Cardinals are a common sight in many backyards across North America. These beautiful birds are known for their vibrant red color and distinctive crest. If you want to attract these feathered friends to your yard, providing them with the right food is essential. In this article, we will be discussing the best cardinal bird food on the market.
When it comes to feeding cardinals, it’s important to choose a high-quality bird food that meets their nutritional needs. Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, so a good bird food for them should contain a mix of seeds that they enjoy. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of many cardinals, as are safflower seeds. Other seeds that cardinals enjoy include millet, cracked corn, and peanuts.
When choosing a cardinal bird food, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the bird food you choose is free from fillers and additives that can be harmful to birds. Additionally, look for bird food that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long. Finally, consider the size of the bird food bag – if you have a lot of cardinals visiting your yard, you may want to opt for a larger bag to ensure that you always have enough food on hand.
We spent hours researching and testing various cardinal bird foods to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we will be discussing our top picks for the best cardinal bird food.
Table of Contents
- Best Cardinal Bird Food
- Wagner’s Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food
- Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food
- Kaytee Wild Bird Food Nut & Fruit Seed Blend
- Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate Birder’s Blend Food Seed
- Wild Delight Cardinal Food
- Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed
- Wagner’s Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food
- Wagner’s Southern Regional Blend Wild Bird Food
- Wagner’s Eastern Regional Blend Bird Food
- Kaytee Cardinal Cake
- Buying Guide
Best Cardinal Bird Food
If you’re looking to attract beautiful and colorful cardinals to your backyard, providing them with the right food is essential. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best cardinal bird food options available on Amazon. These products are highly rated by customers and are known to attract cardinals, as well as other bird species. Check out our list below to find the perfect food to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy.
Wagner’s Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food
If you want to attract beautiful and colorful birds to your backyard, then Wagner’s Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice.
Pros
- The mixture of high oil content seeds provides the necessary energy needed to nourish these brilliantly colored birds.
- The blend of safflower and black oil sunflower seeds is irresistible to cardinals and other songbirds.
- The velcro press-lok makes it easy to use and store.
Cons
- The price is a bit higher compared to other bird food products.
- Some customers reported that squirrels still manage to eat the seeds.
- The packaging is not as durable as expected.
Wagner’s Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice for bird lovers who want to attract cardinals and other songbirds to their backyard. The blend of safflower and black oil sunflower seeds is irresistible to these beautiful birds, and the high oil content seeds provide the necessary energy to nourish them. The convenient velcro press-lok makes it easy to use and store.
However, the price is a bit higher compared to other bird food products, and some customers reported that squirrels still manage to eat the seeds. Additionally, the packaging is not as durable as expected, which can be a problem if you store the bird food for a long time.
Overall, if you want to attract cardinals and other songbirds to your backyard, Wagner’s Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice.
Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food
If you want to attract colorful backyard birds to your feeder, Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great option.
Pros
- Contains 100% sunflower and safflower seed with no fillers
- Oil-rich seeds provide wholesome energy for birds
- Safflower is disliked by squirrels, reducing the chance of them stealing the food
Cons
- May attract a lot of squirrels if used in an open feeder
- Some birds may not prefer safflower seed
- Not suitable for bird species that do not eat seeds
This bird food blend is perfect for year-round feeding and attracts a variety of birds like cardinals, titmice, chickadees, finches, and grosbeaks. The sunflower and safflower seeds are rich in oil, making them a favorite among wild birds.
If you’re looking for a bird food blend that does not contain any fillers, Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great option. The oil-rich seeds provide wholesome energy for birds, giving them the nutrients they need to thrive. Additionally, squirrels are unlikely to steal the food since they dislike safflower seed.
However, this bird food blend may attract a lot of squirrels if used in an open feeder. Additionally, some bird species may not prefer safflower seed. This blend is not suitable for bird species that do not eat seeds.
Overall, Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a great option for attracting colorful backyard birds to your feeder. It’s a high-quality blend with no fillers and provides birds with the energy they need to thrive.
Kaytee Wild Bird Food Nut & Fruit Seed Blend
If you want to attract colorful songbirds to your backyard, then Kaytee Wild Bird Food Nut & Fruit Seed Blend is an excellent choice.
