Pigeons eat mainly grains, seeds, legumes, and greens. They also benefit from minerals and supplements for digestion and health. Wild pigeons also eat berries and small fruits, while homing pigeons need high-energy grains and protein-rich legumes for stamina.
Pigeons are adaptable eaters, but giving them the right diet is essential for their health, breeding, and performance. Let’s explore what pigeons can and should eat in detail.
What Does a Pigeon Eat Daily?
A pigeon’s daily diet is pretty simple. Most keepers provide them with a balanced mix of grains and seeds, supplemented with some legumes for added protein and grit to aid digestion.
On average, each pigeon eats around 30–50 grams of feed a day—though bigger or more active birds will naturally need a little more.
Best Food for Pigeons
The best food for pigeons is a balanced seed and grain mix, enriched with supplements:
| Food Type | Examples | Benefits |
| Grains | Maize, wheat, barley, oats | Provides energy, carbohydrates |
| Seeds | Sunflower, safflower, millet | Adds fat and essential oils |
| Legumes | Peas, beans, lentils | Rich in protein for growth & muscle health |
| Minerals/Grit | Oyster shell, grit, red stone | Bone strength & better digestion |
| Greens | Spinach, kale, dandelion | Fibre & essential micronutrients |
| Supplements | Vitamins, probiotics, electrolytes | Boost immunity & racing stamina |
Healthy Food Options for Pigeons
Pigeons can eat a wide variety of natural foods that keep them healthy and active.
- Grains like wheat, maize, barley, and oats are their everyday staples and give them plenty of energy.
- Seeds such as millet, sunflower, and safflower are little power snacks that pigeons really enjoy.
- Legumes like peas, beans, and lentils are packed with protein to keep them strong and healthy.
- Fresh greens— spinach, kale, or even dandelion leaves—are great for extra vitamins and fibre.
- And don’t forget minerals and grit (oyster shell, red stone, or regular grit). These might not sound exciting, but they’re essential for digestion and bone strength.
One tip: while pigeons may peck at almost anything, it’s best to avoid giving them salty, fried, mouldy, or processed foods—especially bread and chocolate, which can actually harm their health.
What Do Wild Pigeons Eat?
Wild pigeons, especially those living in cities, eat a wide mix of whatever they can find. Their diet often includes grains and seeds from fields, berries and small fruits, and in urban areas, discarded food scraps like rice, corn, and pulses.
They may also peck at nuts, acorns, and small insects when available, as these provide an extra source of protein and energy. However, not all food sources are good for them—bread, fried items, and processed foods can harm their digestion and overall health. Ideally, wild pigeons thrive best on natural foods such as grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, and leafy greens.
What Do Homing Pigeons Eat?
Homing pigeons—better known as racing pigeons—burn a lot of energy during long flights, so their diet needs to fuel both endurance and recovery.
Here’s what keeps them in top shape:
- High-carb grains like maize, wheat, barley, and rice for quick energy.
- Protein-rich legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils can help rebuild muscles after flying.
- Oil-rich seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, and hemp seeds, provide healthy fats and extra stamina.
- Fresh greens (spinach, kale, or dandelion leaves) to provide essential vitamins and fibre.
- Supplements, including electrolytes, probiotics, multivitamins, and amino acids, to boost immunity and speed up recovery.
- Minerals and grit (oyster shell, red stone, grit) to support digestion and bone strength.
What Do Pigeons Like to Eat?
Pigeons definitely have their favourites when it comes to food. They particularly enjoy maize and peas, which are both highly palatable and easy to digest. Sunflower seeds are another favourite thanks to their rich oils and energy boost.
Many pigeons also love pecking at fresh greens like spinach, kale, and dandelion leaves. In addition, they’re often drawn to millet, safflower, and hemp seeds, which add variety and healthy fats to their diet.
Of course, while pigeons may have preferences, it’s important to remember that balanced nutrition should always come before taste, a healthy mix of grains, seeds, legumes, and greens will keep them strong and thriving.
What Do Passenger Pigeons Eat?
Although passenger pigeons are now extinct, their diet was well-documented and very similar to that of modern pigeons. They primarily fed on acorns (from oak trees) and beech nuts, which were rich in fats and energy.
They also enjoyed wild berries such as blueberries, cranberries, and cherries, along with seasonal fruits they found in forests. In addition, passenger pigeons consumed a variety of seeds and grains, including corn, wheat, and chestnuts, depending on availability.
This diverse natural diet shows that pigeons, both in the past and today, thrive best on a seed- and grain-based diet, supported by fruits and nuts.
Recommended Pigeon Feed Options
- Deli Nature DoviX Maize-Free (20kg)
A maize-free mix that’s perfect for pigeons with lighter plumage or fanciers looking for a balanced, easy-to-digest option.
- Eurital Black Sunflower Seeds (25kg)
High-quality green peas provide essential protein and support strong muscle development.
- Eurital Yellow Peas (25kg)
A protein-rich favourite among breeders and racers, great for recovery and growth.
- Beyers Premium Vandenabeele (20kg)
A premium grain mix designed for performance pigeons, supporting stamina and energy needs.
- Vanrobaeys Trend Mix Nr. 249 (27.5kg)
A versatile all-season feed with a balanced combination of grains and legumes.
- Colombine All-In-One (10kg)
More than just feed—this mix combines grains with grit, minerals, and vitamins for complete support.
- Vanrobaeys Yellow Crisp Maize Nr. 78 (25kg)
Naturally dried yellow maize, providing high-energy carbohydrates for racing and breeding pigeons.
- Eurital Black Sunflower Seeds (25kg)
Black sunflower seeds are rich in oils, perfect for adding healthy fats and shine to your pigeons’ feathers.
Conclusion
No matter if they’re wild pigeons in the city, homing pigeons training for races, or fancy breeds in your loft, their needs are pretty similar.
They stay healthiest on a balanced mix of grains, seeds, legumes, and minerals, with some fresh greens and supplements to round things out.
Giving your pigeons the right food doesn’t just keep them strong—it also supports better breeding, faster recovery, and overall top performance.
