7 Best Dried Fruits for Wild Birds 2026

This gourmet powerhouse of a birdseed blend doesn’t just feed birds—it entices them. Packed with shelled peanuts, cashews, cranberries, and sunflower kernels, Lyric’s mix delivers maximum energy and zero filler waste, making it a top-tier choice for serious bird enthusiasts. Unlike basic seed blends that leave behind hulls and chaff, this all-natural formula is fully consumable, reducing mess and attracting discerning eaters like woodpeckers and grosbeaks with ease.

In real-world backyard testing, the diverse texture and flavor profile pulled in a wider variety of species than standard mixes—especially during colder months when high-fat, high-sugar foods are crucial. The 10 lb. dual-bag format keeps feeders stocked for weeks, and the seeds flow smoothly in both tube and hopper feeders without clogging. However, the higher nut content can attract squirrels and aggressive jays if not paired with a squirrel-resistant feeder. Still, for those prioritizing bird health and feeding efficiency, this blend performs exceptionally across seasons.

Compared to budget blends like Kaytee’s 5 lb option, Lyric stands out with premium ingredients and superior bird appeal, justifying its “Best Overall” title. While Pennington’s Ultra Double Nut offers comparable volume, Lyric’s cleaner formulation and broader fruit inclusion make it a more refined choice. Ideal for birders who want consistent visits from high-value songbirds without the cleanup hassle, this mix strikes a rare balance between luxury and practicality—offering richer nutrition and more vibrant activity than most competitors.

When it comes to sustained, year-round energy, Kaytee’s Ultimate Nut and Fruit mix delivers where others fall short. This dense, calorie-rich blend combines peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, and cracked corn into a powerhouse formula that keeps birds coming back, especially in winter when natural food sources dwindle. The lack of filler grains means less waste under feeders, and the balanced fat-to-fruit ratio supports feather health and metabolic stamina—critical for small songbirds braving cold snaps.

Field testing showed consistent visits from cardinals, finches, and nuthatches, with occasional appearances from grosbeaks and jays. The 9.75 lb bag is spacious enough for moderate-to-heavy feeders but still manageable for storage. It flows well in tube and platform feeders, though the larger nut pieces can occasionally bridge in narrow tube ports. While not as gourmet as Lyric’s premium offering, it provides excellent nutritional density at a more accessible tier, making it a reliable staple rather than a luxury treat.

Positioned between budget mixes and high-end blends, this mix outperforms cheaper alternatives in bird attraction and feed longevity. Compared to Wagner’s 5 lb gourmet option, it offers greater volume and broader seasonal utility, though with slightly less fruit variety. It’s the ideal pick for birders who want consistent, high-energy feeding without frequent refills, striking a smart balance between cost, convenience, and bird appeal—offering more sustained value than entry-level mixes with fewer compromises.

For bird lovers seeking maximum volume without sacrificing nutrition, Pennington’s Ultra Double Nut blend is a no-nonsense workhorse. Its 10 lb single-bag format offers unbeatable value, especially for large yards or multiple feeders, while the Bird Kote enrichment—a blend of vitamins and minerals—gives it a health edge over plain nut-and-fruit mixes. With whole peanuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and grains, this blend supports feather growth, immune health, and energy—making it a nutritional upgrade from basic seed mixes.

In practice, the blend attracts cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees, and towhees with strong consistency, particularly in early morning and late afternoon feeding windows. The larger seed and nut pieces are ideal for bigger-beaked birds but may be challenging for smaller finches. It works well in hopper and platform feeders, though the grain content can attract sparrows and starlings if not monitored. While not as refined as Lyric’s zero-waste formula, its fortified profile and bulk availability make it a smart long-term investment.

Compared to Audubon Park’s 8 lb fruit-focused mix, Pennington offers more volume and added health benefits, though with less emphasis on fruit-loving species like orioles. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious birders who still want nutrient enrichment and high-calorie fuel, especially in rural or high-traffic bird areas. Delivering greater quantity and balanced nutrition than most mid-tier blends, it’s the best choice when you need to feed more birds, more often, without breaking the bank.

If your goal is to lure fruit-loving songbirds like orioles, robins, and mockingbirds, Audubon Park’s blend is uniquely targeted and highly effective. With raisins and papaya prominently featured, this mix stands out in a market dominated by nut-heavy formulas, offering a sweet, natural draw that few competitors match. Backed by over 50% sunflower seeds—including black oil, striped, and hearts—it also delivers the protein and fat content needed for year-round health, making it a dual-purpose powerhouse for both fruit feeders and generalists.

