Best Parrot Food – What to Feed Your Parrot Every Day

Feeding parrots is not just about throwing some seeds in a bowl. For me, it took years of learning, experience, and even some regret to understand what really counts as the best parrot food. This blog is for every parrot owner who wants to give their birds not just food, but love, health, and a happy life — every single day.

I’m not a vet or brand ambassador. I’m just a bird lover who has raised over 30 parrots, hens, and pigeons in one home — and learned everything by trial, error, and deep care. What I’m about to share with you is not theory — it’s my daily routine. This blog will help you know what to feed, how to prepare it, and how to avoid the mistakes I made in the beginning.

If you haven't read my first blog What Do Parrots Eat?, I highly recommend you check it out first. It explains the core basics of parrot nutrition, safe and unsafe foods, and why a balanced diet matters more than you think.

Why Parrot Food Is Not Just About Seeds

I used to think seed mix was enough for parrots, but later I realized that even the best parrot food isn’t just about seeds. Like we humans don’t survive only on bread, parrots also need variety — fruits, vegetables, water, and a clean environment along with seeds.

Pet parrots fully depend on us. Wild parrots can find different types of food by themselves, but our parrots eat only what we give. So if we’re giving just seeds, we’re actually limiting their health. That’s why now I always provide variety — seed mix, soft food, fruits, vegetables, and fresh water all together as part of a routine.

If you’re still thinking seeds are enough, please rethink. You can also check this helpful bird food guide by Lafeber to understand what a complete parrot diet really looks like.

How I Used to Feed My Parrots (And What Changed Everything)

I used to bring seed mix from a shop in the birds market. It was already open — not packed — and I didn’t realize how much dust it had. I’ve also heard that some shopkeepers even add chemicals to make it look clean and shiny. That was the time I didn’t have much experience. I believed I was giving the best parrot food, but it was actually unhealthy.

Slowly I started understanding. I stopped buying packed mixes too because of trust issues. Then someone who was also a pet lover and more experienced helped me. He now brings seed mix for me, gets it freshly mixed in front of him, and makes sure it’s dust-free and chemical-free. It’s expensive, but I can’t compromise on my parrots’ health.

I’ve never used any branded seed mix. If you have a good local source, buy from there but make sure it’s clean. Otherwise, confirm that your packed food is high quality. If you’re buying from a shop, get it prepared in your presence. This seed mix is like roti or rice for our parrots — a basic, everyday need. You can read this feeding guide from VCA Animal Hospitals for more understanding.

What I Feed My Parrots Every Morning

I give soft food to my parrots in the morning because it’s the best time — they eat it quickly and nothing goes to waste. It also depends on the season. In summer, I give soaked or boiled mixed lentils and rice. You can take whatever lentils are available at home — just mix equal amounts and soak overnight. By morning, it gets soft and easy to digest.

I have over 30 parrots, pigeons, and hens, so I soak about 7 to 8 tablespoons of daal at night. By morning it doubles in size and is enough for all of them. This is now a regular part of my best parrot food routine.

Sometimes I forget to soak it at night — in that case, I soak it early in the morning and feed it after 4 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can also boil it. Just make sure the food is soft and clean. Here's a basic guide from Beauty of Birds on feeding soft food to parrots.

Why Morning Is the Best Time for Soft Food

Soft food is best given in the morning because parrots are hungry after the night and they eat it instantly. In summer, soft food like soaked daal keeps them cool. If you give it later in the day, it might go bad due to heat and bacteria.

In winter, I prefer egg food in the morning because it gives warmth and quick energy. I usually give soft food during the day only on holidays, or when I wake up late and forget to soak it at night. Minimum soaking time should be 4 hours, but boiling works too if you're short on time.

This simple change has made a big difference in my parrots’ routine. It’s now a fixed part of their best parrot food schedule. Read this simple guide on Omlet for feeding tips based on time of day.

What Fruits or Vegetables Should You Feed Your Parrots?

