Umbrella Cockatoos (Cacatua alba) are intelligent, energetic parrots that require a nutritionally balanced diet to maintain long-term health, emotional stability, and strong immune function. As an avian care specialist with extensive hands-on experience working with cockatoos in rescues, breeding programs, and behavioral rehabilitation, I can confirm that diet is one of the most critical factors influencing their longevity and behavior.

This guide explains exactly what umbrella cockatoos eat, the ideal daily diet, foods to avoid, and how to build a safe, species-appropriate feeding routine.

1. What Do Umbrella Cockatoos Eat in the Wild?

Understanding natural diet helps shape proper captive feeding.

Wild Umbrella Cockatoos typically eat:

• Seeds and nuts
• Fruits
• Blossoms and buds
• Leafy plant matter
• Insects and larvae
• Tree bark and roots

This variety provides:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Healthy fats
• Micronutrients
• Mental stimulation through natural foraging behaviors

A pet cockatoo’s diet should mimic this balance—not rely heavily on seeds alone.

2. What Should Umbrella Cockatoos Eat in Captivity?

The ideal diet consists of:

1. Pellets (60–70% of diet)

Veterinary-formulated pellets are the nutritional foundation.

Benefits:

• Balanced vitamins & minerals
• Low fat
• Prevents obesity and fatty liver disease
• Reduces selective eating

Recommended brands (expert-approved):

• Harrison’s
• Roudybush
• Zupreem Natural
• TOP’s Organic Pellets

Choose medium or large-sized pellets for adult cockatoos.

3. Fresh Vegetables (20–25% of diet)

Vegetables are essential for vitamins, antioxidants, and digestive health.

Best vegetables for umbrella cockatoos

• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Spinach (in moderation)
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Leafy greens
• Pumpkin
• Zucchini

Serve raw or lightly steamed—never salted or seasoned.

4. Fresh Fruits (5–10% of diet)

Umbrella Cockatoos love fruit, but it should be limited due to natural sugars.

Safe fruits

• Apples (no seeds)
• Bananas
• Papaya
• Mango
• Berries
• Oranges
• Melon
• Grapes
• Pears

Offer fruit as a treat or reward during training.

5. Healthy Nuts & Seeds (occasional treats)

These should be limited because umbrella cockatoos gain weight easily.

Recommended nuts (high reward training treats)

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios (unsalted)
• Brazil nuts
• Hazelnuts

Seeds to offer occasionally

• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Safflower seeds

Use nuts and seeds primarily for training motivation.

6. Protein Sources (small amounts)

Cockatoos need moderate protein for muscle and feather health.

Safe protein options

• Cooked eggs
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• Tofu
• Cooked quinoa
• Very small amounts of cooked chicken (rarely)

Avoid all fried or seasoned proteins.

7. Foraging Foods (behavioral enrichment)

Umbrella Cockatoos are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation through food.

Good enrichment options:

• Foraging boxes
• Puzzle feeders
• Hidden treats in paper cups
• Fruit skewers
• Vegetable “kabobs”

This reduces boredom-related screaming and destructive behavior.

8. Dangerous Foods to Avoid

Some foods are toxic or unsafe for umbrella cockatoos.

Never feed:

• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Onions and garlic
• Rhubarb
• Fruit pits (apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, etc.)
• Salted or sugary foods
• Fried foods
• Artificial sweeteners (esp. xylitol)

Avoid seed-only diets

They cause:

• Fatty liver disease
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Shortened lifespan

9. How Much Should an Umbrella Cockatoo Eat Per Day?

Daily feeding guideline

• Pellets: ½ to 1 cup
• Vegetables: ½ cup
• Fruit: 1–2 tablespoons
• Nuts/seeds: 1–3 pieces (training only)

Adjust portions based on activity level and weight.

10. Feeding Tips From an Avian Specialist

✔ Provide fresh water daily

Umbrella cockatoos drink frequently and need clean water to stay hydrated.

✔ Offer food in multiple locations

This mimics natural foraging and reduces cage aggression.

✔ Rotate vegetables weekly

Variety prevents boredom and improves nutrient intake.

✔ Hand-feed occasionally

This builds trust and strengthens the bird–owner bond.

✔ Avoid feeding from your plate

Human food often contains salt, oil, and spices harmful to parrots.

Conclusion

Umbrella Cockatoos thrive on a balanced diet of pellets, vegetables, fruits, and limited nuts and seeds.

Their nutritional needs are more complex than many new owners realize. A healthy diet supports:

• Longevity
• Strong feathers
• Stable behavior
• Emotional well-being
• Disease prevention

By providing a varied, species-appropriate diet and avoiding toxic foods, you ensure your umbrella cockatoo lives a long, active, and joyful life.