Best Bird Food for Cockatiels: Top 8 Picks for a Healthy Diet

Cockatiels are a popular pet bird species that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and well-being. Feeding your bird the right food is crucial to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. In this article, we will be discussing the best bird food for cockatiels and what to consider when making a purchase.

Cockatiels are known for their playful and curious nature, and they need a variety of foods to keep them healthy. A balanced diet for cockatiels should include a mix of seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It’s important to note that not all bird food is created equal, and some brands may contain low-quality ingredients that can harm your bird’s health.

When choosing the best bird food for your cockatiel, it’s essential to look for a product that contains high-quality ingredients and meets your bird’s nutritional needs. Cockatiels require a diet that is high in protein and calcium, and low in fat. Additionally, they need a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain their overall health.

When making a purchase, it’s crucial to consider the type of bird food you’re buying. Some bird foods are specifically formulated for cockatiels, while others are designed for a variety of bird species. It’s important to choose a product that is tailored to your bird’s needs to ensure they receive the right nutrients.

In summary, choosing the best bird food for your cockatiel is essential for their health and well-being. A balanced diet that includes a variety of high-quality seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables is crucial. When making a purchase, it’s important to consider the type of bird food you’re buying and ensure it meets your bird’s nutritional needs.

Top 3 Best Bird Food for Cockatiels

1. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Pet Bird Food with Safflower

2. Daily Blend Diet Bird Nutrition, 2 Pound

3. Vitakraft VitaSmart Egg Food for Birds

As bird enthusiasts, we know how important it is to provide our feathered friends with the best possible nutrition. Cockatiels, in particular, require a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables. In this article, we have rounded up the best bird food options for cockatiels based on their nutritional value, taste, and customer reviews. Whether you are a new bird owner or an experienced one, we have got you covered with our top picks.

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Pet Bird Food with Safflower, 4 Pound 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

best-bird-food-for-cockatiels

If you are looking for a nutritious bird food for your cockatiel, then Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food with Safflower is a great option. Our experience with this product has been positive, and we recommend it for its many benefits.

Pros
  • Omega 3’s to support Brain and Heart Health
  • Enhances Skin & Feather health for vibrant, healthy plumage
  • Contains Safflower instead of Sunflower seeds
Cons
  • Some customers have reported issues with the packaging during shipping

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food with Safflower is a veterinarian-recommended brand that provides your pet with the proper nutrition for a long and healthy life. This food is rich in natural antioxidants for general health and immune support, plus contains pieces to support skin and feather health.

The Omega 3’s in this bird food are important for maintaining brain and heart health, while the Safflower seeds are a great alternative to Sunflower seeds, which can be high in fat. Additionally, this bird food contains pieces that enhance skin and feather health, resulting in vibrant, healthy plumage.

While some customers have reported issues with the packaging during shipping, we have not encountered any problems. Overall, we highly recommend Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food with Safflower for its many benefits and great taste.

Daily Blend Diet Bird Nutrition, 2 Pound (Pack of 1), Orange, 32 Ounce

best-bird-food-for-cockatiels

If you are searching for a quality seed blend for your cockatiel, lovebird, or small hookbills, then the Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet is an excellent choice. This seed blend is specially formulated with orange essence and enriched with essential nutrients to provide the perfect balance of vital nutrients needed for optimum health.

Pros
  • The seed blend is of high quality and contains a variety of field delights such as millet, sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds.
  • The orange essence provides a unique and delicious flavor that your bird will love.
  • The seed blend is enriched with important nutrients, ensuring that your bird is getting the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy life.
Cons
  • The seed blend may not be suitable for birds with specific dietary needs or allergies.
  • The product is only available in a 32-ounce bag, which may not be enough for bird owners with multiple birds.
  • The seed blend may contain empty hulls of consumed seeds, which can create a mess in your bird’s cage.

We have been using the Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet for our cockatiel for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. Our bird loves the unique flavor of the orange essence and always finishes his seed cup.

One of the things we appreciate about this product is that it comes in a barrier bag that keeps the seed fresh and sealed in freshness. We also like that the product is part of the Wild Harvest brand, which offers a full assortment of nutritional and interactive engagement products for birds and small animals.

Overall, if you are looking for a quality seed blend for your cockatiel, lovebird, or small hookbills, we highly recommend the Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet. It provides the perfect balance of vital nutrients needed for optimum health and is sure to be a hit with your feathered friend.

Vitakraft VitaSmart Egg Food for Birds

best-bird-food-for-cockatiels

If you’re looking for a calcium-rich and protein-packed supplement to add to your bird’s diet, Vitakraft VitaSmart Egg Food for Birds is a great choice. We highly recommend this product for its excellent nutritional value, versatility, and ease of use.

Pros
  • This egg food is perfect for supplementing your bird’s daily diet, whether they eat parakeet food, cockatiel food, budgie food, conure food, or any other type of pet bird food.
  • During times of stress, this egg bird food is an easy way to keep your pet bird healthy and well-fed.
  • Whether your bird is breeding, nesting, or molting, this bird supplement provides extra nutrients to keep their changing bodies strong.
Cons
  • Some birds may not take to the taste of egg food, but this is a common issue with many types of bird supplements.
  • This product is relatively expensive compared to other bird food supplements on the market.
  • The packaging is not resealable, so you may need to transfer the egg food to a separate container to keep it fresh.

