Domestic ducks enjoy a wide range of foods. They forage for greens, berries and small animals like slugs and worms.
Ducks that access ponds often feed on fish, algae and other aquatic creatures for their diet. These foods provide essential nutrients that keep the duck healthy.
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Feeding
Domestic ducks need a variety of foods to meet their nutritional requirements when hungry. It is essential to diversify their diet so they don’t become dependent on one type of food for survival.
Domestic ducks generally enjoy a varied diet of fruits and vegetables as well as some grains and legumes. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which keep your feathered friends healthy and content.
Fruits can be messy to feed your ducks, so chop them into small pieces before offering them. Apples, grapes and melons are all excellent choices for your feathered friends.
Weeds such as dandelions, clover and pansies are safe options for your ducks to eat from your lawn; however, only use weeds from your yard that were not treated with chemicals like pesticides.
Treats
Domestic ducks are omnivores and enjoy eating a variety of treats when hungry. Their favorite treats include meal worms, feeder goldfish or minnows, as well as most types of insects.
Your ducks also enjoy raw or cooked vegetables and fruits, such as green peas, lettuce, carrots, corn, kale, cabbage and zucchini. All these make nutritious treats for your ducks to nibble on!
Avoid feeding them high-acid fruits like citrus (lemons, limes, oranges), as these can lead to digestive issues. Leafy greens can be given as a treat but should be chopped into small pieces and shredded for easier digestion.
Dairy products can be a tasty treat for your ducks, but make sure they only get small amounts. All birds are lactose intolerant, so limit how much milk or cheese they consume.
Grass
When domestic ducks get hungry, grass is often their go-to food. Grass provides them with balanced nutrition in a natural way and provides them with essential vitamins and minerals.
Grasses are perennial plants with blade-shaped leaves and stems that attach at the base. These leaves often form a single unit at their base, with sheathing around their stem for protection.
Sheaths are protective flaps of tissue that keep soil and parasites out of a leaf or stem. The top edges overlap each other and meet at an overlap collar on the stem.
Grass is an essential food source for many animals, such as deer and buffalo, mice, grasshoppers, caterpillars and cattle. Not only does it prevent soil erosion but it can also aid in the growth of lawns.
Bread
Domestic ducks often snack on bread when they’re hungry. It is a staple food and popular choice in many households around the world.
Bread has often been demonized as a carb-heavy, high-calorie and highly processed food; however, there are healthy whole grain varieties that can be included in your diet when consumed in moderation. Furthermore, some bread products are even enriched with key micronutrients like iron and B-vitamins thiamine, niacin and riboflavin.
When selecting a food product, it’s essential to opt for one made with whole grains and minimally processed ingredients that has low sugar content. Studies have indicated that eating more whole grains reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other health conditions.
Water
Domestic ducks will drink water from a pond or stream when they feel thirsty. They also feed on aquatic plants like duckweed or Lemna that float in the water.
Wild ducks also forage on land for grass, seeds and small worms. They have also been known to pick up slugs and grubs which provide valuable sources of protein.
Grass and greens are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. To boost the nutritional value of your water or pond, add in some fresh vegetables in the mix.