Fruits and vegetables should always be seasonal and easy to find. Don’t give both at the same time — just one thing per day, either fruit or vegetable. Otherwise, parrots will waste it. Wash everything properly before giving it.

I personally give seed mix and soft food regularly, but I can’t manage fruits and veggies daily. Still, I try to give them frequently — if I miss one day, I make sure to give them the next. With the right fruits and vegetables, your bird’s diet becomes more complete and helps you provide the best parrot food.

Even after giving a great diet, some nutrition is still missing. That’s why I also add multivitamins in water. Here’s a good reference list of recommended fruits and veggies by PetMD.

Do You Need to Give Multivitamins with Food?

Even if you give the best food, you can’t provide every vitamin and mineral perfectly. That’s why multivitamins are important. I use them at least twice a week by mixing in water. It helps cover any missing nutrition and keeps my parrots healthy and active.

Whichever multivitamin you choose, check the ingredients. A good one should include essential vitamins and minerals. I’ll soon write a full blog about which multivitamin to choose, so stay tuned.

Here’s a multivitamin guide from Lafeber you can check meanwhile. It’s part of what I believe makes the best parrot food plan complete.

My Honest Experience with Seed Mixes (And Mistakes to Avoid)

In the beginning, I used to buy open seed mixes from bird markets. They were full of dust, and I later learned that some sellers even add chemicals to keep seeds looking clean. At that time, I thought I was giving the best parrot food — but I was wrong.

Eventually, someone who was also a parrot lover helped me. He started buying seed mix for me and gets it prepared in front of him — dust-free, chemical-free, and fresh. It’s more expensive, but I can never compromise on health.

I’ve never used branded seed mixes. If you have a reliable local shop, get your food mixed in your presence. Or buy packed food only if it’s clean and high quality. This seed mix is like roti or rice for birds — a basic need. Read more from VCA’s bird feeding guide.

How to Reduce Food Wastage While Feeding Parrots

Parrots waste food by nature. They eat what they like and throw the rest. I used to give food in open bowls, but most of it would fall out or get dirty. Then I started using a special container where food drops down inside a cone and birds can only pick it with their beak. Now, no wastage.

These containers also keep food clean, save time, and reduce refilling stress. I only refill once a day. You can do the same — choose a feeder that suits your setup and number of birds. It really changed my feeding routine.

Here's a guide on reducing parrot food waste you might like. Reducing waste is also part of the best parrot food strategy.

What Type of Bowl or Feeder Is Best for Parrots?

From my experience, covered feeders work much better than open bowls. In open dishes, food gets dirty, wasted, and even attracts insects. I now use a cone-shaped feeder where food drops down and birds eat cleanly from small partitions.

These containers save food, stay clean longer, and reduce the time I spend checking or refilling. I also use similar feeders for water, which keeps it clean all day. You can choose the size depending on how many birds you have.

This Parrot Society UK guide explains how feeder types affect parrot health and hygiene. It's part of managing best parrot food in daily life.

Can You Give Cooked Food to Parrots?

Yes, but only if it’s plain and boiled. I sometimes give boiled rice, lentils, or vegetables — but no salt, no spices, no oil, and no sugar. Parrots have sensitive digestive systems, and flavored or processed food can harm them.

Cooked food should be fresh and given in small quantity. Don’t leave it for hours. And don’t replace their full diet with cooked food — it’s just an addition. One part of what makes a well-rounded best parrot food routine.

Here’s a useful article from The Spruce Pets explaining which cooked foods are safe and which aren’t.

What to Do If Your Parrot Refuses to Eat Certain Foods

Some parrots are moody — especially African Greys. They don’t always eat what you give, or they pick food only when they feel like it. This is called selective eating, and it’s normal. Just like humans don’t like every dish, parrots also have their own likes and dislikes.

If I want my parrot to try something new, I mix it with their favorite food. I use 70–80% of what they already love, and add 20% of the new food inside so it blends in. That way, they don’t notice and end up eating it all. I’ve done this many times — and it works.

