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Grouping of foods toxic to parrotlets.

Foods Toxic to Parrotlets: What They Cannot Eat

There are endless options of parrotlet food items and mixes on the market, but there are also several foods toxic to parrotlets (and some that they just shouldn’t eat). Some may currently be in your refrigerator or pantry. Studies have been somewhat limited when it comes to determining foods that are toxic to parrotlets vs. what is just bad for them. Figuring out how toxic a certain food is can be a challenge so it’s better to be safe than sorry in many of the cases below.

Some foods can be tolerated in small amounts without incident, however, if larger quantities are ingested they can cause severe illness or death in parrotlets. Many reports/claims have been made by owners on parrot forums stating that their pet parrot died after eating…insert food item here. This is often an assumption and toxicology tests and reports are often never done to find the actual cause of death.

What You Should NEVER Feed a Parrotlet

Assortment of fresh vegetables that are considered toxic foods to parrotlets.

With parrotlets being so small, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid any foods that could potentially be toxic to parrotlets. There is a HUGE list of foods that are safe, so it’s best to just stay away from anything listed below!

Do not feed your parrotlet the following foods in any amount. If any of the foods on this list are ingested by your parrotlet, call your avian vet or animal poison control immediately.

Keep scrolling for more information about each item and what it could possibly do if ingested by parrotlets.

Foods Toxic to Parrotlets – if ingested, immediate action is required

Foods Dangerous to Parrotlets

Animal Poison Control Center: ASPCA

Take your parrotlet to the vet if they eat a toxic food.

Before we get into the details of foods toxic to parrotlets, let’s get some housekeeping out of the way. If you suspect that your parrotlet has ingested something toxic, call your avian vet or the animal poison control center (APCC) immediately. While a consultation fee may apply when calling APCC, eating toxic food may be a matter of life or death for your parrotlet.

What Should I Do If My Parrotlet Eats Toxic Food?

First and foremost, call your avian vet or animal poison control immediately.

If you own a parrotlet you should always have food-grade activated charcoal capsules on hand in case your bird ingests foods toxic to parrotlets. Activated charcoal binds to toxins which are then eliminated through urine and feces. If you need to treat your parrotlet at home and cannot get prompt help from a professional, follow the steps below:

  1. Break open one capsule of human-grade activated charcoal.

  2. Mix ½ of the capsule contents with your parrotlet’s favorite food. Anything that you know they’ll eat right away and that the activated charcoal powder will stick to. 1-2 tablespoons of mashed banana, mashed sweet potato, or mashed peas will work well, but whatever your parrotlet likes best will work.

  3. Feed your parrotlet the activated charcoal and food mixture as soon after the ingestion of the toxic food as possible.

  4. Offer plenty of water to help flush out toxins once they are bound by the charcoal.

Please note: Your parrotlet’s poop will be very dark or black once the charcoal works its way through your bird’s digestive system. That is normal and not a cause for alarm.

Please note that depending on what your parrotlet ingests, this is not guaranteed to save your parrotlet.

What NOT to Feed Your Parrotlet

Parrotlets should NEVER eat or ingest the following foods or beverage items.

Alcohol

Fruity mixed alcoholic drinks that are toxic to parrotlets.

No matter how fun, fruity, or colorful a drink is, never give your parrotlet alcohol of any kind. Do not allow your parrotlet out of its cage if alcoholic beverages are being served. Being the curious birds that they are, it’s possible that they could sneak a drink without you even knowing.

Just like with humans, if too much alcohol is consumed it can cause intoxication (mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing, etc.), liver damage, or death. There is no way to know how much alcohol it will take to kill a parrotlet, so don’t let them near it.

Avocado

Avocados are one of the foods toxic to parrotlets.

Persin is a fungicidal toxin present in avocados and all parts of the avocado tree. Small birds like parrotlets and parakeets are more at risk, so keep the avocados, guacamole, and any other food item containing avocado out of reach. If you have an avocado tree, don’t let your parrotlet near it either.