Real-world use confirms strong visits from woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and cardinals, with notable appearances from orioles during spring migration—a rare win for backyard feeders. The 8 lb bag is compact enough for urban patios yet sufficient for 2–3 weeks of regular use. It performs flawlessly in tube, tray, and smart feeders, with no clumping or spoilage even in humid conditions. However, the higher sunflower content can lead to oil buildup in tube feeders if not cleaned regularly.

Against Kaytee’s 5 lb budget mix, Audubon Park offers superior fruit inclusion and broader species appeal, especially for seasonal migrants. While Wild Delight wins on cleanliness, this blend excels in versatility, balancing fruit attraction with core seed nutrition. It’s the definitive pick for birders in regions with fruit-eating species, delivering specialized appeal without sacrificing general bird health—a rare blend that feeds both the eye and the ecosystem.

For the obsessively tidy birder, Wild Delight’s Zero-Waste Fruit Blend is a game-changer in clean feeding. Every morsel is 100% edible—no shells, no hulls, no debris—meaning your yard stays pristine while still attracting high-value birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, and finches. The concentrated fruit and nut blend is designed to eliminate the mess left by traditional seed mixes, making it perfect for deck-mounted feeders, patios, and HOA-restricted neighborhoods where cleanliness is non-negotiable.

In testing, the blend proved highly attractive during early morning hours, with birds spending longer feeding due to the easy-to-digest, high-energy ingredients. The 5 lb bag lasts longer than expected because there’s zero discard—birds eat every bit. It flows smoothly in small tube and mesh feeders, though the lack of larger seeds means it’s less appealing to jays or grackles. While it doesn’t offer vitamin fortification like Pennington, its purity and precision make it a standout for targeted, low-maintenance feeding.

Compared to Wagner’s gourmet mix, Wild Delight delivers superior cleanliness and waste reduction, though with fewer seed varieties. It’s not the most voluminous option, but for those prioritizing a spotless yard and efficient feeding, it’s unmatched. Offering maximum consumption with minimum mess, it’s the smartest choice when you want birds without the burden of cleanup—outperforming bulk blends in hygiene and user convenience.

Wagner’s Gourmet Nut & Fruit mix brings all-natural simplicity to the forefront, appealing to purists who want clean ingredients without synthetic additives. This high-protein, fat-rich blend features peanuts, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit in a straightforward formula that birds recognize and return to. Free from artificial preservatives and fillers, it’s a trustworthy, no-frills option for eco-conscious feeders who prioritize ingredient transparency over marketing flair.

Field tests showed steady visits from cardinals, chickadees, and jays, with good performance across hopper and platform feeders. The 5 lb bag is easy to store and handle, ideal for smaller yards or seasonal use. While it lacks the vitamin fortification of Pennington or the fruit richness of Audubon Park, its consistent quality and natural profile make it a reliable go-to. It doesn’t attract as many fruit specialists like orioles, but for general songbird appeal, it holds its own—especially when paired with fresh water or native plants.

Stacked against Kaytee’s budget 5 lb mix, Wagner’s version offers a more artisanal, all-natural feel, though with similar bird appeal and volume. It’s not the most innovative blend, but for those who value ingredient purity and straightforward nutrition, it delivers with quiet confidence. Providing clean, dependable feeding without gimmicks, it earns its spot as a top-tier natural mix—offering peace of mind where it matters most.

When budget meets performance, Kaytee’s 5 lb Nut & Fruit Seed blend emerges as the smart starter choice for new and casual bird watchers. This high-energy mix features sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, and cherries—ingredients proven to attract cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers—without the premium price tag. It’s engineered for repeat visits, delivering enough fat and sugar to keep birds coming back, even in competitive feeding zones.

In real-world use, it performs reliably in tube and tray feeders, with good flow and minimal spoilage. The 5 lb size is perfect for testing feeder placement or seasonal setups, though frequent refill is needed in high-traffic yards. While it contains some grain fillers and lacks the zero-waste purity of Wild Delight, it still offers strong bird attraction at a low entry point. Smaller birds like finches adapt well, though larger pieces may go uneaten by the tiniest visitors.

Compared to Wagner’s gourmet mix, it offers nearly identical ingredients at the same price, but with less emphasis on all-natural branding. For beginners or those maintaining multiple feeders, it’s the most cost-effective way to sustain daily activity. Delivering solid performance and broad appeal on a budget, it’s the best pick when you want results without investment—proving that value and quality can coexist in bird feeding.