Dry Mix for Parrots: How to Make Your Own Nutritious Blend at Home
Creating a high-quality, homemade dry mix for parrots is not only easy—it’s empowering. With the right ingredients and a little time, you can prepare a vibrant, nutrient-rich mix tailored specifically to your bird’s needs, all while saving money and avoiding overpriced commercial options. Many parrot owners are now choosing to make their own dry mix at home, and for good reason: it gives you full control over the quality, freshness, and nutritional content of what your parrot is eating.
This article will show you exactly how to make your own dry mix using human-grade, safe, and healthy ingredients, and why doing so is better for your bird and your budget.
What Is a Dry Mix for Parrots?
A dry mix is a shelf-stable, ready-to-serve combination of freeze-dried vegetables, freeze-dried fruit, dried flowers, herbs, spices, and a carefully chosen mix of human-grade seeds. It’s an excellent component of a balanced diet and ideal for evening meals, especially when paired with fresh food in the morning.
Unlike many commercial pellets, which are often full of cheap fillers, preservatives, or low-grade ingredients, a homemade dry mix gives your parrot real nutrition—without the junk.
Why Make Your Own?
While there are pre-made mixes available to buy online, making your own mix is far more affordable and arguably better for your birds. Here's why:
You control every ingredient
Just clean, fresh, human-grade food, suitable for your specific species.Save money
Buying ingredients in bulk from trusted suppliers often works out far cheaper than buying overpriced ready-made mixes, and lasts three times longer.Tailor it to your parrot’s needs
Some parrots prefer crunchier textures, some favour herbs or flowers. You can personalise your mix based on your bird's preferences, species or dietary requirements.
Ingredients for a Perfect Dry Mix
A great dry mix starts with variety and balance, with the biggest component being freeze-dried vegetables. Here’s what to include:
1. Freeze-Dried Vegetables (the foundation)
Vegetables should make up the majority of the mix. Freeze-dried vegetables retain almost all of their nutritional content and are far superior to air-dried or dehydrated options, which often lose valuable vitamins during the heating process.
Great options include:
Broccoli
Kale
Peas
Green beans
Sweetcorn
Carrot
Courgette
You can find freeze-dried veg from online suppliers like:
Buy Wholefoods Online
Healthy Supplies
Podberry
2. Freeze-Dried Fruits (used sparingly)
Fruits add natural sweetness, but should be used in smaller amounts due to their sugar content. Still, they’re excellent for variety and flavour.
Good choices include:
Apple
Strawberry
Blueberry
Raspberry
Mango
Cherries
Orange
Make sure they are unsweetened and free from additives, purely raw.
3. Dried Edible Flowers
These add colour, nutrients, and a natural appeal to your mix. Birds enjoy nibbling on:
Rose petals
Hibiscus
Calendula
Chamomile
Cornflower
Always use organic, food-grade flowers intended for human consumption.
4. Dried Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are a fantastic source of antioxidants and natural wellness support. Some excellent options include:
Basil
Parsley
Mint
Dill
Oregano
Turmeric
Cinnamon (Ceylon only)
Cloves
Star Anise
5. Homemade Seed Mix (human grade only)
Most pet shop “parrot seed mixes” are poor quality and full of dust and filler. Instead, make your own using human-grade, clean seeds that support your bird’s health.
Ideas include:
Flaxseed
Chia seed
Hemp seed
Pumpkin seed
Sesame seed
Buckwheat
Sunflower kernels (sparingly)
Millet
Amaranth
Always source from reputable stores that sell food-grade ingredients, such as:
Local health food shops
Tips for Making and Storing Your Dry Mix
Mix ingredients in large batches, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Rotate ingredients often for variety and to mimic the seasonal changes birds experience in the wild.
Always inspect ingredients for freshness and discard anything that smells off or appears dusty or mouldy.
Pair with fresh foods daily. Dry mix should never be the sole part of a parrot’s diet.
Ensure plenty of water is available for parrots eating any dry food and ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own dry mix is not only a step toward better parrot nutrition—it’s a step toward empowerment. With so many high-priced mixes flooding the market, making your own gives you the confidence that you're doing what's best for your bird.
With just a few online shops and a bit of effort, you can provide your parrot with a colourful, healthy, varied mix and likely at a fraction of the price.
Your bird deserves the best. And the best? That starts in your kitchen.
