Best Bird Food of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Bird food is an essential item for those who love to attract birds to their garden or backyard. The market offers a wide variety of bird food, including seeds, suet, mealworms, and nectar. Seeds are the most popular bird food, and they come in different types such as sunflower, safflower, and millet. Suet is another popular option, especially in the winter when birds need more fat to stay warm. Mealworms are ideal for attracting insect-eating birds like bluebirds and robins, while nectar is perfect for hummingbirds. Whatever the preference, bird food is an easy and affordable way to bring nature closer to home.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food Cover #TOP 1
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wild Harvest Daily Blend for Parakeets, Canaries & Finches Cover #TOP 2
Wild Harvest Daily Blend for Parakeets, Canaries & Finches
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Morning Song Clean & Free Shell-Free Wild Bird Food Cover #TOP 3
Morning Song Clean & Free Shell-Free Wild Bird Food
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bird Food

#TOP 1

Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food

100061951
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food Cover
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Seed, 5 lb

If you're looking for a high-energy food for year-round feeding that can attract a variety of colorful songbirds, Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food is your perfect choice. This premium mix of seeds, nuts, and fruit pieces, with pleasant cherry aroma, offers your feathered friends the energy they need to keep flying. The blend was specifically created to attract cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and other colorful songbirds. Whether you're a seasoned bird watcher or just starting, Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Food is an excellent choice to keep wild birds fueled, happy, and healthy.

What We Like
Variety of seeds and fruit
Attracts many bird species
High-quality ingredients
Birds enjoy the food
What We Don't Like
Pricey for small bag
Not all birds prefer it
#TOP 2

Wild Harvest Daily Blend for Parakeets, Canaries & Finches

P-A1907-11
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wild Harvest Daily Blend for Parakeets, Canaries & Finches Cover
Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet Parakeet, Canary And Finch, 5 Pounds

The Wild Harvest Daily Blend for Parakeets, Canaries & Finches is a quality seed blend with field delights such as red and white millet, canary grass seed, and select grains. Its unique Orange Essence adds extra flavor that your bird will love. This daily blend is specially formulated with vitamins and minerals to encourage vibrant plumage and optimum health. The resealable bag keeps seed fresh, making the product long-lasting. Wild Harvest offers a full assortment of nutritional and interactive engagement products that promote complete nutrition for your birds and small animals.

What We Like
Great quality ingredients
Delicious orange flavor
Cost-effective bulk size
Variety for different bird types
Highly recommended by users
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for all birds
#TOP 3

Morning Song Clean & Free Shell-Free Wild Bird Food

11959
Morning Song Clean & Free Shell-Free Wild Bird Food Cover
Morning Song Clean & Free Shell Free Wild Bird Food, Premium No Mess Bird Seed for Outside Feeders, 10-Pound Bag

Enjoy more time watching your favorite songbirds with Morning Song Clean & Free Shell-Free Wild Bird Food. This no mess bird seed is loaded with shell-free sunflower seed and other popular ingredients to attract finches, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, nuthatches, and more. The premium no waste bird seed blend can be used in hopper, tube, or platform feeders, and all shells have been removed for less mess under your bird feeder.

What We Like
Birds love the food
Shell-free reduces mess
Good value and quality
Clean appearance of seeds
Attracts many birds
What We Don't Like
Some filler in the mix
Lack of resealable bag
#TOP 4

Kaytee Wild Bird Black Oil Sunflower Food

100061911
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Wild Bird Black Oil Sunflower Food Cover
Kaytee Wild Bird Black Oil Sunflower Food, 5 Pounds

Kaytee Wild Bird Black Oil Sunflower Food is a 5-pound bird food that is the best single grain for attracting the widest variety of wild birds. Its high oil content provides birds with their necessary year-round energy. This bird food is appealing to smaller songbirds such as Cardinals and Chickadees, and its thinner hulls make it easier for them to eat. Made in the USA, this bird food is a great option for attracting a diverse range of wild birds to your yard.

What We Like
High-quality seeds
Attracts various birds
Fair price for quantity
No filler or mold
Convenient delivery
What We Don't Like
Messy sunflower seed shells
Dried fruit not liked by birds
#TOP 5

Kaytee Southern Regional Wild Bird Blend

100037512
7 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Southern Regional Wild Bird Blend Cover
Kaytee Southern Regional Wild Bird Blend, 7-Pound Bag

Kaytee Southern Regional Wild Bird Blend is a specially designed bird food formula that attracts more backyard birds, especially regional birds. It has been field tested and proven to attract more birds than other non-regional blends or black oil sunflower seed.

What We Like
Attracts a variety of birds
High-quality and fresh seeds
Large bag offers great value
Encourages wildlife visits
Entertaining for pets
What We Don't Like
Limited storage for large bags
Birds may take time to arrive
#TOP 6

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Bird Food, 4lb

100213697
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Bird Food, 4lb Cover
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Pet Conure & Lovebird Food, 4 lb

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Bird Food is a veterinarian recommended brand that contains Omega 3's to support brain and heart health, enhances skin & feather health for vibrant, healthy plumage, rich in natural antioxidants for general health and immune support. Perfect for Conjures and Lovebirds, the food has been crafted with over 150 years of nutritional experience to provide the best for your pet. Made in the USA.