If enough persin is ingested, it can cause breathing problems, the inability to balance properly on a perch, and heart problems (including death). This is because the persin can cause fluids to accumulate around vital organs. Respiratory complications can develop several hours after ingestion, and death can occur within one to two days.

Beans (uncooked)

Uncooked beans are toxic to parrotlets.

Parrotlets can enjoy all kinds of thoroughly cooked beans, but never feed your parrotlet raw, uncooked beans. Some varieties contain a substance called phytohemagglutinin which is toxic to humans and birds. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and death in parrotlets.

Caffeine

Coffee and caffeinated beverages are toxic to parrotlets.

Parrotlets don’t need any liquids other than water. While it may seem like a cute video op for your bird to dunk its beak in your morning coffee, caffeine is a big NO. When caffeine is ingested by parrotlets it can cause seizures, dehydration, elevated body temperature, and death because of a compound called methylxanthine. This compound affects parrotlets’ airways and the force that the heart contracts.

Just like in humans, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system which can lead to a dangerously rapid heartbeat in parrotlets.

Keep in mind that caffeine isn’t just found in coffee. It can be found in green tea, black tea, energy drinks, and soda. Decaf versions of these beverages also contain a small amount of caffeine and should not be consumed by parrotlets.

Carbonated Beverages

Carbonation is toxic to parrotlets

Sparkling water and other carbonated beverages are harmful to parrotlets simply because of the carbonation. The carbon dioxide in sparkling water can cause an excess of gas build up and bloating in the stomach of parrotlets. Parrotlets cannot pass gas or burp like humans to expel the carbon dioxide bubbles. If too much is ingested it can be fatal.

Chocolate, Cocoa, or Cacao

Chocolate, cacao, and cocoa are among the foods toxic to parrotlets

Chocolate may be a human favorite, but it has a double dose of toxins for parrotlets: theobromine and caffeine. These compounds belong to a class of alkaloids called methylated xanthine. They can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, dehydration, tremors, seizures, and death in parrotlets if ingested regularly or in large quantities.

Keep in mind that the more unrefined chocolate is, the more toxic it is to your parrotlet. In other words, dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate.

Cinnamon (Cassia or Chinese)

Cassia and Chinese cinnamon sticks and powder are toxic to parrotlets

Cassia or Chinese varieties of cinnamon are toxic to parrotlets because of the high levels of coumarin they contain. This can thin the blood and can cause liver damage or failure. True cinnamon (Ceylon) is safe and can be found in most grocery stores. If the label just says ‘cinnamon’ you can be certain that it’s Cassia or Chinese cinnamon (because it’s cheaper) and you’ll need to keep it away from your parrotlet.

Ceylon cinnamon has many healthy benefits for parrotlets including Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and potassium. It is also an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and is high in antioxidants.

Comfrey

Comfrey root is toxic to parrotlets

In 2001, the FDA recommended that all oral comfrey products be removed from the market because of the chemical compounds known as PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids). These are toxic to humans and parrotlets and can cause lung damage, liver disease/damage, cancer, and death.

Eggplant

Eggplants are highly toxic to parrotlets.

Eggplants are a member of the nightshade family which contains solanine. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison found in eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. It can be found in any part of the plant, including the leaves, fruit, and tubers. Solanine can cause symptoms including gastrointestinal distress and neurological disorders in parrotlets.

Fruit seeds and pits (cherry, apricot, apple, nectarine, peach, plum)

Peach, apricot, and plum pits contain cyanide which is toxic to parrotlets.

While the flesh of any of these fruits is healthy and delicious for parrotlets (in moderation) the pits and seeds are not. They contain cyanide and should always be removed prior to feeding to your bird.

Cyanide is a known toxic to parrotlets and can cause seizures, brain damage, digestive distress/issues, heart problems, and death. The larger the seed or pit, the more cyanide it contains simply due to size.

Garlic

Fresh garlic contains compounds that are toxic to parrotlets.

