What Fruits Do Parrots Eat? (A Comprehensive Avian Vet Reviewed Guide)

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Parrots are smart and beautiful birds that can be wonderful pets. They are famous for copying human words and having colorful feathers. However, having a pet parrot means you have to take good care of them, and that includes giving them a healthy diet.

 Fruits are an important part of a parrot’s diet, and many parrot owners wonder which fruits are safe for their feathered friends. If you’ve had this question, we’ve got the answers for you. 

In this article, we’ll provide a list of fruits that are safe for parrots to eat and those that are not, along with explaining why fruits are important for parrots and how much of their diet should be made up of fruits.

List of All Fruits Safe for Parrots

Fruits	Description	Nutritional Benefits
Apples	Sweet and crunchy, remove seeds	High in vitamins and fiber
Bananas	Soft and easy to eat	Good source of potassium
Grapes	Small, seedless, and easy to consume	Rich in antioxidants
Oranges	Citrusy and tangy, remove seeds	High in vitamin C
Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)	Small and flavorful	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
Kiwi	Small, green, and juicy	Excellent source of vitamin C
Mango	Sweet and tropical	Rich in vitamins and fiber
Pineapple	Sweet and tangy	High in vitamin C and manganese
Papaya	Soft and orange flesh	Rich in vitamins and enzymes
Pears	Sweet and juicy, remove seeds	Good source of dietary fiber
Cherries	Small and sweet, remove pits	High in antioxidants
Peaches	Sweet and juicy, remove pits	Rich in vitamins and minerals
Plums	Sweet and slightly tart	Good source of vitamin K
Watermelon	Juicy and refreshing	High water content
Cantaloupe	Sweet and aromatic	Good source of vitamin A
Apricots	Sweet and velvety, remove pits	Rich in vitamins and fiber
Guava	Tropical and sweet	High in vitamin C and fiber
Blueberries	Small and packed with flavor	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
Raspberries	Small, tart, and flavorful	High in fiber and antioxidants
Blackberries	Dark and juicy, slightly tart	Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
Cranberries	Small and tangy	Good for urinary health
Figs	Sweet and chewy, high in fiber	Good source of minerals
Starfruit	Unique star-shaped slices	Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Guava	Tropical and sweet	High in vitamin C and fiber
Lychee	Sweet and aromatic	Good source of vitamin C
Passion Fruit	Unique flavor and aroma	High in vitamins and antioxidants
Dragon Fruit	Exotic and visually appealing	Good source of vitamin C and fiber
Avocado	Creamy and rich	High in healthy fats and vitamins
Persimmons	Sweet and flavorful	Rich in vitamins and minerals
Nectarines	Sweet and juicy, remove pits	Good source of vitamins

Are Fruits Good for Parrots? 

Most parrots enjoy eating fruit when it’s given to them. Fruits can be a healthy addition to their diet, but it’s important to be aware of the difference between the fruits they find in the wild and the ones we offer them at home.

 For example, wild figs, which are part of wild parrots’ diets, are quite different from the figs we humans eat. The figs we eat have been specially grown to be large and sweet, which is why we find them tasty. Wild figs and other fruits in the wild are generally less sugary and may not even be appealing to birds when they are fully ripe.

This means that, while fruit is indeed beneficial for parrots, it’s essential not to give them too much. Parrots aren’t accustomed to the high sugar content found in fruits cultivated for human consumption.

Nonetheless, offering small amounts of fruit once or more a week can be a source of entertainment for your parrot and help ensure they receive the necessary micronutrients they need.

Importance of Fruits in Parrot Diet

Fruits is a vital part of a parrot’s diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for their health and energy. While wild parrots consume a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds, captive parrots should have a mix of high-quality pellets and fresh whole foods. 

Parrots need a range of nutrients for their overall well-being, and many of these are found in plant-based foods. Here are some important vitamins and minerals parrots can get from fruits:

• Vitamin C: This vitamin supports the immune system, cardiovascular health, and tissue repair. While most birds produce their own vitamin C, it can also be found in various fruits and vegetables.
•  Vitamin A: Essential for growth, hormone production, immune response, and vision. Fruits like papaya, mango, and cantaloupe are rich in vitamin A.
•  Vitamin D: Necessary for nutrient absorption, especially calcium. While birds can get vitamin D from sunlight, pet birds may need dietary sources. Some fruits and vegetables contain vitamin D.
• Calcium: Critical for bone health, feather growth, blood clotting, and egg production. Figs, oranges, and kiwi are fruits high in calcium.
• Potassium: Important for muscle and nerve function, found in fruits like bananas, cherries, and papaya.
•  Magnesium: Crucial for bone health, muscle and nerve function, and energy production, found in fruits like bananas, figs, and papaya.
• Phosphorus: Essential for bone health, energy production, and DNA synthesis. Fruits such as apples, grapes, and oranges contain phosphorus.

By including a variety of these fruits in your parrot’s diet, you can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy life.

Percentage of Fruits in Parrot Diet

According to the current recommendation by board-certified avian veterinarians who study avian nutrition, fruits, seeds, and nuts should comprise no more than 10-20% of a parrot’s diet combined.

However, fruits and vegetables are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals and should be fed to parrots every day. Fresh produce should comprise no more than 15-30% of the diet, and vegetables should outnumber fruits in a parrot’s diet by around 10:1.

 It is important to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to maximize the health benefits and to avoid feeding fruits that are too sweet or contain too much sugar. 

Parrot owners should try to vary the selection of produce they offer to keep their birds interested and to provide a broad base of vitamins and minerals. It is also important to wash all produce well and to check for mold or rot before giving it to a parrot.

Fruits Not Safe for Parrots

While many fruits are safe for parrots, there are some that are not. Here is a list of fruits that should be avoided:

• Avocado
• Fruit seeds and pits
• Rhubarb
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Asparagus
• Eggplant
• Chocolate
• Sugar
• Salt
• Fatty rich foods or excessive amounts of any one particular food

Tips for feeding fruits to Parrots

Here are some helpful tips for giving fruits to your parrot (VCA Animal Hospital):

1. Keep an eye on how much your bird eats each day.
2. Make sure to provide fresh water daily.
3. Offer a variety of different fresh fruits daily.
4. It’s better to give your bird small pieces of various foods rather than a big piece of just one.
5. Introduce new fruits gradually to your bird.
6. If your bird has a strong liking for a specific food, try giving it less to encourage them to eat other foods.
7. Always wash fruits thoroughly before feeding them to your bird.
8. Remember to clean your bird’s food and water dishes every day.
9. Avoid placing food on the bottom of the cage, as this is where the bird’s droppings fall.

 If your bird rejects a certain food once, don’t give up on it; try offering it again at a different time.

Conclusion

In summary, fruits are a vital part of a parrot’s diet. They offer parrots important things like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that keep them healthy. Nevertheless, parrots should only eat 10-20% of their diet as fruits, along with seeds and nuts. 

Parrots enjoy a variety of fruits such as bananas, melons, apples (without seeds), papayas, passion fruits, pineapples, berries, kiwis, cherries, apricots, and peaches (without pits), along with local options. 

But, you should avoid giving them avocados, fruit seeds and pits, rhubarb, onions, garlic, mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, chocolate, sugar, salt, and fatty foods in excess. Just like with any pet, it’s essential to talk to a vet to make sure your parrot eats a healthy and balanced diet.