What We Like
Birds love the food
Fresh and clean product
Nutritious and balanced
Quick delivery
#TOP 7

Morning Song Sunflower Bird Food

11979
Morning Song Sunflower Bird Food Cover
Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips Wild Bird Food, No Mess Sunflower Seeds for Birds, 5.5-Pound Bag

Morning Song Sunflower Seeds offer a convenient and mess-free option for attracting birds to your yard. With 100% shell-free sunflower pieces, you won’t have to worry about leftover shells cluttering your patio. This no-waste bird food is ideal for various feeder types, making it easy for you to set up and enjoy watching a range of birds. You can expect to see finches, chickadees, and sparrows, among others, flocking to your feeders, bringing life and color to your outdoor space.

What We Like
Attracts diverse bird species
Minimal mess from seeds
High-quality seed
Shell-free, no cleanup needed
Economical choice
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to others
Bag lacks resealable feature
#TOP 8

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Bird Food, 4 lb

100213696
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Bird Food, 4 lb Cover
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Pet Bird Food with Safflower, 4 Pound

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Cockatiel Bird Food is a great choice for supporting your bird's overall health. The food is enriched with Omega 3's to support brain and heart health, and it enhances skin and feather health for a vibrant, healthy plumage. With naturally preserved ingredients, the food is kept fresh for longer, and Safflower is used instead of Sunflower seeds, which can cause obesity in birds.

What We Like
High-quality ingredients
Fortified with essential nutrients
Birds enjoy the mix
Convenient resealable bag
Minimal waste and dust
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 9

Cole's HM05 Hot Meats Bird Seed

COLE'S THE BETTER WILD BIRD FEED
HM05
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Cole's HM05 Hot Meats Bird Seed Cover
Cole's HM05 Hot Meats Bird Seed, 5-Pound

Cole's Hot Meats Bird Seed is designed to attract more feathered friends to your yard. This unique blend features food-grade chili concentrate combined with whole sunflower meats, making it irresistible to sunflower-loving birds. You can feel good about using this bird food, as it contains only 100% natural and chemical-free ingredients. It is versatile, working well in various feeder types, including Cole's Terrific Tube™, Mighty Mesh™, and Bountiful Bowl™. With this bird seed, you'll likely see an increase in visits from bluebirds and cardinals, who particularly enjoy the spicy Cajun flavor.

What We Like
Attracts more birds
All-natural ingredients
Compatible with various feeders
Irresistible for sunflower-loving birds
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to others
Limited variety of seeds
#TOP 10

ZuPreem Natural Bird Pellets, 2.5 lb

1008079
Multicolor
ZuPreem Natural Bird Pellets, 2.5 lb Cover
ZuPreem Natural Bird Pellets, Daily Bird Food for Cockatiel, Lovebird, Quaker, Small Conure, Lorikeet, Core Nutrition for Medium Birds, Added Vitamins, Cockatiel Pellets (M, 2.5 lb)

ZuPreem Bird Pellets provide a wholesome diet for your medium birds, such as Cockatiels and Lovebirds. These pellets are made from all-natural ingredients, ensuring your pet receives a healthy meal without artificial additives. You can rest easy knowing that these pellets meet your bird's nutritional needs, combining essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for daily health. Plus, the delicious taste means your bird will enjoy every bite, making feeding time a pleasure for both of you.

What We Like
Colorful and appealing pellets
Nutritious and digestible
Good value for quantity
Birds enjoy different flavors
Affordable compared to other brands
What We Don't Like
Some flavors less preferred
Buying Guide Image

Decide Which Bird Food Are Best for Your Pets

Introduction

Choosing the right bird food for your feathered friend can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your bird. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when selecting bird food, as well as provide some helpful tips to ensure that your bird is getting the nutrition it needs.

Consider Your Bird's Natural Diet

One of the most important things to consider when choosing bird food is your bird's natural diet. Different species of birds have different dietary needs, and it is important to choose a food that is tailored to your bird's species. For example, seed-eating birds such as finches and canaries will benefit from a diet that is high in seeds, while fruit-eating birds such as parakeets and cockatiels will thrive on a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.

Look for a High-Quality Brand

When it comes to bird food, not all brands are created equal. It is important to choose a high-quality brand that uses only the best ingredients. Look for a brand that sources its ingredients from reputable suppliers and uses minimal preservatives and additives. A good way to ensure that you are choosing a high-quality brand is to look for one that is recommended by your veterinarian or a reputable birding organization.

