CanaryWhat can a canary eat?
22 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
One to two teaspoons of good-quality seed per canary a day (or complete pellets, which the RVC says are better balanced), plus fresh herbs and vegetables, very little fruit, a cuttlebone for calcium and a little grit. Remove old food every day.
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
AlcoholNo
It's toxic to birds, even in small amounts.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds
AvocadoNo
It's poisonous to cage birds (budgies, canaries, cockatiels): it damages the heart and can kill.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds
ChocolateNo
It's toxic to birds: never.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds
Coffee, tea and caffeinated drinksNo
Caffeine is toxic to birds.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds
Crisps, salty snacks and sweetsNo
Very salty foods are toxic to birds, and junk food (salt and sweets) should be avoided.
Source: Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds
Fruit seeds and pitsNo
Always remove seeds and pits before offering fruit.
Source: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: How to care for your pet bird
Milk and cheeseNo
Dairy products are among the foods not to give birds.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional diseases of pet birds
OnionNo
It's among the foods not to give birds.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional diseases of pet birds
Only now and then, a little
Apple (without seeds)A little
Canaries need very little fruit: a small piece of apple now and then, without seeds.
How much: Very little.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)A little
Canaries need very little fruit, and low-sugar berries are the best choice.
How much: Very little.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
GrapesA little
Canaries need very little fruit: a grape now and then.
How much: Very little.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
Oranges and tangerinesA little
Canaries need very little fruit: low-sugar berries are better.
How much: Very little.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
Sunflower seeds and peanutsA little
They're very fatty and low in calcium; badly stored peanuts can carry toxic moulds (aflatoxins). Treats only.
How much: Very few, as a treat or training reward.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional diseases of pet birds
Fine
Basil and cucumberYes
Fresh herbs and vegetables such as basil and cucumber are fine every day, washed well.
How much: A little every day.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
Bird pelletsYes
For canaries too, vets prefer them to seed mixes because they're more complete.
Source: Royal Veterinary College: Canary care and advice (2022)
Broccoli, spinach and kaleYes
They're among the vegetables vets recommend for budgies and cockatiels.
How much: Small pieces every day; fruit and veg together at most about a quarter of what the bird eats.
Source: Royal Veterinary College: Cockatiel care and advice (2022)
CarrotYes
It's one of the recommended vegetables, washed well.
How much: Small pieces every day; fruit and veg together at most about a quarter of what the bird eats.
Cuttlefish boneYes
It provides calcium and helps wear down the beak.
How much: Always available in the cage.
Source: Royal Veterinary College: Canary care and advice (2022)
Dandelion and wild greensYes
Washed dandelion leaves and other wild greens make good fresh food, especially for canaries.
How much: A little every day, picked away from roads and treated lawns, and washed well.
PeasYes
They're among the recommended vegetables.
How much: Small pieces every day; fruit and veg together at most about a quarter of what the bird eats.
PepperYes
Fine: according to the University of Florida, even hot peppers.
How much: Small pieces every day; fruit and veg together at most about a quarter of what the bird eats.
Source: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: How to care for your pet bird
Seed mixYes
For canaries, seed (a canary seed mix) is the traditional staple, but quality matters: common mixes are full of millet, which is fatty and low in vitamins.
How much: One to two teaspoons per bird per day.
Source: Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly?
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Leopard gecko Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- Deutscher Tierschutzbund: How do I keep canaries properly? (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Royal Veterinary College: Canary care and advice (2022) (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional diseases of pet birds (checked on October 14, 2026)
- RSPCA: What to feed your pet bird (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Royal Veterinary College: Cockatiel care and advice (2022) (checked on October 14, 2026)
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: How to care for your pet bird (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Association of Avian Veterinarians: Basic care for companion birds (checked on October 14, 2026)