We’ve been using Vitakraft VitaSmart Egg Food for Birds for several months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our cockatiels love the taste of this egg food, and we’ve noticed that they’re more active and energetic since we started using it. We also appreciate the fact that this product is easy to use – simply mix it with your bird’s regular food or serve it on its own as a treat.

One thing to keep in mind is that this egg food is quite rich, so you may want to use it sparingly or in conjunction with other supplements to avoid overfeeding your bird. Additionally, we’ve found that this product is best used as a supplement rather than a primary food source, as it may not provide all of the nutrients your bird needs on its own.

Overall, we highly recommend Vitakraft VitaSmart Egg Food for Birds as a nutritious and convenient supplement for your pet bird’s diet. Give it a try and see how your feathered friend likes it!

LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food

LAFEBER'S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food

If you want to keep your cockatiel healthy and happy, LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food is the way to go.

Pros
  • Formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists
  • Provides important beak play and exercise
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
  • Contains some iffy ingredients
  • A bit expensive
  • Some birds may not like the taste

We have been using LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food for our cockatiels for a while now, and we have seen a significant improvement in their health and behavior. The round Nutri-Berries shape offers important beak play and exercise, which helps prevent bird boredom and feather picking.

The food is nutritionally complete foraging parakeet food, formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists. It has twice the foraging of pellets and the same complete nutrition. The ingredients are non-GMO and human-grade, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The food is rich in antioxidants and omega 3&6 balanced, which helps support healthy skin, feathers, and immune system.

However, the food contains some iffy ingredients. They are not in the first 6, so that’s good, but some birds may not like the taste. Also, the food is a bit expensive compared to other bird foods on the market.

In conclusion, if you want to keep your cockatiel healthy and happy, LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food is a great choice. It may be a bit expensive, but the benefits are worth it.

LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food

best-bird-food-for-cockatiels

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious bird food for your cockatiel, we highly recommend LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food.

Pros
  • Formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists
  • Offers twice the foraging of pellets and the same complete nutrition
  • Rich in antioxidants and omega 3&6 balanced
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other bird foods
  • May not be suitable for birds with certain food allergies
  • Some birds may not like the taste or texture

We’ve been using LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food for our cockatiel for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and wellbeing. The round Nutri-Berrie shape offers important beak play and exercise, which helps prevent bird boredom and feather picking. Plus, the non-GMO and human-grade ingredients ensure that our bird is getting the best possible nutrition.

Our cockatiel loves the taste and texture of these Nutri-Berries, and we’ve noticed that he’s more active and playful since we started feeding him this bird food. We also appreciate the 100% satisfaction guarantee offered by LAFEBER’S, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we can return the product if we’re not completely satisfied.

Overall, we highly recommend LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious bird food for their cockatiel. While it may be more expensive than other bird foods on the market, we believe that the benefits are worth the extra cost.

LAFEBER’S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food

LAFEBER'S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food

If you want to provide your cockatiel with a well-rounded diet, LAFEBER’S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food is a great option. This product is packed with essential nutrients and is made from non-GMO and human-grade ingredients.

Pros
  • Formulated by top avian veterinarians and avian nutritionists
  • Offers twice the foraging of pellets and the same complete nutrition
  • Rich in antioxidants & omega 3 & 6 balanced
Cons
  • Some birds may not like the taste
  • A bit pricey compared to other bird foods
  • The bag is not resealable

We highly recommend LAFEBER’S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food for cockatiels. The round Nutri-Berries shape offers important beak play and exercise, which helps prevent bird boredom and feather picking. The product is also rich in antioxidants and omega 3 & 6 balanced, which can help support healthy skin, feathers, and immune system.

Our cockatiel seemed to enjoy the taste of this bird food, and we noticed that his feathers were shinier and healthier-looking after a few weeks of feeding him LAFEBER’S Nutri-Berries. We also appreciate that the product is made from non-GMO and human-grade ingredients, which gives us peace of mind that we’re feeding our bird high-quality food.

One downside of this product is that it may be a bit pricey compared to other bird foods on the market. Additionally, the bag is not resealable, which can be inconvenient if you don’t have an airtight container to store the bird food in.

Overall, we think that LAFEBER’S Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food is a great choice for cockatiel owners who want to provide their birds with a nutritious and tasty diet.

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Pet Bird Food

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Pet Bird Food

We highly recommend Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food for pet owners looking for a nutritious and well-balanced diet for their feathered friends.

Pros
  • Nutritionally formulated for cockatiels, ensuring your pet gets the proper nutrition
  • Contains Omega 3’s to support brain and heart health
  • Enhances skin and feather health for vibrant, healthy plumage
Cons
  • Some customers have reported receiving packages with torn packaging and spilled seeds
  • A few customers have reported finding bugs in the food
  • Some birds may not like the taste or texture of the food

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food is a nutritionally formulated food that contains probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. It is also rich in natural antioxidants for general health and immune support. We have found that our cockatiel loves the taste and texture of this food, and we have noticed an improvement in his overall health and energy levels since we switched to this brand.

