If you're wondering, "What are the best seeds for parakeets?", you're not alone. Whether you're a new parakeet owner or a seasoned bird enthusiast, selecting the right seed mix is essential for your bird's long-term health. In short, the best seeds for parakeets are those that are fresh, varied, and part of a balanced diet that includes pellets, fruits, and vegetables.

Why Seeds Matter in a Parakeet's Diet

A parakeet's diet plays a crucial role in its energy, feather health, mood, and even lifespan. Seeds are often a favourite for their taste and texture, but not all seeds are created equal. Feeding your parakeet only seeds can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

A parakeet seed mix is...

A parakeet seed mix is a specially formulated combination of seeds such as millet, canary seed, oat groats, and sometimes oil-rich seeds like flax or hemp. These mixes aim to meet your bird's basic nutritional needs but should be supplemented with pellets and fresh foods.

Best Seeds for Parakeets

When choosing seeds for parakeets, prioritise quality and variety. Here are the best seeds to look for:

1. White Millet

White millet is a small, energy-rich seed that parakeets love. It's high in carbohydrates and easy to digest, making it a staple in most parakeet mixes.

2. Canary Seed

A soft, thin-shelled seed rich in carbohydrates and protein. Ideal for maintaining your bird's energy and supporting muscle health.

3. Oat Groats

Hulled oats are a fantastic source of fibre and protein, making them a nutritious treat for our feathered friends. Especially great for active or breeding birds, these oats help fuel their energy and support their well-being. Give your birds the boost they need with this delightful addition to their diet!

4. Flaxseed

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed supports healthy skin and feathers. Best offered ground or sprouted for improved digestion.

5. Hemp Seed

High in fat and protein, hemp seed is excellent during the moulting season. Use sparingly due to its rich fat content.

6. Chia Seeds

These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses, offering fibre, omega-3s, and protein. Soak or sprout before feeding.

Best Seed Mixes for Parakeets

Choosing a trusted commercial blend takes the guesswork out of creating your own seed mix. At Parrot Essentials, we offer several high-quality options tailored to your bird's needs:

Sensible Seeds with Fruit & Veg Pellets for Small Parrots

Perfect for fussy eaters, this blend combines the goodness of traditional seeds with the nutritional boost of fruit and veg pellets. It's designed for small parrots like budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds. It's the perfect starter mix for converting your bird to a pelleted diet.

Feeding Guide: Serve 1–2 teaspoons per bird daily. This mix can be offered on its own or combined with fresh greens. Monitor your bird's weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Tidymix Parakeet Diet

Made with human-grade ingredients and no artificial colours, this premium mix ensures high quality and palatability. Excellent for health-conscious bird owners who want a trusted, clean diet.

Feeding Guide: Offer 1–2 teaspoons per day, depending on the size and activity level of your parakeet. It can be used as a base diet or rotated with other quality seed mixes.

Hagen Living World Budgie Premium Seed Food

Formulated with carefully selected seeds and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this mix supports your budgie's overall health and well-being.

Feeding Guide: Serve approximately 1–2 teaspoons per day per budgie in a clean, dry dish. Always provide fresh water and remove uneaten food daily. Ideal as the primary seed portion of a balanced diet.

PUUR Budgie Food Seed Mix

A natural blend of seeds, fruits, and egg food without artificial additives, this mix helps maintain vitality and supports feather condition.

Feeding Guide: Offer 1–2 teaspoons daily alongside fresh greens and pellets. Use as part of a rotational feeding schedule to maintain interest and ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.

Parrot Essentials Bird Food for Budgies, Cockatiel & Big Parakeet Seed Mix

A wholesome, in-house blend formulated to meet the needs of budgies, cockatiels, and larger parakeet species with a variety of essential seeds.

Feeding Guide: Feed 1 to 2 teaspoons daily for smaller birds and up to 3 teaspoons for larger parakeet species. Combine with fresh vegetables and formulated pellets for optimum health.

Vitakraft Fruit Cocktail Budgie Treat Mix – 200g

A delicious treat mix packed with fruity goodness, perfect for training or rewarding your parakeet with an occasional sweet snack.

Feeding Guide: Offer up to one teaspoon 2–3 times a week. Use this mix as a treat or for positive reinforcement, not as a staple diet item.

How to Serve Seeds for Parakeets

It's not just what you serve but how you serve it that matters.

• Mix with Pellets: Seeds should make up no more than 30–40% of the diet. 
• Rotate seed types: Prevent boredom and nutritional gaps by rotating between mixes.
• Forage feeding: Hide seeds in toys or use foraging trays to encourage natural behaviours.

Benefits of a Balanced Seed Mix

Including high-quality seeds in your parakeet's diet offers numerous benefits:

• Enhanced feather quality
• Stable energy levels
• Improved beak and bone health
• Natural enrichment through foraging

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning bird owners can make feeding errors. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Seed-only diet: Leads to obesity and vitamin A or calcium deficiencies.
• Old or dusty seeds: Lose nutritional value and may harbour mould.
• Ignoring portion sizes: Overfeeding seeds can reduce appetite for healthier foods.

The 3-30-70 Rule

To simplify seed feeding for parakeets, we recommend the 3-30-70 rule:

• 3 types of seeds in every mix (minimum)
• 30% seeds in the total diet
• 70% from pellets, veg, and occasional fruit

This mini-framework helps bird owners remember that variety and balance are key.

Final Thoughts

Seeds for parakeets are an important part of their diet, but they shouldn't be the whole diet. Choose high-quality pellets like Askio Nature or Harrison's, and always pair them with fresh produce. By doing so, you'll support your bird's health, happiness, and longevity.

Explore the full range of premium parakeet seed mixes and complementary foods at Parrot Essentials.