Best Bird Feed for Cardinals – 2025 Reviews

Cardinals have specific tastes that differ from many other backyard birds. They prefer larger seeds they can crack open with their strong beaks, and they’re particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower. Unlike some birds, cardinals typically feed from platform feeders or hoppers rather than clinging to tubes, so consider your feeder type when choosing seeds.

These beautiful birds are also creatures of habit—once they find a reliable food source, they’ll return regularly. Consistency is key, so once you find a blend they like, stick with it to keep them coming back to your yard.

Black oil sunflower seeds are the cardinal’s absolute favorite—the thin shells are easy to crack, and the high oil content provides essential energy. Safflower seeds are another top choice that offer the bonus of being less attractive to squirrels and blackbirds. Striped sunflower seeds have thicker shells but are still popular, while peanut pieces provide valuable protein, especially during breeding season.

Avoid blends heavy on millet or cracked corn if cardinals are your main target—while they’ll eat some, these are less preferred and may attract more undesirable birds like starlings and grackles.

Let’s be honest—squirrels can demolish your bird feed budget faster than you can say ‘cardinal.’ The good news is that safflower seeds are naturally squirrel-deterrent due to their bitter taste, while still being loved by cardinals. Some blends also use specialized feeders or hot pepper treatments, but seed selection is your first line of defense.

I’ve found that mixing safflower into your blend or using pure safflower in certain feeders can significantly reduce squirrel activity without affecting cardinal visits. It’s about finding the right balance that keeps your feathered friends happy while discouraging the furry ones.

Cardinals need different nutritional support throughout the year. During winter months, high-fat seeds like black oil sunflower provide crucial energy for survival. In spring and summer, protein-rich options like peanuts support breeding and molting. Fall is transition time when a mixed blend helps them prepare for colder weather.

Remember that cardinals don’t migrate, so they’ll visit your feeder year-round if you provide consistent, appropriate nutrition. I always adjust my blend slightly with the seasons to match their changing needs.

Where you place your feeder matters almost as much as what you put in it. Cardinals prefer feeders placed near cover like shrubs or trees where they can quickly retreat if threatened. They also appreciate platform-style feeders where they can perch comfortably rather than having to cling.

Regular cleaning is essential—I clean my feeders every two weeks to prevent mold and disease. Cardinals are particularly susceptible to some avian diseases, so maintaining clean feeding stations helps keep your backyard flock healthy and returning season after season.

Bird feeding can become expensive, but you don’t need to break the bank to attract cardinals. Focus on blends that prioritize cardinal-preferred seeds rather than filler ingredients like milo or wheat. Sometimes spending a bit more on a quality blend actually saves money because there’s less waste and the birds eat more of what you provide.

I recommend starting with a mid-range option like our Best Value pick to see what works in your area, then adjusting based on the response you get from your local cardinal population.

While seeds are their primary food source, cardinals also enjoy berries, fruits, and insects when available. In nature, they’ll eat wild grapes, dogwood berries, and even agricultural crops like corn and oats. During breeding season, they significantly increase their insect consumption to provide protein for their young.

At feeders, they’ll occasionally enjoy suet cakes, mealworms, or fruit pieces, but high-quality seeds remain their preferred and most reliable food source throughout the year.

Attracting cardinals requires patience and the right setup. Start by placing a platform or hopper feeder near protective cover like bushes or trees—cardinals are cautious birds and need quick escape routes. Use a blend rich in black oil sunflower and safflower seeds, and be consistent with your feeding schedule.

It might take several weeks for them to discover and trust your feeder, but once they do, they’ll become regular visitors. Adding a water source like a birdbath can also increase attraction, as cardinals need fresh water daily.

If cardinals aren’t visiting your feeder, several factors could be at play. Check your seed blend—if it’s heavy on millet or corn, they may be ignoring it in favor of better options elsewhere. Feeder placement is crucial—if it’s too exposed or too far from cover, cardinals may feel vulnerable.

Also consider predator presence like outdoor cats or hawks in the area, and make sure your feeders are clean and the seed is fresh. Sometimes simply trying a different blend or moving the feeder slightly can make all the difference.

Cardinals have definite feeder preferences due to their size and feeding style. They strongly prefer platform feeders, hopper feeders, or tray-style setups where they can perch comfortably while eating. Their relatively large size and ground-feeding nature make tube feeders less ideal, though they’ll use them if necessary.

I’ve had the best success with larger platform feeders that give them plenty of room to land and feed without competition from more aggressive birds. The key is providing a stable, comfortable feeding station that matches their natural feeding behavior.

Squirrel control requires a multi-pronged approach. Safflower seeds are your best friend—cardinals love them but squirrels generally avoid them. You can also use baffled poles, weight-sensitive feeders, or placement strategies that make it difficult for squirrels to access the food.

I’ve found that offering a separate squirrel feeder with less desirable food like corn can sometimes distract them from your cardinal blends. The goal is to make your cardinal feeder inconvenient or unappealing to squirrels while keeping it accessible and attractive to your feathered guests.