Diet Guide
African Grey Parrot Diet
What to feed an African Grey — and what to keep well out of reach.
Foundation Diet
A high-quality, formulated pellet should make up the majority of an African Grey's diet, since pellets are designed to deliver balanced nutrition that seed-only diets typically lack.
Fresh Foods
Fresh vegetables — leafy greens, carrots, squash, and peppers among them — can be offered daily, with fruit offered in moderation due to natural sugar content. Introduce new foods gradually and watch for preferences and sensitivities.
Foods to Avoid
Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and anything high in added salt, sugar, or fat should never be offered. Onions and garlic in large quantities are also best avoided.
Calcium and Supplementation
African Greys are considered more prone to calcium-related concerns than some other parrot species. Speak with an avian veterinarian about whether supplementation is appropriate for your bird's specific diet.
Feeding Schedule
Most owners feed pellets throughout the day with fresh foods offered once or twice daily, removing perishable items after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain, unsalted nuts can be offered in moderation as an enrichment food, but they shouldn't replace a balanced pelleted diet.
Transition gradually and patiently, mixing pellets with existing food and reducing seed over time — ask an avian vet for a structured conversion plan if your bird resists the change.
Fruit isn't bad, but it should be offered in moderation given its sugar content — think of it as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.
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