Can My Chicken Eat It? The A-Z Guide of What Your Flock Can and Can’t Eat (With Printable!)
Your guide to feeding human foods to your chicken and answering the question: can my chicken eat that?
If you like giving your chickens some human food now and then, you might wonder about specific items. If you let them free-range, you’ll notice that they eat everything from frogs to your garden and aren’t too picky.

Before we learn the individual food guidelines for your birds, I encourage you not to get too uptight about feeding them human food. It’s a great way to lower your feed costs; they like it, and you’re unlikely to hurt them by feeding them anything from your kitchen.
(If your flock is free range, they are getting into all kinds of things and balancing out any treats you give them with greens and insects. This is one of the best things about free-range chickens.)
Foods Chickens Should Not Eat
There are a few foods that chickens should not eat, as they can be toxic. These include:
- avocados (skin and pit; the flesh is fine)
- rhubarb leaves
- citrus fruit peels and seeds
- potatoes skins
- onions in large amounts
- uncooked beans of any variety
- kidney beans (even cooked)
- chocolate
- coffee grounds
- fatty foods in large amounts
Printable Cheatsheet

Tips for Feeding Chickens
- Healthy Snack Ideas: While chickens can enjoy a wide variety of foods, focusing on giving them healthy snacks is essential. Vegetables like beet greens and fruits in small quantities are a good treat that supports their overall health without adding unnecessary calories.
- Managing Food Scraps: When offering food scraps from your kitchen, cut them into bite-sized or manageable pieces to prevent choking and make sure they can easily eat them.
- Avoid Junk Food: Just like humans, chickens can be tempted by junk food, but it’s best to avoid giving them items with high sugar or low nutritional value. Stick to healthy treats that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Choosing the Best Foods: When selecting treats from the grocery store or feed store, consider the nutritional value and whether it’s a good idea for your flock. Foods like bean sprouts and oyster shells are excellent for their digestive tract and overall health.
The Complete List of What Foods You Can and Can’t Feed Your Backyard Chickens
Yes, in small amounts. They contain tannins, which can be harmful in large quantities. If you let yours free-range, you could consider removing acorns from your property, but they don’t seem to like them that much anyway.
Chickens can eat apples but should not eat apple seeds as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Some say that apple cores contain enough cyanide to kill birds if eaten in large quantities – but the specific amount is still debated. You should remove seeds from apples before giving them to your flock and feed them your apple cores, a few at a time.
Yes, avocado flesh is fine. But the skin and pit are not good for them. However, you should only give your chickens small amounts of avocado, as it is high in fat. Why are you feeding this to your chickens anyway? It’s expensive!
Yes, chickens can eat both bananas and banana peels.
Yes, chickens can eat bell peppers. The flesh and seeds of bell peppers are safe for chickens. Bell peppers are safe for chickens, but not green bell pepper leaves and plant stems. Leaves, stems, and plants of bell peppers contain toxic solanine, which is harmful to chickens. (Although they are unlikely to want to eat them anyway.)
Yes, chickens can eat birdseed or wild birdseed. They love it! However, it’s important to note that this diet is not balanced for chickens and should only be considered a treat. Chickens are not as diverse in their diet as wild birds, so they need a variety of other food sources to stay healthy.
Yes. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, which help keep your chickens healthy. They also contain plenty of Vitamin C, which can help boost your flock’s immune system.
Yes, they love all baked goods. Ours will eat stale bread, pizza crusts, and anything else. But like with any treat, feed in moderation.
Broccoli is a good source of fiber, which is beneficial for chickens. Additionally, broccoli is high in antioxidants, which can help protect your flock from disease.
Yes, chickens can eat cabbage. Cabbage contains goitrogenic agents that interfere with the normal production of thyroxine, but regular amounts seem safe. Other foods that contain goitrogenic agents include soybean, rapeseed, kale, and turnips. But in reality, a small amount is unlikely to do any harm. The leaves of cabbage and broccoli are safe for chickens to eat.
Yes, chickens can enjoy cantaloupe seeds. All parts of the fruit, including rind, flesh, and seeds, are a favorite treat for chickens. If you have one that’s overripe or has too many in your garden, cut it in half and let them feast. The rule of thumb for fruit pits is that if it’s a stone fruit, pit, or seed, it can contain toxic levels of cyanide. Melons are fine.