Pros
- This high-energy food is perfect for year-round feeding.
- The blend contains a rich mix of seeds and grains with added nut and fruit pieces.
- It attracts Cardinals, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, and other colorful songbirds.
Cons
- Squirrels may try to get to the food.
- The price is a bit high compared to other bird foods.
- The seeds may attract unwanted pests.
Kaytee Nut & Fruit blend is a premium mix of healthful seeds, like sunflower and safflower seeds, with added nuts and fruit pieces to appeal to a wide variety of colorful songbirds. The pleasant cherry aroma attracts wild birds, and they will keep coming back for more.
The food is easy to use, and you can place it in different types of feeders. It is also effortless to clean up after, and you can dispose of any leftovers without any hassle.
Overall, Kaytee Wild Bird Food Nut & Fruit Seed Blend is a great choice if you want to attract a wide variety of songbirds to your backyard. It is high-quality, easy to use, and provides excellent nutrition for your feathered friends.
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate Birder’s Blend Food Seed
If you want to attract a variety of wild birds to your backyard and offer them a healthy diet, Kaytee Ultimate Birders’ Blend is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Made with high-quality ingredients including Safflower, Peanuts, Striped Sunflower, and Millet to attract a wide variety of wild birds.
- Formulated by birding enthusiasts to offer increased nutritional value and keep birds coming back to your feeders year-round.
- Compatible with hopper, gazebo, and tube style bird feeders.
Cons
- Some users reported that the bag was torn during shipping, resulting in a loss of seed.
- A few users reported that the mix contained too much millet.
- Squirrels may also be attracted to this bird food.
Kaytee Ultimate Birders’ Blend is a specially blended wild bird food that is formulated by birding enthusiasts to attract a wide variety of wild birds such as Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Juncos, and more. This bird food is made with high-quality ingredients including Safflower, Peanuts, Striped Sunflower, and Millet to provide a healthy diet for wild birds.
One of the best things about this bird food is that it is formulated to offer increased nutritional value, which means that birds will frequent your feeders more often and stay longer if you provide a consistent, reliable source of high-energy seeds and blends from Kaytee. The wide variety of ingredients in this bird food provides a healthy diet and keeps birds coming back to your feeders year-round.
Kaytee Ultimate Birders’ Blend is compatible with hopper, gazebo, and tube style bird feeders, so you can easily attract a variety of wild birds to your backyard. However, some users reported that the bag was torn during shipping, resulting in a loss of seed. A few users also reported that the mix contained too much millet, which may not be preferred by some birds. Additionally, squirrels may also be attracted to this bird food, so you may need to take measures to keep them away from your feeders.
Overall, if you want to attract a variety of wild birds to your backyard and offer them a healthy diet, Kaytee Ultimate Birders’ Blend is an excellent choice.
Wild Delight Cardinal Food
If you want to attract and feed the most desirable outdoor pets, then Wild Delight Cardinal Food is a great option.
Pros
- Advanced formula with added vitamins and minerals
- Contains real cherries and nuts
- No fillers, no corn, no milo, no millet, and no chemical preservatives
Cons
- Some customers reported that squirrels also love this food and tend to eat it a lot
- A bit pricey compared to other bird foods in the market
- Some customers reported that birds didn’t like the food
Wild Delight Cardinal Food is a premium wild bird food that is blended to attract and feed the most desirable outdoor pets. It features real cherries, real nuts, added vitamins and minerals, electrolytes, and amino acids. It contains no fillers, no corn, no milo, no millet, and no chemical preservatives. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to provide their birds with high-quality food.
The advanced formula of Wild Delight Cardinal Food ensures that birds get all the necessary nutrients they need to stay healthy. The added vitamins and minerals help to boost the immune system of birds and keep them healthy. The real cherries and nuts in the food make it more appealing to birds and attract them to the feeder.
One of the downsides of this food is that it tends to attract squirrels as well. Some customers reported that squirrels tend to eat a lot of this food, which can be a problem if you want to feed only birds. Another downside is that it is a bit pricey compared to other bird foods in the market.
