Best Bird Food of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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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
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend 5lb Cover #TOP 2
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend 5lb
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food Cover #TOP 3
Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed 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
Attracts many bird species
High quality mix
Contains nuts and dried fruit
Large, good value bag
Minimal feeder mess
What We Don't Like
Occasional insect presence in bag
Seed consumed quickly
#TOP 2

Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend 5lb

100213733
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend 5lb Cover
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Food Seed Blend, 5 Pound

The Kaytee Wild Bird Seed is a thoughtfully crafted mix designed to attract and nourish a variety of wild birds. It features black oil sunflower seeds, which are highly favored by many bird species for their high energy content and easy-to-crack shells. The blend combines several grains and seeds that wild birds love, helping you enjoy a lively and diverse backyard bird population. Packaged in the USA across multiple facilities, this seed mix assures you of quality and freshness with every bag. By choosing this seed, you support local production while providing your feathered visitors with a nutritious meal.

What We Like
Attracts many bird species
Good value for money
Fresh and clean seeds
Low waste production
Convenient bag size
What We Don't Like
Slightly high ground corn content
Could use more sunflower seeds
#TOP 3

Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food

52023
Yellow
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 52023 Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 5-Pound Bag

Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed is a high-quality bird food that is made in the USA. Its thin-shelled sunflower is perfect for small beaked birds, while its high energy content attracts the widest variety of birds. The seed is made of the highest quality grains, providing birds with the nutrients they need to thrive.

What We Like
Clean and fresh seeds
Attracts various bird species
Easy resealable packaging
High feeder activity
What We Don't Like
Slightly higher price
#TOP 4

Wagner's 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food

57075
Basic
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Wagner's 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

Wagner's Safflower Bird Food is a high-quality bird seed made in the USA. This bird food is a favorite among Cardinals and other songbirds. It is made using the highest quality grains and can be found in many gourmet mixes. One of the great advantages of this bird food is that most squirrels generally dislike it, so you can enjoy watching the beautiful songbirds without the hassle of squirrels stealing the food. The Wagner's Safflower Bird Food is perfect for attracting a variety of colorful birds to your backyard and providing them with a nutritious and delicious meal.

What We Like
Squirrel deterrent
Attracts cardinals and finches
Birds quickly adapt
High seed quality
Resealable packaging
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 5

Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Bird Food, 4lb

100551994
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Bird Food, 4lb Cover
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Nourish+Protect Conure & Lovebird Food, Comprehensive Nutrition Backed by Science, Digestive Health, Immune Support, 4 pounds

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 taste
Good price value
Fresh and well-packaged
Variety in ingredients
Balanced nutrition
What We Don't Like
Picky eaters may hesitate

Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed

100539482
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed Cover
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed For Cardinals, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Grosbeaks, Juncos and Other Colorful Songbirds, 9.75 Pound

Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed is a mix of peanuts, sunflower hearts and chips, and no hulls, making it 100% edible. It is designed to attract a wide range of birds, including cardinals, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and Juncos. It is compatible with hopper, gazebo, and tube style bird feeders, and leaves no messy leftovers under feeders, in yards and flowerbeds, and on patios. Customers have found that this mix is less messy than other blends, but that the birds don't seem to like it as much.

What We Like
No waste seed blend
High quality ingredients
Attracts many bird species
Minimal shell mess
Birds love the mix
What We Don't Like
Package can be bulky
May attract squirrels
#TOP 7

Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet for Pet Birds 10 Pounds

P-99267
Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet for Pet Birds 10 Pounds Cover
Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet For Parakeet, Canary And Finch 10 Pounds

Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet is a perfect food for your parakeets, canaries, and finches. It contains a variety of quality seeds such as red and white millet, canary grass seed, and select grains that provide optimum nutrition to promote the birds' health. This blend is enriched with vitamins and minerals that provide the perfect balance for small birds. The orange essence adds extra flavor to this great-tasting blend that pet birds will love. The resealable bag keeps seed fresh, and the label provides an adjustment chart when changing from another food.

What We Like
Good value for money
Fresh and high-quality seeds
Variety of seeds and treats
Loved by multiple bird species
Works in automatic feeders
What We Don't Like
Not a complete diet
#TOP 8

Kaytee Wild Bird Food: Perfect Blend for Your Backyard Feeders

100033627
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Kaytee Wild Bird Food: Perfect Blend for Your Backyard Feeders Cover
Kaytee Wild Bird Food Basic Seed Blend, 5 lb

If you are looking for a bird food that can attract a wide variety of birds, Kaytee Wild Bird Food is a great choice for you. Its perfect seed mix, consisting of millet, black oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, wheat and vitamins, is suitable for hopper feeders, platform feeders and tube feeders. This product is perfect for birds of all life stages and is made in the USA. Kaytee Wild Bird Food is one of the most popular blends for many backyard feeders. With this product, you can enjoy watching different types of birds gathering around your bird feeder.

