfalfa)

Fruit :

• Berries

• Apple (without seeds)

• Pear

• Mango (mini piece)

❗ Do not give:

• Avocado (poisonous!)

• Onions, garlic, leek

• Chocolate, coffee

• Salt or sugar

• Rhubarb

• Raw beans (always cook!

ℹ️ Feeding Tips

Combine colors – “the more colorful the better” for a wide variety of nutrients.

Cut everything into small pieces or make a vegetable mix (parrot salad).

Vary daily to avoid boredom.

Introduce new flavors slowly. Some birds are picky!

Eat the fruit or vegetable yourself in front of your parrot – parrots are curious eaters and often learn by imitating you.