Garlic contains allicin which is an organosulfur compound that gives it its pungent and distinct smell. While incredibly healthy for humans, garlic is not safe for parrotlets to eat. While not an immediate threat if your parrotlet gets one or two small bites, garlic should never be offered as a food item.

Too much garlic can result in stomach upset and in extreme cases hemolytic anemia (a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made) which can lead to an untimely death.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms absorb environmental toxins that make it a food toxic to parrotlets.

Many mushrooms are toxic and pose an immediate threat to almost anything that eats them (including humans). The stems and caps of mushrooms are made up of hyphae which is a large network of fibers. They are comprised of 80-90 percent water and have the ability to absorb all sorts of things including toxins in the environment in which they grow. This makes raw mushrooms more dangerous than cooked, but either way, they should never be fed to your parrotlet because of the unknowns.

Mushrooms can cause stomach upset, intestinal distress, and liver failure in parrotlets.

Nutmeg

Whole and ground nutmeg contain properties that make them foods toxic to parrotlets.

Nutmeg contains a narcotic called myristicin that can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and vomiting in parrotlets. Vomiting is dangerous to such small birds and can lead to dehydration and death within hours of ingestion.

Onions (Amaryllidaceae Family)

As part of the Amaryllidaceae family, onions and their counterparts are toxic to parrotlets.

There is a significant lack of scientific research on the effects of vegetables in the Amaryllidaceae family and ingestion by parrotlets, so it’s best to never offer them to your bird. This family of vegetables is commonly found in home cooking and includes onions, chives, scallions, leeks, garlic, and more.

Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and monkeys don’t respond well to any vegetable in the Amaryllidaceae family due to the sulfoxides they contain being toxic. It is believed that if these vegetables can cause anemia and liver problems in some mammals, they should never be fed to a parrotlet either.

Plant Leaves, Stems, and Vines

Stems, vines, and leaves of tomato, potato, and more plants are toxic to parrotlets.

Leaves, stems, and vines of nightshade plants are considered highly toxic to parrotlets. While they may be able to eat some of the fruits, they must be kept away from the leaves and stems at all costs. The most common nightshade plants that you may have in your home or garden include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.

Nightshade leaves, stems, and vines contain tropane alkaloids, which may cause hallucinations, delirium, muscle trembling, twitching as well as paralyzed breathing, and convulsions in parrotlets.

Rhubarb (raw)

Fresh, uncooked rhubarb is toxic to parrotlets.

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid which is a compound naturally found in many plants including leafy greens. While many varieties of leafy greens are safe and healthy for parrotlets, raw rhubarb contains a higher amount, making it dangerous for your parrotlet when ingested. The leaves of the rhubarb plant also contain oxalate crystals, which can cause kidney problems, including kidney stones.

When oxalic acid binds to minerals, it forms oxalates which can reduce a parrotlet’s ability to absorb nutrients and minerals. Cooking rhubarb will reduce the amount of oxalic acid present, but we suggest you don’t risk it since it falls under one of the foods toxic to parrotlets.

Foods That Are Generally Bad For Parrotlets

The following items are not technically considered foods toxic to parrotlets and don’t necessarily pose an immediate threat. They are, however, dangerous and may lead to health issues if fed often, prepared incorrectly, or given in large amounts. Do not feed your parrotlet the following foods or prepared items containing them.

Cassava (tapioca)

Cassava or tapioca isn't toxic to parrotlets, but it generally bad and can cause health problems.

While not considered a food toxic to parrotlets, cassava (aka tapioca) is a starchy carbohydrate that can lead to weight gain in parrotlets if eaten regularly or frequently. In its raw form, it contains high levels of cyanide which is toxic to parrotlets and humans.

Celery Stalks

Celery's dense fibers can cause crop and intestinal impaction in parrotlets.

Celery has healthy vitamins that are good for parrotlets, however, the stalks can cause impaction of your parrotlet’s crop and/or stomach.

Impaction occurs when food can’t move freely from the crop to the stomach. It has also been noted by some parrotlet breeders that celery is too ‘juicy’ for parrotlets and can lead to diarrhea and in turn, death. This claim has not been founded, but as mentioned above, it’s better safe than sorry.

