Top 10 Human Foods That Are Safe (and Healthy) for Parrots

If you live with parrots, you’ll know the feeling of being watched while you eat. Those big eyes, the head tilt, the bossiness as they stick their head directly into your bowl, or even try to remove food from your mouth. But before you hand over a bite of whatever’s on your plate, it’s important to know which human foods are actually safe, and even healthy, for them.

A lot of things we eat are a no-go for parrots. But there are also plenty of foods you probably already have at home that are not just safe, but a brilliant addition to your bird’s diet.

Top 10 parrot safe human foods

Here are my top 10 healthy human foods that I regularly feed to my own flock:

1. Sweet Potato (Cooked or Freeze Dried)
Rich in vitamin A and great for feather condition, immune function, and gut health. Serve it plain, no oil, salt, or seasoning. Mashed or cubed works well, or you can use freeze dried chunks in dry mixes.

2. Carrots
High in beta-carotene and fibre, carrots are fantastic raw or lightly steamed. I often grate them into morning chop or slice them thin for a satisfying crunch. Batons make great foot toys!

3. Broccoli
A great source of calcium and vitamin C. Chop it fine and mix it into your morning veg bowl. Both the florets and stalks are safe.

4. Corn (Raw or Lightly Steamed)
Fresh corn is full of energy and natural sugars that parrots love. I cut small slices from a cob or mix raw kernels into chop for a bit of sweetness. I also love slicing up baby corn into morning chop. Don't overdo corn though, it isn't particularly nutrient dense.

5. Courgette
Mild in flavour and easy to digest, courgette is a brilliant hydrating veg. I usually serve it raw, grated, or chopped. It’s also one of the least messy options, always a win.

6. Kale
Packed with nutrients like calcium and vitamin K. Some parrots aren’t wild about it, but if you chop it very fine or mix it with tastier veg, it often gets eaten anyway. I use kale in moderation as part of a balanced mix.

7. Butternut Squash
Another vitamin A hero, this is a soft, slightly sweet veg when cooked. I cube it and microwave it plain, or steam and mash it. It also freezes well in small portions.

8. Peas 
Full of protein and B vitamins. I mix raw peas straight into morning chop, or use freeze dried ones in dry mixes. Sugar snap peas are another good option if your bird likes a crunch.

9. Cucumber
Hydrating and light, cucumber is easy on the stomach and great for hot days. I slice it thin or dice it small. It doesn’t offer tons of nutrition, but it adds variety, electrolytes and texture.

10. Peppers (Any Colour)
Red, yellow, and green peppers are all safe and packed with vitamin C. They’re hydrating, full of antioxidants, and many parrots love the crunchy texture. I usually chop them into small squares or thin strips. Bonus tip: the seeds inside are safe too, and some birds go mad for them, so don't throw them away.

The ideal feeding routine for a parrot

For most parrots, the ideal feeding routine starts with a fresh breakfast: a bowl of raw chop made from mixed vegetables, herbs, and a small amount of fruit (or none at all), plus a portion of soaked or sprouted seeds. In the evening, I offer dry mixes, high-quality pellets, and a seed mix tailored to their needs, OR high quality pellets. Try our Soothing Seed Mix, which contains no sunflower seeds and supports calmer energy levels.

Parrots thrive on variety, and small daily or seasonal changes in texture, taste, and colour help keep them mentally stimulated while covering their nutritional bases.

So next time you’re prepping food in the kitchen and your parrot is watching, you’ll know exactly which bits are safe to share, and might even become their new favourite.

Have you tried any of these with your bird? Let me know which human foods your parrot loves most.

FAQ: Parrot Safe Human Foods

What human foods are safe for parrots?
Plenty of everyday foods are safe, including vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, courgette, peas, peppers, cucumber, kale, butternut squash, and even corn in moderation. These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support long-term health.

Can parrots eat sweet potato?
Yes. Sweet potato is one of the best foods you can offer. It’s rich in vitamin A, which supports immune health, feathers, and skin. Always serve it plain, either raw or freeze dried is best, without any seasoning. Lightly steam if you want but warm mushy food can cause hormonal behaviour.

Are seeds from peppers safe for parrots?
Yes. The seeds inside peppers are completely safe and many parrots love them. They’re a fun, crunchy addition that shouldn’t be thrown away.

Can parrots eat raw vegetables every day?
Yes, raw vegetables should be a staple in a parrot’s diet. They’re nutrient-rich and provide variety in taste and texture. Chop them small or leave chunky, and rotate options throughout the week for balance.

Is corn healthy for parrots?
Corn is safe and most parrots love it, but it’s not the most nutrient-dense food. Offer it in moderation, either raw, or as baby corn mixed into chop.

Are cucumbers good for parrots?
Yes. Cucumbers are hydrating and easy to digest, making them a great option on hot days. While they don’t offer as much nutrition as leafy greens or root vegetables, they add texture, electrolytes and hydration to meals.

What should parrots eat in a day?
An ideal feeding routine includes fresh vegetables and a small portion of fruit in the morning, paired with soaked or sprouted seeds. Evenings should focus on dry mixes and seed blends, or pellets. Variety is the key to good health and enrichment.