Yes, chickens can eat carrots and carrot tops! They are a great source of nutrition for your backyard flock. Chickens can eat raw and cooked carrots and carrot tops, leaves, and greens. Carrots are healthy for chickens and provide essential nutrients like vitamin A.
Yes, chickens can eat cauliflower. However, it’s important to note that cauliflower contains goitrogenic agents, which can lead to avian goiter and immune deficiency. There is limited information on cauliflower and chickens, so feed in moderation.
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in water content. It also contains vitamins A, B6, C, and K and potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus minerals. Celery is also a good source of dietary fiber.
In fact, they love it! Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium for chickens.
Yes, chickens can eat cherries and cherry pits. Cherries are a high-nutrient chicken snack, providing vitamins A, C, E, K, and choline. Cherries in uncooked forms should be free of added sugar. Cherries are a good source of nutrients without being too high in calories. You should not feed chickens cherry pits because they contain cyanide and can harm them.
They absolutely WILL eat it, but you might feel weird about this. Cooked chicken is the one thing I will not feed our chickens. They will also eat other poultry, such as ducks or geese.
No, skip the chocolate. Eating much of it is not recommended as it can harm their health. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are stimulants. Too much of these substances can cause chickens to become hyper and have trouble breathing.
Yes, it’s fine. Only feed citrus peels in limited quantities, but citrus fruits are fine.
Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. They also contain fiber, which can help keep your chickens’ digestive systems healthy.
Yes, they love them. Like melons, they’re a favorite treat. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins A and C and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that can benefit chickens’ health.
Yes, and they love it!
Some may wonder if giving their chickens dog, cat, or rabbit food is okay. The answer is yes–chickens can eat all of these foods. However, don’t intentionally feed it to them instead of chicken feed. But if they get into it (ours often eat our barn cat’s food), it’s no big deal.
It’s important to remember that each pet has different nutritional needs, so it’s best to feed poultry on a diet tailored to them. Otherwise, you could throw off their nutrition levels, leading to health complications down the road.
Yes, scrambled eggs and crushed eggshells are fine and healthy for them. But be careful not to give them whole eggs, or they’ll develop a nasty habit of eating raw eggs, which is a terrible trait in laying hens.
Yes. Grapes are a good source of Vitamin C and other nutrients for chickens.
Yes, chickens can eat green beans. All cooked beans are safe for chickens to consume except kidney beans because they contain toxins that can be harmful or fatal in large amounts.
Yes. Lettuce is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also high in water content, which makes it a good choice for chickens on hot days. Chickens will enjoy eating different types of lettuce, so feel free to mix things up occasionally.
Yes, and free-ranging chickens will eat a lot of it. They will eat frogs, mice, small snakes, and thousands of insects.
Chickens enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, so adding mushrooms to their diet is a good way to add some variety. But (obviously), be sure to give your chickens mushrooms you know are safe to eat; some can be toxic.
Yes, it’s another favorite of theirs. We often give cooked oatmeal to them that our kids haven’t finished.
Yes. In addition to peaches, chickens will enjoy just about any other stone fruit. But don’t give them the pit.
Yes, chickens can eat peanuts and peanut butter. In fact, peanuts are a great source of protein for your backyard flock. However, feeding them in moderation is important due to their high fat, carbohydrate, and protein content.
Yes. Pears are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Yes, they love peas. Chickens love fresh fruits and vegetables, and peas are a good source of protein and Vitamins A and C. Feeding your chickens peas will help keep them healthy and happy.
Yes, chickens can eat pineapple. The fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and contains other nutrients beneficial to chickens, such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Additionally, chickens enjoy the sweetness of pineapple.
Yes. But remove the pit first.
Yes, popcorn is fine. Popcorn is a good source of fiber and protein for chickens. It also contains some essential minerals, such as magnesium and phosphorus.
Yep, cooked or raw, and both are fine.
Yes, chickens can eat a small amount of potato peels and skins. However, they contain small amounts of toxic chemicals, so don’t overdo it. This goes for sweet potato skins as well.
Yes, chickens can eat pumpkins. In fact, it’s very healthy for them. The pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer and act best if eaten raw.
Yes, but they are a treat. While raisins are not poisonous to chickens, they should not be a part of their regular diet. Raisins are high in sugar and can cause weight gain and other health problems in chickens.
Yes, chickens can eat cooked rice. However, you should only give it to them in moderation, as too much can cause health problems. Chickens also enjoy other cooked grains like brown or wild rice, which is better than white rice. While rice is safe for chickens, it is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, so it should not be a staple of their diet.