Here’s a helpful guide on BirdTricks about helping parrots eat new foods. It’s part of real-life strategies to maintain the best parrot food plan.

Is One Diet Enough for All Types of Parrots?

In my case, yes. I have many parrot types — Ringnecks, Cockatiels, Alexandrines — and they all eat the same food happily. I give a clean seed mix, seasonal fruits or vegetables, and soft food based on season. I haven’t felt the need to separate their diets.

Of course, some parrots eat more depending on size and energy, but the basic food remains the same. Unless your vet says otherwise, there’s no need to design different meals for every bird. A balanced diet with fresh food is enough to cover all their needs.

Here's what All About Parrots says about shared diets for multiple species. It's a helpful addition to your best parrot food plan.

How Food Affects a Parrot’s Mood & Energy

Parrots are emotional. I’ve seen dull behavior when food wasn’t good — especially when I used to feed only seeds. Lack of variety leads to weakness and boredom. After changing their diet, they became more active, vocal, and happy.

Mood is not just about food — it’s also about space, light, and comfort. But food is the starting point. When your parrot eats well, it shows. You’ll see better feathers, more flying, and even a stronger bond.

This behavior-nutrition guide explains the direct link between food and mental health in parrots — something I’ve seen firsthand in my journey toward best parrot food habits.

Feeding Tips for New Parrot Owners (Real Experience)

Bringing home a new parrot is exciting, but the bird feels scared at first. I remember when I brought my first one — he didn’t eat much and looked nervous. That’s normal. Don’t expect them to eat or bond on day one.

My tip: don’t put the new parrot directly with others. Let them adjust in a separate cage nearby. Once they get used to you and the space, they’ll start eating properly. Parrots are social and sensitive. Let them take their time.

Here’s a detailed first 30-day bird care guide from PetMD. It’s something I wish I had when I started — now it’s part of my guide to best parrot food and care.

My Advice – Don’t Just Feed, Understand Your Parrot

If you’re reading this, I want to tell you something important. Feeding your parrot is not just about food — it’s about care. Every bird is different, and you’ll learn what works only by observing and trying.

Over the years, I made mistakes, learned through trial and error, and today I share what I know so others don’t repeat them. Your bird depends on you. Give it variety, sunlight, space, clean water, and love. That’s the real best parrot food in life.

If you have your own tips or want to share your parrot’s story, I would love to hear from you. You can email me anytime at: writersdesk81@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do parrots eat in the wild?
In the wild, parrots eat a mix of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and sometimes insects or bark. Their diet is seasonal and very diverse compared to pet parrots.

Q2: Can parrots eat the same food every day?
No. Repeating the same food daily can lead to deficiencies. Rotating between seed mix, soft food, and fruits/veggies is important.

Q3: What do African Grey parrots eat?
African Greys can eat seed mix, soaked lentils, boiled rice, green vegetables, and fruits like apples or papaya. They are picky eaters so variety helps.

Q4: What is the best food for parrots in summer?
In summer, offer soaked lentils, soft rice, and juicy fruits like melon, papaya, and cucumbers. Avoid hot or oily food.

Q5: Can parrots eat vegetables?
Yes. Parrots love spinach, carrots, peas, and green beans. Always wash them properly before feeding.

Q6: Do parrots eat boiled rice?
Yes. Boiled plain rice (no salt or oil) is a good soft food, especially for young or weak parrots.

Q7: What not to feed parrots?
Avoid chocolate, caffeine, avocado, fried food, salty snacks, or anything with added sugar or spices.

Q8: Can parrots eat banana?
Yes. Bananas are safe and nutritious for parrots but offer in moderation due to their sugar content.

Q9: What to feed baby parrots?
Hand-feeding formula or very soft boiled lentils and rice (at lukewarm temperature) is safe. Consult a vet if unsure.

Q10: Do parrots need multivitamins?
Yes, if their diet isn’t balanced. I personally give multivitamins in water 2–3 times a week to avoid nutritional gaps.