Cockatoos in the wild eat a diverse mix of seeds, nuts, shoots, fruits, flowers, and more — and that variety supports their overall health, vitality, and natural behavior. In captivity, relying too heavily on seeds — especially seed mixes loaded with fatty seeds — can lead to weight gain and nutrient imbalances. A healthy diet for a pet cockatoo should aim for balance: a foundation of nutritionally complete food supplemented with seeds for enrichment, variety, and foraging fun.
Seeds alone should never be the base of a cockatoo’s diet. Instead, think of seeds as one component among many, supporting but not replacing a more complete nutritional plan.
What to Look for in a Good Seed Mix
Not all seed mixes are created equal. A high-quality seed mix for a cockatoo is one that offers variety, freshness, and balance. Look for mixes that emphasize seeds like safflower, buckwheat, barley, oats, or hemp — rather than being dominated by high-fat seeds like sunflower or peanuts. A good mix from a trusted source tends to list many ingredients, avoid fillers or artificial additives, and avoid overly fatty seed proportions.
This kind of balanced mix supports healthy weight and avoids excessive fat while still providing natural fiber, nutrients, and foraging satisfaction. Seeds remain a treat and enrichment item, not the core diet.
Using Seeds — but in Moderation
When feeding your cockatoo, treat seeds as supplemental — not as the main meal. Aiming for seeds to be roughly 5–10 % (or at most a modest portion) of the total diet helps strike a balance. This allows your bird to benefit from the stimulation and natural behavior associated with foraging, without the downsides of a seed-heavy diet, such as fatty liver, obesity, or deficiencies in essential nutrients.
In practice, that means serving a measured portion of seed mix rather than leaving a large bowl filled all day. This encourages foraging, prevents overeating, and supports long-term health.
The Foundation: Pellets, Fresh Foods, and Variety
Because seed mixes cannot supply every nutrient a cockatoo needs, the main diet should rest on high-quality pellets. Pellets are formulated to deliver balanced nutrition — proteins, vitamins, minerals — in stable, consistent quantities. They prevent selective eating (where a bird picks only its favorite seeds) and reduce the risk of dietary gaps.
Alongside pellets, fresh vegetables and small amounts of fruit should be offered daily. Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and occasional fruit provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enrichment. Combining pellets, fresh produce, and modest seed treats gives your cockatoo a varied, well-rounded diet more closely resembling what they might forage in nature.
How to Introduce a New Seed Mix
Switching to a new seed mix should be done gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new seed mix into the existing diet, then slowly increase the ratio over two to three weeks. This gradual introduction helps the bird adjust, reduces the risk of digestive upset, and supports acceptance.
When you do offer seeds, use them as part of foraging or enrichment rather than filling the seed bowl full. Scatter them, hide them in foraging toys, or mix them in with pellets to encourage hunting behavior and mental stimulation rather than passive eating.
Why Balanced Nutrition Matters for Health and Well-being
A seed-heavy diet, especially one full of fatty seeds like sunflower and peanuts, can increase the risk of obesity, liver problems, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and behavioral problems such as feather-plucking. On the other hand, a mixed diet — combining pellets, vegetables, fruits, and a modest amount of seeds — supports healthy feathers, strong bones, good digestion, and a stable mood.
Providing variety in texture, flavor, color, and presentation can also reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviors, especially in birds spending long hours alone.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best seed mix for a cockatoo means looking beyond marketing and labels. The ideal mix should promote variety, avoid excess fat, and support a balanced routine. Pair that seed mix with high-quality pellets, daily fresh vegetables, occasional fruit, and thoughtful portion control. Introduce new mixes gradually, use seeds for enrichment and foraging rather than as a staple, and monitor your bird’s body condition and behavior.
With thoughtful feeding — using seeds as a supplement rather than a base — you give your cockatoo a better chance at a healthy, happy, and enriching life in captivity.