Dairy Products

Since parrotlets cannot digest lactose, dairy is generally bad for them.

Studies have shown that birds cannot digest lactose. Lactose is found in dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc. When ingested, it can cause diarrhea in parrotlets.

While it’s not considered a food toxic to parrotlets, dairy should be avoided. It doesn’t provide any nutritional benefit and is obviously not on the menu in the wild either.

Grit

Parrotlets do not need grit in their diet.

Birds that do not crack seeds open to eat them and consume seed hulls must have access to grit or sand to help them digest seeds. Parrotlets are not one of them! Parrotlets have strong enough muscles to digest their food without the need for grit. While not a toxic food, parrotlets could potentially get too much grit in their system, which could lead to intestinal blockage and/or death.

High Fat, High Sodium, High Sugar Foods (Junk Food)

Foods that are considered junk for humans should never be fed to parrotlets.

Foods high in fat, sodium, and sugar aren’t good for parrotlets and are typically considered human ‘junk food.’ Although not technically toxic, they can cause health problems like fatty liver disease in birds if fed often or in large amounts.

Peanuts

Due to the Aspergillus fungus that grows on peanuts, they are not recommended for parrotlets.

Peanuts and/or peanut products can become contaminated with toxic compounds that are produced by certain molds commonly found in peanuts. Aflatoxin, which is a byproduct of Aspergillus fungus, is known to cause liver problems and some types of cancers.

If your parrotlet loves peanuts, feed in moderation. You can reduce aflatoxins by roasting peanuts (without salt) and storing them properly. Overall, a small amount of fresh and/or roasted peanuts shouldn’t be a problem, but limiting to rare occasions is wise.

Potatoes

Raw potatoes are bad for parrotlets, however, cooked potatoes are fine.

While potatoes are not toxic to parrotlets, they should always be cooked if offered. Raw potatoes have enzyme (protease) prohibitors that block enzymes from breaking down food into nutrients making them hard to digest. The starch in raw potatoes can also linger in the crop or intestines which can ferment and lead to health issues.

Raw Meat / Animal Protein

It’s okay for parrotlets to have completely cooked animal proteins, but they should never be offered raw.

It’s okay for parrotlets to have completely cooked animal proteins on occasion (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs), but they should never be offered raw. Raw meats and proteins can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. These bacteria will cause the same reactions and symptoms in parrotlets as humans: vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration that can quickly lead to death in such a small creature.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered generally bad for parrotlets.

Tomatoes are considered generally unsafe for parrotlets. While an accidental bite or two likely won’t cause any considerable harm to the health of your parrotlet, they should not be outwardly offered. Tomatoes are high in acid and can cause stomach distress or ulcers if ingested regularly.

Leaves and stems on the tomato and plant are a different story. (Read more in the TOXIC section above.) They are classified as highly toxic and must be kept away from your parrotlet at all times.

Xylitol

Xylitol hasn't been studied enough in parrotlets to deem it safe or toxic.

This is another one that hasn’t been well studied in birds in general. However, parrotlets have a fast metabolism and might be more sensitive to the toxic effects of xylitol like dogs. It is known to cause hypoglycemia, liver damage, and death in dogs, but more research is needed to know if it poses an immediate threat to parrotlets. It’s best to avoid exposing parrotlets to xylitol (and foods containing it) altogether until more studies have been done.

Summary of Foods Toxic to Parrotlets

That was a big list of toxic foods that your parrotlet should never eat. While some may not be an immediate threat, some are.

If you are a parrotlet owner, be mindful of what foods you give your parrotlet. And pay attention to what might be sitting on the counter waiting for your parrotlet to take a bite of. Remember that your parrotlet’s diet should mainly consist of pellets, seeds, fruits & vegetables, grains, and treats (on occasion).

Have you ever had to call poison control for your parrotlet? Has your parrotlet ever eaten something toxic? Please describe your experience in the comments below so we can all learn from what happened.

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