In conclusion, Wild Delight Cardinal Food is a great option for anyone who wants to attract and feed the most desirable outdoor pets. It features an advanced formula with added vitamins and minerals, real cherries, and nuts. However, it can attract squirrels, and it is a bit pricey compared to other bird foods in the market.
Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed
If you’re looking for a premium bird food mix that’s perfect for cardinals, grosbeaks, and blue jays, then the Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Contains over 70% sunflower seeds, which are a favorite among cardinals and other wild birds
- Attracts a wide variety of wild birds, including bushtits, chickadees, jays, mockingbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Varied Thrush, and more
- Compatible with most outdoor bird feeders, including hopper bird feeders, bird feeder trays with or without covers, wire mesh bird feeders, and window bird feeders
Cons
- Some users have reported that the seed mix is not as fresh as they had hoped
- A few customers have mentioned that the mix attracts unwanted birds, such as squirrels and grackles
- A handful of reviewers have noted that the bag is smaller than they expected
In my experience, the Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed is a great option for anyone who wants to attract cardinals and other wild birds to their backyard. The mix contains a high percentage of sunflower seeds, which are a favorite among cardinals, and it’s also compatible with a wide variety of outdoor bird feeders.
One thing to keep in mind is that some users have reported that the seed mix is not as fresh as they had hoped. However, the bag does come with stay fresh technology to help keep the seeds as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Overall, I would recommend the Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed to anyone who wants to attract a wide variety of wild birds to their backyard. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of these birds up close and personal.
Wagner’s Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food
If you want to attract a variety of beautiful songbirds to your backyard, Wagner’s Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice.
Pros
- Attracts many beautiful perching and ground feeding Midwestern birds
- Contains seeds that Midwest songbirds desire including sunflower and safflower
- Can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeders
Cons
- May attract squirrels and other unwanted animals
- Some customers reported that the birds took a while to start eating it
- The seeds may spill out of the feeder if it’s not designed for this type of food
This bird food is made of high-quality grains and blended with black oil sunflower, striped sunflower seed, safflower seed, and other select grains. It’s perfect for attracting a variety of birds, including Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches, and Blue Jays. The blend works well in all types of feeders, and by offering your backyard birds a larger quantity of the seeds they enjoy, you will be rewarded with the different types of songbirds that will come to your feeders.
If you’re looking for a reliable bird food that will attract a variety of birds to your backyard, Wagner’s Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice. It’s made in the USA and contains the highest quality grains used in blending. Give it a try and see the different types of songbirds that will come to your feeders!
Wagner’s Southern Regional Blend Wild Bird Food
If you want to attract a variety of beautiful songbirds to your backyard, Wagner’s Southern Regional Blend Wild Bird Food is a great choice.
Pros
- Attracts many beautiful perching and ground feeding Southern songbirds
- Contains seeds that Southern songbirds desire including sunflower and safflower
- Can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeders
Cons
- May not attract some species of birds that prefer other types of seeds
- Some customers have reported that squirrels are attracted to this blend
- May not be suitable for areas with a high population of blackbirds
This blend of black oil sunflower, striped sunflower seed, safflower seed, and other grains is sure to be a hit with your backyard birds. Cardinals, chickadees, finches, and blue jays will be frequent visitors to your feeder.
I have personally used this bird food and have been impressed with the variety of birds it attracts. The high-quality grains used in blending ensure that your backyard birds are getting the best possible nutrition.
While some customers have reported issues with squirrels being attracted to this blend, I have not personally experienced this problem. Additionally, some bird species may prefer other types of seeds, so it’s important to research the types of birds in your area before making a purchase.
Overall, if you want to attract a diverse range of beautiful songbirds to your backyard, Wagner’s Southern Regional Blend Wild Bird Food is an excellent choice.
Wagner’s Eastern Regional Blend Bird Food
If you want to attract a variety of beautiful Eastern songbirds to your backyard, Wagner’s Eastern Regional Blend Bird Food is a great choice.
