Ducks don’t rely on human food to survive – they primarily subsist on insects, seeds and aquatic plants. Therefore, it is essential that the food you provide them with is safe for them.
Some foods are unsafe to feed ducks – such as bread, chips, crackers, cereals and mouldy food. Eating these may lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and hemolytic anemia – a blood condition which could result in respiratory disease in ducks.
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Fruits
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential components of a balanced diet for ducks. They enjoy an array of fruits such as berries, melons, watermelon rinds, seeds and more to stay energized throughout their day.
Ripe, underripe or leftover produce such as bananas, melon and cantaloupe is ideal for feeding ducks.
Kale, Swiss chard and spinach are safe for ducks to eat. Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower can be fed either raw or cooked.
Iceberg lettuce is a popular food to feed ducks, but it lacks nutritional value and should only be given in small amounts.
Green beans can also be offered to ducks, though they must first be cooked due to hemagglutinin toxic which could prove hazardous for birds.
Vegetables
Ducks love vegetables, and you can offer them a variety of favorites. Sweet corn, cucumbers, kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli and squash are some of the favorites.
However, all vegetables should be cut into smaller pieces before feeding them to ducks as they have difficulty chewing and long strands can get stuck in their digestive tract.
Some leafy greens like spinach can be toxic to ducks due to their high oxalic acid content, so it is best to avoid providing free-feeding spinach to your ducks.
Chard is another nutritious vegetable you can safely feed your ducks; it belongs to the cabbage family and helps boost their immune systems as well as support bone health. Plus, it’s packed full of vitamins A, C, E and K for added nutritional benefits!
Rice
Rice is an extremely nourishing food for ducks, providing them with essential vitamins, fiber and protein. Additionally, it’s an excellent source of carbohydrate which makes it easily digestible by ducks.
However, rice should only be given in moderation to prevent it from replacing other sources of nutrition. Aim for around 10% of their dietary intake with this grain.
Feeding your baby ducklings rice from time to time will not harm them, but be sure to watch their intake closely so they do not overeat. Overfeeding can lead to malnutrition and could deprive them of essential vitamins from their non-medicated starter feed.
Bread
Ducks may be adorable, but they need a varied diet to stay healthy. According to Kristin Norris of VCA Bridgeport Animal Hospital, feeding ducks too much bread can cause health issues and have an adverse effect on their environment.
Ducks typically feed on greens from their environment, such as grass and small fish and frogs – everything you’d find in a pond. Seeds and nuts can also be beneficial but only in small amounts since they contain fat and essential fatty acids.
Vegetables such as sweetcorn and lettuce, along with fruit like apples and banana pieces, are beneficial to ducks because they provide essential vitamins, fibre and water. Unfortunately, too much bread may lead to angel wing syndrome – an abnormal growth of the wings.
Treats
Ducks can safely consume a variety of treats, from fresh fruits and vegetables to cooked or uncooked grains. You may also give them small amounts of protein.
Ducks enjoy a variety of whole grains, such as brown rice and porridge oats; cooked or uncooked wheat, barley or millet; cooked wheat berries or quinoa can also be enjoyed as a treat.
However, you should not feed them bread as this is not suitable for their nutritional needs. It’s high in carbohydrates and salt, as well as lacking essential vitamins and minerals – all of which they don’t require.
