Safe spices for parrots

Parrots are social eaters and are likely to be more than happy to share a meal with you. The best meals to feed your pet parrot are fresh vegetables, fruit and pellets, or seeds.

In the wild, parrot's diet differs considerably and they like to eat fruit and fruit seeds, nuts, flowers, and corn where they can find them.

When bringing a pet parrot home for the first time, new owners are discouraged from seasoning any food being offered to their parrots. This is because these birds have fragile digestive systems and can’t eat all the food that humans eat. Herbs as part of your pet's food exist in a grey area as both an additive and natural plant. This makes it vital to review exactly what spices you would be offering your parrot.

Some spices and herbs which are safe for your pet parrots are mints, parsley, cinnamon, rosemary, dill, thyme, and even bay leaves. You can also feed your pet some dandelion leaf, anise, oregano, cumin, and cilantro, Fennel, or Sage. These are some fine choices to feed your pet parrot.

Can parrots eat herbs and spices?

Yes, of course, your pet parrots can eat fresh herbs and spices. Whether spices and herbs are dried, crushed, powdered, or newly picked off the plant, the texture disparities will not harm your pet parrot. Parrots tend to enjoy the flavour and the health benefits, no matter their form.

However, make sure you use spices that have no added salt.

How to get your parrots to eat spices

• Parrots are naturally very wary creatures, and it usually takes a minimum of 20 times of seeing a particular food before they can accept it.

• Getting your pet parrot used to this new diet can take YEARS. Be glad that bird servings are tiny because you will be throwing away many, many untouched meals.

• Do not try to force your bird to adapt. They are quite capable of starving themselves to death.

• Ensure you monitor stool production once you start this diet. If it reduces then your bird may not be eating enough and you need to go more slowly. Please note that colour change and some large soft stools can be normal when introducing fresh fruits/veggies.

• Also, note that some of your pet birds may never reach an “ideal” diet. Even accepting one or two new foods is worth the trouble.

• When feeding them for the first time, offer a small quantity of food at a time

With a little patience and persistence, your pet parrot can learn to enjoy a variety of spices and herbs in their meals. Not only would this ensure that you give your pet a balanced diet, creating the foundation for a healthy pet, but you'll get to have fun at mealtime with your feathered friend, too.

Here are some spices we think your bird would love

Spicy Noodles Parrot Treat

This is a fiery veggie mix combined with tri-coloured pasta and a lot of scrumptious vegetables consisting of peas, broad beans, carrots, and peppers.

It is enriched with essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals within the added extruded pellets.

Cuisines Spices

These are available in six flavours inspired by different regions of the world. Our cuisine spice captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine with almonds, cashews, dates, sweet potatoes,  and cinnamon in a bed of fluffy couscous pasta. 

Shop for these two spices and more here