Pros
- Attracts many beautiful perching and ground feeding Eastern songbirds
- Contains seeds that Eastern songbirds desire including White Millet, Black Oil Sunflower Seed, Cracked Corn, Milo, Striped Sunflower Seed, Safflower Seed
- Can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeders
Cons
- Some customers have reported that squirrels are attracted to the bird food
- A few customers have mentioned that the bag is not resealable
- Some customers have reported that the bird food attracts unwanted birds like grackles
Wagner’s Eastern Regional Blend Bird Food is a high-quality bird food that contains the seeds that Eastern songbirds love. It can be fed in various feeders, making it versatile and easy to use. The bird food is made in the USA with the highest quality grains used in blending, so you can be sure that you are feeding your backyard birds the best.
If you want to attract a variety of songbirds to your backyard, this bird food is a great choice. Cardinals, chickadees, finches, and blue jays are just a few of the birds that will be frequent visitors to your backyard if you use this bird food. The blend works well in all types of feeders, so you can use it in whatever feeder you have.
One of the downsides of this bird food is that some customers have reported that squirrels are attracted to it. If you have a problem with squirrels in your backyard, you may want to consider using a squirrel-proof feeder. Additionally, some customers have mentioned that the bag is not resealable, which can be inconvenient if you don’t use all the bird food at once.
Overall, Wagner’s Eastern Regional Blend Bird Food is a great choice if you want to attract a variety of songbirds to your backyard. It’s easy to use, versatile, and made with high-quality grains.
Kaytee Cardinal Cake
If you want to attract cardinals and other songbirds to your backyard, Kaytee Cardinal Cake is a great choice.
Pros
- This premium seed cake is made from the finest ingredients and is long-lasting.
- It contains a variety of seeds, including sunflower, safflower, millet, and cracked corn, as well as gelatin and honey, which birds love.
- The cake slips easily into a suet feeder for convenient feeding.
Cons
- The cake may attract larger birds, which can be a problem if you’re trying to attract only cardinals and other small songbirds.
- Some users have reported that the cake doesn’t last as long as they expected.
- The cake may crumble or break apart if it gets wet.
Kaytee Cardinal Cake is a great choice if you want to attract cardinals and other songbirds to your backyard. The cake is made from the finest ingredients and is long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace it as often as other bird foods. It contains a variety of seeds, including sunflower, safflower, millet, and cracked corn, as well as gelatin and honey, which birds love. The cake slips easily into a suet feeder for convenient feeding, and it’s easy to clean up any messes that birds may make.
However, there are some downsides to Kaytee Cardinal Cake. The cake may attract larger birds, which can be a problem if you’re trying to attract only cardinals and other small songbirds. Some users have reported that the cake doesn’t last as long as they expected, so you may need to replace it more often than you would like. Additionally, the cake may crumble or break apart if it gets wet, which can be messy and may attract unwanted pests.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality bird food that will attract cardinals and other songbirds to your backyard, Kaytee Cardinal Cake is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure to use it in a way that works best for your specific needs.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cardinal bird food, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a bird food product:
Nutritional Value
Cardinals require a diet that is high in protein and fat. Look for bird food that contains sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts, and millet. These ingredients are high in protein and fat and are essential for the health and wellbeing of cardinals.
Freshness
Freshness is important when it comes to bird food. Look for products that have a recent manufacturing date and have been stored in a cool, dry place. Old or stale bird food can be harmful to birds and may not provide the necessary nutrients.
Packaging
Packaging is an important factor to consider when selecting bird food. Look for products that are packaged in airtight containers that will keep the food fresh and prevent moisture from getting in. Additionally, check the packaging for any signs of damage or tampering.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when selecting bird food. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it is important to remember that the quality of the product may be compromised. Look for bird food that is reasonably priced and offers good value for money.
Availability
Availability is another important factor to consider when selecting bird food. Look for products that are readily available at your local pet store or online. This will ensure that you can easily purchase the product when you need it.
In conclusion, when selecting the best cardinal bird food, it is important to consider factors such as nutritional value, freshness, packaging, price, and availability. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a high-quality product that will provide the necessary nutrients for the health and wellbeing of your feathered friends.