Cockatoos eat a varied diet that should be balanced and species-appropriate. In general, a healthy mix includes high-quality pellets as the core, plus a variety of fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of seeds. Fresh water should be available at all times. Here’s a concise guide:
- Core diet
- Pellets or complete formulated parrot food: about 60–80% of daily intake, tailored to the bird’s species and size. This provides essential vitamins and minerals and helps keep the diet balanced. [source guidance across veterinary and avian care sites]
- Fresh produce
- Fruits: apples (seedless), bananas, berries, mango, grapes (seedless, in moderation), pears (seedless), and melons. Remove seeds, wash thoroughly, and offer in appropriate bite-sized pieces. [fruit-focused care guides]
- Vegetables: leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, carrots, sweet potato (cooked), and other colorful vegetables. Vary choices to cover different nutrients. [vegetable variety recommendations]
- Be mindful of portions to avoid digestive upset; remove any uneaten produce after a few hours. [general feeding practice]
- Limited items
- Nuts and seeds: offered sparingly as treats or part of foraging enrichment; many commercial diets already include seeds, so seeds should not dominate the diet. [parrot nutrition guidance]
- Avoid or limit high-sugar items and foods that are toxic to birds (for example, avocado is commonly advised as a toxic item; citrus fruits and onions are often recommended to be fed in limited amounts or avoided depending on the species). Always verify species-specific safety. [toxic-item cautions]
- Foods to avoid
- Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, and lemon/lime in excess; dairy should generally be avoided or offered in very small amounts depending on the bird and guidance from a veterinarian. [toxic food lists]
- Do not feed heavily processed human foods or salted snacks. [general feeding advice]
- Feeding practices
- Offer a clean dish with fresh water daily; rotate food types to maintain interest and provide a broad nutrient range. Foraging enrichment (hiding pieces in toys or varied dishes) supports mental stimulation. [care and enrichment notes]
If you’d like, share the specific species of cockatoo (e.g., cockatiel, sulfur-crested, umbrella, galah) and any health considerations, and a tailored feeding plan with exact portion sizes can be outlined. [care personalization note]