Pay Attention to the Ingredients List

When choosing bird food, it is important to carefully read the ingredients list. This will give you an idea of what is actually in the food and allow you to make an informed decision. Avoid bird food that contains a lot of fillers, such as corn or wheat, as these ingredients provide little nutritional value for your bird. Instead, look for a food that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Choose the Right Form of Bird Food

Bird food is available in a variety of forms, including seeds, pellets, and mixes. Each form has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the one that is best for your bird. Seeds are a popular choice for many bird owners, as they provide a natural and varied diet for your bird. However, seeds can also be messy and may not provide a balanced diet on their own. Pellets, on the other hand, are a more complete and balanced option, but they may not be as appealing to your bird. Mixes, which combine seeds and pellets, offer the best of both worlds.

Provide a Variety of Foods

In addition to choosing the right type of bird food, it is important to provide a varied diet for your bird. This will ensure that your bird is getting all of the nutrients it needs and prevent it from getting bored with its food. Offer your bird a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of seeds and pellets. You can also offer your bird treats such as nuts and eggs, but be sure to feed these in moderation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bird food is an important decision for any bird owner. By considering your bird's natural diet, choosing a high-quality brand, paying attention to the ingredients list, choosing the right form of bird food, and providing a variety of foods, you can ensure that your bird is getting the nutrition it needs to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I feed wild birds from my kitchen?

You can feed wild birds from your kitchen with a variety of foods. Some options include apples, bananas, eggshells, melon, pumpkin, and squash seeds, peanut butter, and raisins. These foods can attract birds like Eastern bluebirds, pine grosbeaks, gray catbirds, northern cardinals, and more.

2. What do most common birds eat?

Most common birds have diverse diets, including seeds, berries, fruit, insects, other birds, eggs, small mammals, fish, buds, larvae, and aquatic invertebrates. During spring and summer, songbirds primarily eat insects and spiders.

3. Do birds eat apples?

Yes, birds enjoy apples along with other fruits like oranges, plums, grapes, cherries, crabapples, and prickly pear. They may swallow small fruits whole and defecate the seeds, which can regrow into new plants. Larger fruits may be pierced, shredded, or torn by birds to reach the flesh.

4. Can wild birds eat Cheerios?

While it's fine to occasionally feed wild birds a few Cheerios, avoid giving them Cheerios in milk. Birds cannot digest milk, so it should never be left out for them.

5. What can I feed wild birds in my backyard?

In your backyard, you can offer various birdseeds suitable for spring feeding. Additionally, consider offering fruits for songbirds, but remember to remove any leftover or spoiled pieces. Crushed eggshells, rinsed and baked, can also provide calcium for birds like robins.

6. Can birds eat Quaker Oats?

Yes, birds can eat DRY Quaker oats. Quaker oats are a nutritious food source for birds with minimal preservatives added.

7. Do birds eat bananas?

Birds love bananas! In the wild, various birds seek out ripe bananas and other tropical fruits as part of their diet. Offering banana slices is a great way to attract birds to your yard or garden.

Editor's Notes

During our bird food research, we found 24 bird food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 229,633 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bird food list. We found that most customers choose bird food with an average price of $15.24.

The bird food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bird food, including Kaytee, Wild Harvest, Morning Song, COLE'S THE BETTER WILD BIRD FEED, ZuPreem. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Bird Food Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Kaytee Wild Harvest Morning Song Kaytee Kaytee Kaytee Morning Song Kaytee COLE'S THE BETTER WILD BIRD FEED ZuPreem
Flavor Cherry Orange Clean and Free Black Oil Sunflower Unflavored Unflavored Sunflower Safflower hot meats bird seed Natural Pellets
Age Range (Description) All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages
Item Form Seed Seed Seeds Seeds Chunk Chunk Seeds Chunk Seed Pellet
Specific Uses For Product Outdoor Active Training - Outdoor Immune Support, Digestive Health, Brain Health, Skin and Coat Health, Heart Care, Eye Care Training Immune Support Bird feeding, attracting wild birds Bird Food
Item Weight 5 pounds 4.99 pounds 10 pounds 5 pounds - - 5.5 pounds 4 pounds 5 pounds 2.5 pounds
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H - 12.56 x 11.26 x 2.48 inches 16.52 x 10.59 x 3.82 inches 16.73 x 10.28 x 3.34 inches - - 14.68 x 8.19 x 3.31 inches 11.14 x 8.04 x 3.54 inches 15.94 x 8.43 x 3.03 inches 11.69 x 9.33 x 3.62 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH - 3 x 10.5 x 14.5 inches 16.4 x 10 x 2.5 inches 2.25 x 10 x 17.5 inches - - 8.5 x 2.5 x 13.2 inches 4 x 7 x 10 inches 4.5 x 14.5 x 36 inches 8.25 x 3.5 x 10 inches
Brand Name - Wild Harvest Morning Song Kaytee - - Morning Song Kaytee COLE'S THE BETTER WILD BIRD FEED ZuPreem
Target Audience Keyword - ........................., birds Birds birds - - birds birds Birds birds
Size - 5 Pound (Pack of 1) 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 5 Pound (Pack of 1) - - 5.5 Pound (Pack of 1) 4 Pound (Pack of 1) 5 Pound (Pack of 1) 2.5 Pound (Pack of 1)
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy