What home food can birds eat?

Birds kept as pets or living near homes have some dietary flexibility, but there are certain human foods that are safe and beneficial for them to eat. Knowing what people food is bird-safe can help bird lovers provide snacks or supplemental nutrition to their feathered friends. In the opening paragraphs here, we’ll provide quick answers on bird-safe human foods, and then dive into more detail in the sections below.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to what human foods birds can eat:

• Fruits – Berries, mango, banana, melon, apple, orange, pineapple, etc.
• Vegetables – Leafy greens, broccoli, peas, squash, sweet potato, carrots, etc.
• Cooked rice, pasta, oats
• Cooked beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Boiled eggs, chicken
• Low-salt crackers, bread
• Unsweetened cereal like Cheerios
• Unsalted nuts and seeds

Birds have diverse nutritional needs depending on their species. Offering fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can give them healthy supplemental nutrition alongside their main diet. Avoid excess salt, sugar, processed foods, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and other “people food” without benefit.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce can make up a nutritious part of birds’ diets. Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat are also perfectly safe for bird consumption. Some great options include:

Fruits

• Berries – raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries
• Melons – cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
• Citrus fruits – oranges, tangerines, clementines
• Bananas
• Apples
• Pineapple
• Mangos
• Papaya
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Apricots
• Cherries

Fruit provides natural sugars and carbohydrates for energy, plus vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and water content. Feed fruits in moderation due to their sugar content. Good options are berries, melon cubes, apple slices, orange wedges, banana pieces, etc. Wash thoroughly.

Vegetables

• Leafy greens – kale, spinach, lettuce, chard
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Squash
• Peas
• Green beans
• Corn
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Beets

Vegetables add important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. Leafy greens and broccoli have calcium for strong bones. Carrots and sweet potatoes provide vitamin A. Peas and beans have protein. Offer vegetables chopped to an appropriate size. Avoid heavy seasoning.

Cooked Grains

Cooked whole grains make a good addition to birds’ diets.Some healthy options are:

• Plain cooked rice
• Plain cooked pasta
• Plain cooked oats
• Whole grain bread
• Low-salt crackers

Look for plain varieties without added salt, sugar, fat, or flavorings. Whole grains provide carbohydrates for energy, plus B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and fiber. Cook grains thoroughly and let cool before feeding to birds.

Cooked Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas

Beans and legumes offer nutrition benefits for birds, including:

• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium

Some bird-safe options are cooked chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Avoid salt, seasonings, onions, garlic, and other additions. Mash or chop beans to an appropriate size for the type of bird. Cook thoroughly until soft enough to easily digest.

Eggs and Cooked Meat

In moderation, lean protein sources can benefit birds including:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Plain cooked chicken, lean beef, turkey, or fish

Avoid added oils, butter, salt, sauces, and seasonings. Cook meat fully and remove bones, fat, and skin before feeding to birds. Mash or finely chop to prevent choking hazards. Eggs and meat offer protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

Unsweetened Cereal

Some unsweetened whole grain cereals can make an occasional treat for birds. Look for varieties with:

• Whole oats, wheat, corn, bran
• Minimal added sugar
• No artificial colors or flavors

Some examples are original Cheerios or other plain whole grain O’s. Avoid sugary kids’ cereals. Check labels and select those with more whole grains, less added sugar. Cereals add carbohydrates, B vitamins, and minerals.

Nuts and Seeds

In moderation, raw unsalted nuts and seeds can provide nutrition including:

• Healthy fats
• Protein
• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Fiber
• Plant protein

Some bird-safe options are chopped walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Check nuts are unseasoned and unsalted. Chop nuts to an appropriate size to prevent choking. Offer seeds still in their shells for entertainment.

Foods to Avoid

Some people foods should be avoided for pet birds including:

• Chocolate – contains toxic theobromine
• Avocados – contain persin toxin
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Foods with salt, seasonings, sugar, fats
• Processed snacks, baked goods
• Dairy products
• Raw beans or eggs
• Onions, garlic
• Apple seeds – contain trace cyanide

Check any new food is bird-safe before offering. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of allergy or digestive upset. When in doubt, stick to known bird-safe fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins.

How to Feed Human Food

When offering people food to birds, follow these tips for safety:

• Wash produce thoroughly
• Remove rinds, peels, skins, pits, seeds
• Cook meat, eggs, beans thoroughly
• Chop/mash to appropriate size
• Avoid choking hazards
• Remove seasonings, salt, sugar, fats
• Introduce new foods slowly
• Watch for signs of allergy/intolerance
• Limit high-sugar fruits
• Don’t overfeed – 10% of diet max

People food should not replace a bird’s main diet. Use more as supplemental snacks a few times per week. Monitor to ensure treats aren’t encouraging selective eating of a main balanced diet. Consult an avian vet on any concerns.

Amounts to Feed

As a general rule, fruits, vegetables and other people foods should make up no more than 10% of a bird’s total food intake. Use this chart as a guide for amounts based on bird size:

Spread out treats throughout the day, not all at once. Always ensure the majority of a bird’s diet consists of quality seed mix, pellets, or species-specific foods. Monitor weight and adjust amounts fed as needed.

Benefits of Human Food for Birds

When given properly in moderation, fruits, vegetables, grains and cooked lean proteins offer many benefits including:

• Healthy supplemental nutrition
• Antioxidants
• Phytonutrients
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fiber
• Protein
• Healthy fats
• Water content
• Enrichment and entertainment
• Variety to prevent boredom

A varied diet with nutritious whole foods can contribute to a bird’s overall wellbeing. Use people food as occasional supplemental snacks, not meal replacements. Follow proper feeding guidelines for safety.

Best Practices

To safely provide human food for pet birds:

• Research bird-safe options thoroughly
• Introduce new foods slowly
• Wash and prep food properly
• Prevent choking hazards
• Follow amount guidelines
• Watch for signs of reaction
• Use as supplemental snacks – not meals
• Consult an avian vet with any concerns

With proper care and feeding techniques, fruits, veggies and other healthy people foods can be shared safely with our feathered friends!

Conclusion

Many healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins we enjoy can also make nutritious treats for pet birds. With proper precautions, fruits, veggies, cooked rice, whole grain pasta or bread, beans, eggs, and unseasoned meat can provide supplemental nutrition. Avoid excess salt, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and other “junk food” without health benefits. Introduce new foods slowly and limit overall amounts to 10% of total food intake. With smart supplementation of bird-safe people food, we can support our feathered friends’ health!