Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Parrots, Budgies, Cockatiels plus recipe
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Parrots, Budgies, Cockatiels: This is one fruit I have always wondered about because we had a lot available in our yard where I was growing up.
Yes, birds can eat pomegranate, including parrots, budgies, and cockatiels. Pomegranates are a healthy and nutritious fruit that can be a great addition to your bird’s diet when offered in moderation.

Benefits of Pomegranate for Birds: Nutritional Value
Pomegranates can be considered nutritious and beneficial for birds, just like humans. When offered to pet birds or to wild birds, pomegranates can provide a range of essential nutrients and health benefits. Here are some reasons why pomegranates can be a valuable addition to the diet of bird species:
Nutritional Value | |
Rich in Antioxidants | Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health. |
High in Vitamin C | This vitamin boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin and feathers. |
Good Source of Fiber | The seeds provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion. |
High water content | Pomegranate has a high water content, helping to keep birds hydrated. |
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Feeding Guidelines:
- Serving Size:
- Parrots: Offer a few pomegranate seeds or a small portion of the fruit.
- Budgies and Cockatiels: Offer a few seeds or a small piece of the fruit.
- Preparation:
- Remove Seeds: Offer the seeds (also called arils) directly. They are small, juicy, and easy for birds to eat. The seeds inside the arils are also safe for birds to consume.
- Cut into Small Pieces: If offering the fruit in segments, cut it into small, manageable pieces.
- Avoid the Peel: The outer peel of the pomegranate is tough and not recommended for birds.
- Moderation: Pomegranate is nutritious, but it should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Too much fruit can lead to an imbalanced diet and potential digestive upset.
- Cleaning: Pomegranate juice can be sticky, so clean your bird’s cage or eating area after offering it to prevent any mess.
- Variety: Combine pomegranate with other fruits and vegetables to ensure your bird gets a well-rounded diet.
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Conclusion:
Pomegranates are a healthy treat for parrots, budgies, cockatiels, and other pet birds. Offering them in moderation can provide a variety of health benefits, and most birds enjoy the taste and texture of the juicy seeds. It should be offered in moderation due to their natural sugar content. Just remember to clean up afterward to keep their environment tidy!

Here’s a simple and healthy recipe incorporating pomegranate for your parrots, budgies, and cockatiels. This recipe blends pomegranate with other bird-safe fruits and vegetables to create a nutritious and tasty treat.
Pomegranate Fruit & Veggie Mix
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
- 1/4 cup chopped apple (remove seeds, as they are toxic to birds) or Goji Berries
- 1/4 cup chopped carrot (peeled and cut into small pieces) or cooked Elderberries
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (red or yellow, for added color and nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon cooked quinoa (optional, for added protein)
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (optional, for omega-3 fatty acids)
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional, finely chopped for a refreshing flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pomegranate:
- Carefully remove the seeds (arils) from the pomegranate. Ensure they are free from any white pith, which can be bitter.
- Chop the Fruits and Vegetables:
- Chop the apple, carrot, and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for your birds to handle.
- If using mint leaves, chop them finely.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the pomegranate seeds, chopped apple, carrot, and bell pepper.
- If using quinoa, flaxseed, or mint, add them to the mix and stir everything together until well combined.
- Serving:
- Offer small portions of the mix to your birds. Place it in their food dish or use it as a foraging treat.
- Adjust portion sizes based on the size of your birds. Larger parrots can have more, while smaller birds like budgies and cockatiels will need less.
- Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The freshness of the ingredients is key, so it’s best to prepare small batches.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and vibrant feathers.
- Apple: Provides vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for digestion.
- Carrot: High in beta-carotene, which is good for vision and immune function.
- Bell Pepper: Loaded with vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
- Quinoa: Adds protein and essential amino acids for overall health.
- Flaxseed: Offers omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and feathers.
- Mint: Adds a refreshing flavor and can aid digestion.
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Feeding Tips:
- Introduce Gradually: If your birds are not used to pomegranate or other new ingredients, introduce the mix gradually to allow them to adjust to the new flavors and textures.
- Variety is Key: Rotate this mix with other fresh foods to ensure your birds get a diverse and balanced diet.
- Monitor Intake: Keep an eye on how much your birds eat and adjust the recipe as needed to match their preferences and dietary needs.
This pomegranate fruit and veggie mix is a colorful, tasty, and nutritious treat that your birds are likely to enjoy. It provides a variety of textures and flavors while delivering essential nutrients to support their health.
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? Info-table
Name: |
Pomegranate |
Scientific name: |
Punica granatum |
Also known as: |
Indigenous Countries: |
Originated in the region extending from modern-day Iran to northern India. |
Description: |
A shrub or small tree growing 5 to 10 m high, the pomegranate has multiple spiny branches and is extremely long-lived. |
Nutritional Value: |
Rich in vitamins and minerals. |
Feeding: |
Cut and give to birds to enjoy. It should be offered in moderation due to their natural sugar content. |
Can Birds Eat Pomegranate? – Case study 1 in a recipe
Menu ideas from ParroTainmentSA: I do love chops like today’s, where most of the ingredients come from the garden, fresh and organically grown: base is brown rice with brown and white chickpea and sunflower sprouts. Then ‘caramelized’ green snake gourd (peeled and cubed, then cooked in the pressure cooker with no added water), pomegranate cut into foraging chunks, pawpaw berries, granadilla pulp and spekboom leaves.

Pomegranate Case study 2 in a recipe
Menu ideas from ParroTainmentSA: Late season fruits are starting to become available in the shops, and in our own garden. These are chops from the last two days with a bunch if home grown ingredients.
The first is brown rice and whole boiled gemsquash mixed well, sunflower and mung bean sprouts, whole katawba grapes (“glipertjies”) and pomegranate cut up into foraging chunks.

Pomegranate Case study 3 – growing pomegranates
Cleaning granadilla seeds method for growing.

We have a wide range of herbs for birds available on Boegie Store (South Africa).
Pomegranates are *great* for birds. I wasted a lot at first trying to get my birds to eat them, but now most of my birds love them. Some even get upset if I run out before they get a piece. The biggest issue with pomegranates – it looks like a murder scene after you feed them LOL!
Thank you very much for your feedback Beth. Great to learn about your experience with Pomegranates.