Top 10 Cockatoo Foods for Health, Energy, and Feather Shine
Cockatoos are intelligent, social, and lively parrots that require a carefully balanced diet to thrive. Their nutritional needs are different from other birds, and feeding them incorrectly can lead to behavioral problems, vitamin deficiencies, and long-term health problems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bird owner, choosing the right food is essential for a healthy, happy cockatoo.
1. Harrison’s High Potency Coarse
Benefits:
Harrison’s is an organic, veterinarian-recommended pellet food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large parrots like Cockatoos. It contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or chemicals and supports immune function, feather quality, and digestive health.
Feeding Amount:
About 10-15% of the bird’s body weight daily (approx. 30-50 grams for medium to large Cockatoos).
Best For:
All life stages, especially during molting or transition from a seed diet.
2. ZuPreem Natural Bird Food (Large Parrots)
Benefits:
This food offers a blend of natural grains, vitamins, and minerals in pellet form. It's designed to promote a balanced diet, reduce waste compared to seed mixes, and support heart, brain, and feather health.
Feeding Amount:
¼ to ½ cup daily, supplemented with fruits and vegetables.
Best For:
Cockatoos that prefer a fruit and grain blend with minimal added sugars.
3. Roudybush Daily Maintenance for Medium to Large Birds
Benefits:
Roudybush is a premium pellet that ensures proper calcium-to-phosphorus balance, ideal for bone strength. It’s recommended by avian vets and helps maintain energy, clear eyes, and healthy plumage.
Feeding Amount:
½ cup per day per bird, depending on weight and activity level.
Best For:
Adult Cockatoos with stable eating habits.
4. TOP’s Parrot Food (Totally Organic Pellets)
Benefits:
Made from certified organic ingredients with no soy or corn, this food includes cold-pressed pellets that preserve nutrients. It’s rich in omega-3, natural herbs, and greens.
Feeding Amount:
2-4 tablespoons per day along with fresh produce.
Best For:
Cockatoos with food sensitivities or on an organic diet.
5. Lafeber’s Nutri-Berries for Cockatoos
Benefits:
These fun, berry-shaped clusters combine pellets with seeds and dried fruits, offering complete nutrition with foraging stimulation. It reduces boredom and supports beak health.
Feeding Amount:
5-7 Nutri-Berries per meal, 2 times daily.
Best For:
Picky eaters or birds needing enrichment.
6. Kaytee Exact Rainbow Large Parrot Food
Benefits:
Colorful extruded pellets provide essential amino acids, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. It promotes feather sheen and reduces nutrient imbalances commonly seen with seed-only diets.
Feeding Amount:
½ to ¾ cup daily, depending on bird size.
Best For:
Active Cockatoos that require a well-balanced pellet diet.
7. Volkman Avian Science Super Cockatoo Mix
Benefits:
This gourmet seed blend contains dried fruits, veggies, nuts, and grains. Though seed-based, it’s designed to be fed alongside fresh produce for full nutrition.
Feeding Amount:
¼ cup daily along with pellets and fresh food.
Best For:
Supplemental feeding or transitioning from seed to pellet.
8. Pretty Bird Daily Select Large
Benefits:
This is a colorful and flavorful extruded pellet made for large parrots. It includes essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support overall health.
Feeding Amount:
½ cup daily per bird.
Best For:
Cockatoos that need a complete, convenient dry food.
9. Sprouted Seeds & Legumes Mix (Homemade or Store-Bought)
Benefits:
Sprouted foods provide live enzymes, increased nutrients, and better digestibility than dry seeds. They improve immunity, energy, and support organ health.
Feeding Amount:
2-3 tablespoons daily mixed with regular food.
Best For:
Enrichment and natural nutrient supplementation.
10. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Benefits:
Essential for vitamin diversity and hydration. Safe options include apples (no seeds), carrots, leafy greens, papaya, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. These foods improve gut health, prevent vitamin A deficiency, and encourage natural feeding behavior.
Feeding Amount:
Make up 25-30% of daily diet. Rotate varieties daily.
Best For:
All Cockatoos a required part of their balanced diet.
If you have any menu different from the above food options that might be more suitable for birds, please be sure to let us know by commenting.