Can parrots eat cashew?
Caution
Caution — plain and rare only; never salted or roasted in oil.
- Food
- Cashew
- Category
- Nut
- Verdict
- Only in small amounts
- Amount
- Half a nut, broken up, a couple of times a week.
- Safer swap
- Quinoa
Why
Cashews are not toxic to parrots, but the ones kept in most kitchens are roasted in oil and heavily salted. Salt is a genuine risk for birds, whose kidneys are small. Cashews are also high in fat and low in the calcium a parrot needs, so they work as an occasional reward rather than a food.
What to watch for
Signs that the amount was too much:
- salt intoxication
- weight gain
- loose droppings
What to feed instead
If you were reaching for cashew, quinoa gives you the same job — a treat the bird will actually take — without the risk. Can parrots eat quinoa?
How much is too much
Half a nut, broken up, a couple of times a week.
Treats and fruit should stay under roughly 20% of the daily bowl. The rest is pellets, leafy greens and a good chop.
This page is reference material, not veterinary advice. Species, age and existing health conditions change what is safe. If you are unsure or your bird is already showing symptoms, contact an avian veterinarian.
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