Just got back from the market with a big bag of potatoes to turn into mash, bake, or fry? You may be wondering if you can share some with your feathered pet. Our parrots can—and should—eat a wide range of vegetables, but not all of them are equally safe or healthy. What about this one? Can parrots eat potato?

Let’s find out!

Can parrots eat potato?

The short answer? Yes, parrots can eat cooked potato.

The “cooked” part is extremely important. Not just for your bird, but for you as well! Potatoes are part of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Although this plant family contains many species that produce tasty vegetables (tomato, aubergine, peppers), it also contains a toxin called solanine.

Potato plants, including the edible root tubers, contain rather high levels of solanine. Cooking them until soft reduces the solanine to negligible levels, preventing the risk of gastrointestinal issues or even more serious symptoms like heart problems, paralysis, seizures, and similar.

Keep uncooked potatoes in a cool and dark drawer. It’s the best way to keep them fresh and also the best way to keep them away from curious birds that may try to take a nibble!

Are potatoes healthy for parrots?

Although parrots can eat cooked potato just fine, it’s not a food we necessarily recommend as a regular part of your bird’s diet. If you’re preparing a few taters for dinner, you set a small amount aside for your bird—letting them explore new foods is a great enrichment option—but don’t feed large amounts.

Here’s why:

• Potatoes are lower in (micro)nutrients than most other vegetables
• They’re high in starch, which means they’re significantly higher in calories than most other veg
• They’re not very high in fibre, which, combined with the starch content, can cause mild digestive issues
• There are more nutritious vegetables to choose from

If you’re preparing a veggie platter or some nice chop for your parrot, we recommend leaving out normal potatoes and opting for sweet potatoes instead. Although both are root vegetables, their nutritional profiles are very different.

Sweet potatoes don’t contain solanine, as they don’t belong to the nightshade family, meaning they can be fed raw or undercooked. They’re bursting with vitamins, like important vitamins A and C, contain much more fibre, and they even have healthy antioxidants.

Preparing potato for your parrot

So, we’ve concluded that parrots can eat cooked potato. It’s not the healthiest option, but variety is the key to a healthy bird, and plain potato without added fat or salt is fine to feed once in a while.

If you’re preparing potatoes, you can set a small amount aside and prepare in the following ways:

• Boil in Plain Water: This method keeps the potato simple and free from added ingredients.
• Bake Plain in the Oven: Baking retains most of the potato’s nutrients.
• Mash Without Additions: Mashing without any extras ensures that your bird isn’t exposed to unnecessary ingredients.
• Steam Plain: Steaming is another healthy cooking option.
• Dehydrate in a Dehydrator: Dehydrated potatoes can be a fun, crunchy treat for your bird.

We recommend peeling your parrot’s portion of potato. Although the skin is the most nutritious part, it’s also the highest in solanine, so we like to be safe rather than sorry given our birds’ sensitive natures.

Also remember that your parrot doesn’t need a large amount of potato to feel full. For a budgie, a 1×1 cm piece is already more than enough, and even larger birds shouldn’t be given more than a quarter of a small potato. When asking, "Can parrots eat potato?" remember to keep portions modest to avoid overfeeding and potential health problems.

Parrot Essentials tip: Potatoes that have gone green or have sprouted contain higher amounts of solanine. It’s recommended we humans don’t eat too many of these, and for your parrot, we’d say to steer clear of them altogether. Due to their smaller size, our birds are much more sensitive!

Nutritional Comparison: Can Parrots Eat Potato Versus Other Veggies?

When asking "Can parrots eat potato?" it’s also important to compare their nutritional value with other vegetables. 

When it comes to feeding your parrot, understanding the nutritional content of different foods is crucial. While potatoes can be an occasional treat, they don’t offer the same nutritional benefits as some other vegetables.

For instance, vitamin A is essential for your parrot’s vision and immune system. Sweet potatoes shine here, being packed with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Regular potatoes, on the other hand, offer minimal vitamin A, making sweet potatoes a better choice for boosting your bird’s health.

Vitamin C is another key nutrient for your parrot. It supports immune function and helps with tissue repair. Sweet potatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, unlike regular potatoes, which have only trace amounts.

Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which are not present in regular potatoes. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. So, while potatoes can be part of your parrot’s diet, they don’t compare nutritionally to the vibrant benefits of sweet potatoes.

Can Parrots Eat Potato as Part of a Balanced Diet?

You might wonder, "Can parrots eat potato regularly?" The answer is no. While parrots can safely consume cooked potatoes, it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. Potatoes are high in starch and calories, which can lead to health issues if fed in excess. Instead, variety is crucial. Incorporate a range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to ensure a balanced diet. Although potatoes can be an occasional treat, they should not replace more nutritious options.

Conclusion

Your parrot can eat potato as long as it’s fully cooked and not drenched in oil and salt. Offering new foods prepared in different ways (sliced, mashed, dehydrated) helps keep your bird entertained. However, when it comes to daily meals, it’s better to opt for sweet potato.

If your parrot is begging for unhealthy potato preparations like French fries or crisps, you can share a few crumbs to satisfy their curiosity. These foods should not be fed in larger amounts or on a regular basis, though.

For more tips on bird care visit our Parrot Care Category: https://parrotessentials.co.uk/blog/category/parrot-care