Foods toxic to birds
Every food we've flagged as unsafe for birds — with the reason, and a cited source for each.
🚨 If your bird already ate something on this list
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.
Never feed these to birds (14)
These are unsafe at any amount, or dangerous enough that they're not worth the risk.
Why each one is a problem
Alcohol. Depresses the nervous system and can cause liver damage, weakness and death even in tiny amounts. Full details →
Apple seeds. Seeds contain cyanide-releasing compounds; remove all seeds and the core before offering apple. Full details →
Avocado. Contains persin, which causes heart damage, breathing distress and often sudden death; never feed any part. Full details →
Caffeine. Caffeine in coffee, tea and soda can trigger dangerous arrhythmias, hyperactivity and cardiac arrest. Full details →
Chocolate. Theobromine and caffeine cause hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures and death; darker is worse. Full details →
Garlic. Sulfur compounds harm red blood cells and can cause anemia and digestive upset. Full details →
Mushrooms. Some mushrooms are toxic and cooking may not remove the danger, so avoid feeding them. Full details →
Onion. Sulfur compounds damage red blood cells and cause anemia; concentrated forms like powder are worse. Full details →
Rhubarb. Leaves contain oxalates that can cause kidney damage; never feed rhubarb to birds. Full details →
Salt. Birds have low salt tolerance; chips, pretzels and salty snacks can cause kidney damage and death. Full details →
Stone fruit pits. Pits of cherries, plums, peaches and apricots contain cyanide and must never be offered. Full details →
Sugary & junk food. High-sugar, high-fat junk foods cause obesity and health problems; avoid them entirely. Full details →
Tomato. Ripe flesh is fine in small amounts, but leaves and stems are toxic nightshade parts; never feed them. Full details →
Xylitol. Artificial sweetener that can cause dangerous low blood sugar and liver damage; never feed. Full details →
Safe only in moderation (14)
Not toxic, but these should be occasional or small-portion foods for birds — the reason is on each page.
What birds should actually be eating
Companion birds do best on a formulated pellet diet with fresh vegetables and some fruit — and no fatty, salty, or sugary human foods.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are toxic to birds?
The most common unsafe foods for birds include alcohol, apple seeds, avocado, caffeine, chocolate, garlic. Each is listed below with the reason why.
What should I do if my bird ate something toxic?
Contact your vet or a pet poison line immediately — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
How much of a toxic food is dangerous for birds?
It varies by food and by the size of the animal — some are dangerous in tiny amounts. Treat any amount as worth a call to your vet.
See the full list of what birds can and can't eat →