Sharing a snack with your parrot can be fun, but some everyday foods are dangerous for birds. Parrots have fast metabolisms and small bodies, so even a little of the wrong food can be serious. Here’s a guide to toxic foods for parrots, symptoms of poisoning and what to do in an emergency.
Quick Answer: The most dangerous foods for parrots include avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, xylitol, onions and garlic, salty foods, and fruit pits and apple seeds. If your bird eats any of these, call your avian vet or an animal poison control line right away.
The Most Dangerous Foods
| Food | Why it’s dangerous | Possible effects |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Contains persin | Breathing trouble, heart damage, sudden death |
| Chocolate and cocoa | Theobromine and caffeine | Vomiting, hyperactivity, seizures, death |
| Coffee, tea, energy drinks | Caffeine | Fast heart rate, arrhythmias, seizures |
| Alcohol | Depresses the nervous system | Weakness, loss of coordination, death |
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy) | Toxic to many animals | Low blood sugar, liver damage (studied mainly in dogs) |
| Onions and garlic | Sulfur compounds | Damage to red blood cells, anemia |
| Salt and salty snacks | Excess sodium | Thirst, kidney problems, death in high amounts |
| Apple seeds and fruit pits (cherry, peach, apricot, plum) | Compounds that release cyanide | Breathing problems, collapse |
| Raw or dried beans | Lectins | Digestive upset, serious illness |
| Moldy food or nuts | Mycotoxins such as aflatoxin | Liver damage |
| Rhubarb | Oxalates | Kidney damage |
| High-fat and fried foods | Too rich | Obesity, fatty liver |
The Merck Veterinary Manual and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center both list avocado and chocolate among the leading food toxins for birds.
Foods Often Mistaken as Safe
- Peanuts: safe in moderation if fresh and roasted unsalted, but peanuts are prone to mold. Buy human-grade and store them well.
- Dairy: birds lack the enzyme to digest lactose. Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese are unlikely to be toxic, but they can cause diarrhea.
- Tomato leaves and stems: the plant parts are toxic, though ripe tomato flesh is generally fine in small amounts.
- Mushrooms: some types can upset digestion or be toxic. It’s simplest to avoid them.
Non-Food Household Dangers
Food isn’t the only risk. Nonstick cookware, scented candles, zinc and lead in toys or jewelry, and houseplants can also poison birds. See our guide to Teflon toxicity and household hazards.
Signs Your Bird May Have Eaten Something Toxic
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea or unusual droppings
- Fluffed feathers and sitting low on the perch
- Weakness or falling off the perch
- Trouble breathing or tail bobbing
- Excessive thirst
- Shaking, seizures or loss of balance
What to Do If Your Parrot Eats Something Toxic
- Remove any remaining food from your bird and the cage.
- Note what was eaten, how much and when. Keep the packaging.
- Call your avian vet or an emergency clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Keep your bird warm and quiet while you get help.
- Don’t try to make your bird vomit or give home remedies.
Safe Treats to Share Instead
- Small pieces of apple (no seeds), banana, berries or mango
- Cooked sweet potato, squash or carrots
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Plain cooked whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
- Unsalted nuts in moderation
For an overview of a balanced diet, see seeds vs. pellets for parrots.
Tips to Prevent Accidental Poisoning
- Keep your bird out of the kitchen while you cook and eat.
- Don’t share food from your plate or mouth. Human saliva also carries bacteria.
- Teach family and guests the “no-feed” list.
- Store coffee, chocolate and alcohol securely.
- Supervise out-of-cage time.
When to Call Your Vet
Get emergency help now if your bird:
- Has eaten avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or xylitol
- Is having trouble breathing, seizures or is falling off the perch
Call your vet for advice if:
- Your bird ate a small amount of something salty or fatty
- You’re unsure whether a food is safe
Frequently Asked Questions
How much avocado is toxic to a parrot?
Even small amounts can be dangerous, and sensitivity varies by species. It’s safest to avoid avocado completely.
Is guacamole dangerous for birds?
Yes. It contains avocado, onion and garlic.
Can parrots eat bread?
Plain whole-grain bread in tiny amounts isn’t toxic, but it offers little nutrition. Moldy bread is dangerous.
Are apples safe for parrots?
Yes, the flesh is safe and healthy. Remove the core and seeds first, since the seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide.
Can parrots eat cooked eggs?
Yes. Plain, fully cooked egg is a good protein source. Crushed, baked eggshell can even add calcium. Don’t add salt or butter.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
