200 Safe and Toxic Foods for Pet Birds: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

No. Avocado is one of the most well known toxic foods for birds and should never be offered, including the flesh, skin, stone and leaves. If your bird has eaten avocado, contact an avian vet straight away rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Yes, grapes are safe and most parrots love them. Because they are high in natural sugar they are best treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, and washed well first to remove any spray residue.

Apple flesh is perfectly safe, but the seeds should be removed. They contain a compound that becomes a concern in higher amounts, so the simplest habit is to core the apple before offering it.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which birds cannot process the way people can. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, so chocolate should be kept well away from any bird that has free flight time in the house.

Onion, chives and leeks are on the toxic list and should be avoided, including in cooked leftovers. If you share cooked food with your bird, check first that it has not been prepared with onion or onion powder.

No. Birds do not digest dairy well, so cheese and milk-based foods are best avoided entirely. If you are looking for a high value training treat, a small piece of safe fruit or a nut works far better.

Non-stick cookware fumes, aerosols, scented candles, essential oil diffusers and household cleaners are all genuine hazards, because birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems. Ventilate well when cooking or cleaning, and keep your bird in another room.

Do not assume it is safe simply because it is not listed. Contact your avian vet for advice, and where possible have the packaging or the plant name on hand so they can advise accurately.