The Omega 3’s in this food help support brain and heart health, while the pieces specifically designed to enhance skin and feather health promote vibrant, healthy plumage. We appreciate that Kaytee is a Veterinarian Recommended Brand with over 150 years of nutritional experience, which gives us confidence in the quality of the product.

While some customers have reported receiving packages with torn packaging and spilled seeds, we have not experienced this issue ourselves. However, a few customers have reported finding bugs in the food, which is a concern. Additionally, some birds may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it may take some trial and error to find the right brand for your pet.

Overall, we highly recommend Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel food for pet owners looking for a nutritious and well-balanced diet for their feathered friends. With its high-quality ingredients and focus on digestive and overall health, we feel confident in recommending this brand to others.

TOP’s Parrot Food Pellets Hookbills, Small, Medium, Large Birds – Non-GMO, Peanut Soy & Corn Free, USDA Organic Certified – 1 lb / 453 g 1 Pound (Pack of 1)

best-bird-food-for-cockatiels

If you’re looking for a bird food that is USDA certified organic and doesn’t contain any harmful fillers, TOP’s Parrot Food Pellets Hookbills is one of the best options out there.

Pros
  • TOP’s Parrot Food Pellets Hookbills is the only non-corn based bird food that is USDA certified organic.
  • The pellets are cold-pressed to keep the natural nutrition intact.
  • The natural ingredients like Rosemary, Rose Hips, Lemon and Orange Peel provide vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients for a happy and healthy parrot.
Cons
  • The pellets measure 1/4″ in diameter, which may be too large for some smaller birds.
  • The price may be higher than other bird food brands.
  • Some birds may take some time to adjust to the new pellet size and taste.

We have been using TOP’s Parrot Food Pellets Hookbills for our cockatiel for a few months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health. The natural ingredients in the pellets have provided him with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that he needs to stay healthy and happy.

The pellets are easy to serve, and our cockatiel seems to enjoy the taste. We appreciate that the product doesn’t contain any harmful fillers like soy or corn, and the fact that it is USDA certified organic gives us peace of mind that we are feeding our bird the best possible food.

We do wish that the pellets were a bit smaller, as our cockatiel occasionally has trouble eating them. Additionally, the price may be a bit high for some bird owners, but we believe that the quality of the product justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend TOP’s Parrot Food Pellets Hookbills to anyone looking for a high-quality bird food that is both nutritious and safe for their feathered friend.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best bird food for your cockatiel, it is important to consider a few key factors to ensure that you are providing your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet. Here are some features to look for when selecting a cockatiel bird food:

Ingredients

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a bird food for your cockatiel is the ingredients. Look for a product that contains a variety of high-quality ingredients, including seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also important to ensure that the food is free from harmful additives and preservatives.

Nutritional Value

Cockatiels require a balanced diet that provides them with all of the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Look for a bird food that is specifically formulated for cockatiels and provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It is also important to ensure that the food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C.

Texture

Cockatiels enjoy a variety of textures in their food, including seeds, pellets, and fruits. Look for a bird food that provides a mix of textures to keep your pet interested and engaged in their diet.

Size

The size of the bird food you choose is also important. Cockatiels have small beaks and may have difficulty eating large seeds or pellets. Look for a product that provides a mix of small and large pieces to ensure that your pet can easily eat and digest their food.

By considering these factors when selecting a bird food for your cockatiel, you can ensure that you are providing your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet that meets all of their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal seed mix for a balanced cockatiel diet?

A balanced seed mix for cockatiels should include a variety of seeds, including millet, canary seed, and safflower seed. It is important to avoid seed mixes that contain high amounts of sunflower seeds, as they are high in fat and can lead to obesity and health problems.

How often should cockatiels be fed for optimal health?

Cockatiels should be fed a small amount of food twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening. This ensures that they have a consistent source of nutrition throughout the day and helps prevent overfeeding.

What are healthy alternatives to seeds in a cockatiel’s diet?

Healthy alternatives to seeds in a cockatiel’s diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and leafy greens. Pellets can also be a good option, as they provide a balanced source of nutrition.

What quantity of food is recommended for cockatiels on a daily basis?

Cockatiels should be fed approximately 1-2 tablespoons of food per day, depending on their size and activity level. It is important not to overfeed, as this can lead to obesity and health problems.

Which foods are toxic or dangerous for cockatiels to consume?

Foods that are toxic or dangerous for cockatiels to consume include chocolate, avocado, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary snacks. It is important to avoid feeding these foods to your cockatiel, as they can cause serious health problems.

Between pellets and seeds, which is the more nutritious option for cockatiels?

Pellets are generally considered to be a more nutritious option for cockatiels, as they provide a balanced source of nutrition and are less likely to lead to health problems than seed mixes. However, it is important to choose high-quality pellets and to supplement your cockatiel’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.