Yes, any cooked meat is fine, and they’ll enjoy it.
Yes, all greens (except rhubarb leaves) are good for chickens. Spinach is a great source of nutrition for chickens and is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and other minerals. Spinach also contains antioxidants, which can help protect your flock from disease.
Yes, chickens can eat strawberries and strawberry tops. In fact, they are packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants that help your chicks stay healthy. Strawberries contain many vitamins and minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium, and Vitamin B.
Yes, chickens can eat sunflower seeds! Sunflower seeds are a great source of protein and have essential fatty acids that help keep chickens healthy. Additionally, sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for maintaining the health of your flock.
Yes, chickens can eat sweet potatoes. They’re a great source of nutrition for your backyard flock! Sweet potatoes are high in starch content and low in sugar levels, making them a great choice for chickens after eating processed food like grains and vegetables. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, potassium, and manganese.
Yes, chickens can eat tomatoes, but ripe tomatoes are safe for chickens to eat and contain a safe substance. However, green tomatoes, tomato leaves, and plant stems are toxic to chickens and should not be fed to them.
Walnuts are on the list of foods to avoid because they contain toxins that can harm chickens.
Yes, chickens can eat watermelon, a juicy fruit that hydrates the birds and is a nice treat on a hot day.
They love it! Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories. It’s also high in water content, which makes it a refreshing snack for chickens on a hot day.
As you can see, you can feed your chickens almost everything. That doesn’t mean it’s all super healthy for them. Humans can eat bread and potatoes all day, but it’s unhealthy for us.
No, dry beans are not safe for chickens. They contain toxins that can be harmful or even fatal if ingested. Always cook beans thoroughly or avoid them altogether.
Yes, leftover rice is an excellent choice for your chickens, as long as it’s plain and free from added salt or spices. Rice can be a fantastic treat when given in moderation.
Chickens can eat dairy products like cheese or yogurt in small quantities. However, too much dairy can cause digestive issues due to their sensitivity to lactose.
Here is a List of Some of the Best Foods for Chickens:
- Insects: Chickens love to eat insects! They especially like grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
- Seeds: Chickens enjoy eating sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and millet.
- Fruits: Chickens love to eat apples, bananas, cherries, grapes, and strawberries.
- Vegetables: Some good vegetables for chickens include broccoli, carrots, celery, corn on the cob, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, squash, tomatoes, and watermelon.
So, What’s The Perfect Chicken Diet?
That’s a matter of opinion. If you let your chickens free range, feed them commercial chicken feed, and give them table scraps, they’ll be fine.
Chickens love to eat various things, but they should have a balanced diet. To give them some variety, feed them scratch grains, like oat groats, wheat berries, and corn. They’ll also love kitchen scraps. Supplement their diet with oyster shell grit to keep their beaks healthy and provide plenty of clean water.
You can also make your chicken feed at home. This is a great way to save money and make sure your chickens get the best possible diet.
No, it shouldn’t. As long your chickens get enough water, food, and sunlight, they should lay eggs.
Chickens love treats, and giving them a little bit each day will make them happy and healthy. Make sure only to give them food that is safe for them to eat, and avoid giving them too many treats, which can make them sick. Chickens are very smart animals, and they will appreciate all the tasty treats you give them!
We keep a bowl of table scraps on the counter and deliver them to them whenever we go outside.
Suggestions for Flock Owners
- Protecting Your Flock from Predators: If your chickens are free-range, protecting them from aerial predators like bald eagles is crucial. Make sure your chicken yard has adequate cover to keep them safe.
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet: The most important thing for flock owners to remember is to provide a complete diet. Incorporate a balance of grains, vegetables, and protein sources to keep your chickens healthy and productive.
- Avoid Toxic Plants: Some plants, like tomato plants, green potatoes, and castor beans, contain harmful substances that can lead to health issues in chickens. Always monitor what your chickens can access in their chicken coop and yard.
Additional Notes
- Feeding Corn Husks: Corn husks can be a good treat for chickens when cut into small pieces. They enjoy pecking at them, and it can be a fun and healthy snack that adds variety to their diet.
- Understanding Nutritional Needs: Chickens require specific nutrients, like the essential amino acid methionine, for proper growth and egg production. Making sure their diet is well-rounded with high-quality feed and safe treats is vital.
The Bottom Line
Chickens can eat just about everything, from fresh fruit to pumpkin seeds. Give them treats in moderation, and you don’t need to worry.

By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.