What We Like
Attracts many bird species
Fresh and clean seed mix
No junk fillers
Good value for price
Long-lasting 10 lb bag
What We Don't Like
Some birds dislike extra sunflower seeds
Occasionally attracts squirrels
#TOP 9

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, Bird Food, 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
Good value for money
Fresh and high-quality seeds
Attracts various bird species
No pellets included
Works in automatic feeders
What We Don't Like
Not a complete diet
#TOP 10

Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed Original Formula

Hagen
B2704
Original version
6 Pound (Pack of 1)
Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed Original Formula Cover
Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed, Original Formula Bird Food, 6 lb Bag – Nutritionally Complete Seed Mix with Vitamins & Minerals – Wild & Captive Bird Diet – Insect-Resistant Air-Tight Packaging

The Hagen Dove Seed Mix is designed to provide balanced nutrition for both wild and pet pigeons and doves, supporting their energy levels and overall health at every stage of life. It’s enriched with important vitamins and minerals that help keep your birds’ immune systems strong and their feathers bright and healthy. The seeds come in an air-tight bag that locks in freshness and keeps insects away, so you always feed your birds clean, high-quality food. Trusted by bird lovers, this seed mix ensures your birds get the essential nutrients they need to thrive, making it a dependable choice for any bird caretaker.

What We Like
Complete nutrition for pigeons and doves
Birds love the taste
Freshness and pleasant smell
Reasonable price
Supports healthy feathers and vitality
What We Don't Like
Resealable bag could improve
Corn sometimes left uneaten
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 406,866 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 $14.78.

The bird food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bird food, including Kaytee, Wagner's, Wild Harvest, Hagen. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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

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Brand Kaytee Kaytee Wagner's Wagner's Kaytee Kaytee Wild Harvest Kaytee Wild Harvest Hagen
Item Weight 5 pounds 5 pounds 5.11 pounds 5 pounds 4 pounds 9.75 pounds 10 pounds 5 pounds 4.99 pounds 5.98 pounds
Flavor Cherry Unflavored Sunflower Seed Mild and Nutty Unflavored Unflavored Orange Unflavored Orange Unflavored
Age Range (Description) All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages
Item Form Chunk Chunk Seed Seeds Chunk Flake Granule Chunk Seed Seed
Specific Uses For Product Outdoor Appetite Stimulation Bird Seed Attracting Cardinals, Discouraging Squirrels Brain Health, Heart Care, Immune Support, Skin and Coat Health, Digestive Health, Eye Care Appetite Stimulation - Appetite Stimulation Active Outdoor
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H - 13.55 x 10 x 3.35 inches 16.85 x 9.57 x 4.06 inches 13.43 x 11.5 x 2.68 inches 11.23 x 9.84 x 3.46 inches 17.76 x 10.9 x 4.96 inches 16.84 x 11.1 x 3.46 inches 15.12 x 9.25 x 3.98 inches 12.25 x 11.54 x 3.03 inches 15.43 x 9.8 x 3.19 inches
Brand Name - Kaytee Wagner's Wagner's Kaytee Kaytee Wild Harvest Kaytee Wild Harvest Hagen
Target Audience Keyword - birds Wild Birds, birds Birds, Wild Birds birds, parrots birds birds birds ........................., birds birds, birds;amazon-parrots; bluebirds; canaries; cockatiels; cockatoos; doves; finches; hummingbirds; lovebirds; macaws; parakeets; parrots; wrens
Directions - Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. This will protect against insect infestation that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product.. Keep feeders filled with fresh food. Discard old food before refilling and clean feeders regularly to minimize mold and bacteria. This product is only intended for feeding wild birds. Add seed to bird feeder Store your bird seed elevated on a shelf in a cool, dry location. Make sure that it is closed or sealed tightly in original package or in a storage container. It is important that the storage location has good air circulation and is away from direct sunlight or heat source. You should avoid storing your bird seed on a cement floor, since moisture from the floor can be transferred to the seed. Conure 1/8 to 1/4 Cup (Approximately 16g to 32g), Lovebird 1/8 Cup (Approximately 16g). After opening the bag, remove air and reseal tight. Use the food within 30-45 days. Store in a cool, dry location. Refrigerate or freeze for extended storage. Washing hands with soap and water is recommended after handling pet bird food.. When introducing a new food, begin with a mixture of "old and new" food, gradually increasing the amount of new food over a 7 to 10 day period. This will prevent digestive upsets as well as allowing your pet to adjust to something new. Adjust portions for proper weight maintenance and when feeding additional pets. Discard any uneaten food and clean dish before each feeding. Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. This will protect against insect infestation that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product.. Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. This will protect against insect infestation that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product. See label for details Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. Keep feeders filled with fresh food. Discard old food before refilling and clean feeders regularly. This product is only intended for feeding wild birds. Fill seed cup daily with fresh seed. Be sure to remove remains and empty hulls of consumed seed. Follow instructions on packaging
Model Name - Kaytee Products 100521176 5 lb Amer Bird Food Sunflower Seed Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food Fortified Lovebird and Conure bird food Ultimate No Mess Wild Harvest Daily Blend Nutrition Diet For Parakeet, Canary And Finch 10 Pounds Wild Bird Food Wild Harvest Daily Blend Hagen Pigeon & Dove Seed, 6lb
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 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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