Do you have ducks at home and are looking for healthy snacks to feed them? Ducks are no picky eaters, but there are some snacks they like more than others. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy snacks that ducks love and that can keep them healthy and happy. Here are some of the best healthy snacks for ducks that you can give your feathered friend.
Ducks love a variety of healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, grains and seeds, and insects. Make sure to cut the fruits and vegetables into small pieces, soak the grains and seeds in water, and limit the amount of insects given to your ducks. One snack that many ducks love are frozen peas.
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What do wild ducks eat?
Wild ducks forage for their food in shallow waters, mainly eating aquatic plants, grasses and small invertebrates. They also scavenge for grain, seeds, nuts, and berries around the water. In some areas, ducks will also feed on larger aquatic animals, such as tadpoles and small fish.
- Aquatic plants
- Small invertebrates, like snails, worms, aquatic larvae and bugs
- Grains
- Seed and Nuts
- Berries
- Tadpoles and Frogs
- Small fish
Fruits, Vegetables and Berries
Fruits and vegetables are perfect snacks for ducks, as they are naturally sweet and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Ducks love cucumbers, apples, watermelons, corn, and carrots. Make sure you cut the fruits and vegetables into small pieces so that your ducks can eat them without problems.
Fruits that ducks can eat:
- Apples without seeds
- Watermelons
- Bananas
- Pears
- Peaches
Vegetables that ducks can eat:
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Corn
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Radishes
- Peas
Berries that ducks love:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
Grains and Seeds
Grains and seeds are also a great snack for ducks, as they provide plenty of energy and nutrients. Wild ducks love to eat grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. You can also give them different kinds of bird seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, and millet. Make sure to soak the grains and seeds in water first before feeding it to the ducks, as this will make them easier to digest.
Grains and Seeds that are good snacks for ducks:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Sunflower
- Safflower
- Millet
Insects and Worms
Insects are a great source of protein for ducks and can make a great snack. Crickets, worms, and mealworms are all great snacks for ducks. However, be careful not to give the ducks too many insects, as this can cause them to eat too much protein.
Good Insects and Worms for ducks:
- Crickets
- Worms, like earthworms*
- Mealworms*
Additional Snacks
Fish is another great snack for ducks. You can feed them cooked fish, as long as it is free of fish bones. You can also give them seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and clams. Be sure to thaw them before feeding it to the ducks.
Another great snack for ducks are cooked beans. Beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious snack. Make sure the beans are cooked and cooled before feeding them to your ducks, as uncooked or dried beans contain toxic ingredients.
Finally, you can also give your ducks cooked eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins, and ducks love them! Hard-boiled eggs are the best option for ducks, as they are easier to digest.
- Cooked Fish
- Shrimp
- Mussels
- Clams
- Cooked Beans (not raw or dried!)
- Cooked Eggs
What foods should you never feed your ducks?
Even if ducks can eat a wide variety of foods, some are toxic or or not healthy for ducks in the long run.
Fruits with Seeds
Fruits with seeds can be dangerous for ducks. The pits and seeds of fruit can contain toxins, like cyanide in apple seeds. It is best to avoid feeding ducks any type of fruit with seeds, including apples, pears, and cherries, or remove the seeds first before feeding them to your ducks.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a popular treat for humans, but it can be deadly for ducks. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to ducks. Don’t ever feed your ducks any type of chocolate, including white, dark, or milk chocolate.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are not a healthy choice for anyone, including ducks. Fried foods are high in fat and can cause serious health problems if eaten in excess. Don’t feed your ducks fried foods, such as french fries or chips.
Bread
Bread is not a suitable food for ducks due to its high carbohydrate content and lack of important vitamins and minerals. Additionally, bread can cause digestive upset in ducks, leading to dehydration and other health issues, like angel wings.
How to best feed treats to your ducks?
When giving your duck snacks, be sure to monitor the amount of food you give them. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems in ducks. You should also make sure that the snacks you give them are appropriate for ducks, as some foods can be toxic for ducks. Finally, you should always make sure that the snacks you give them are fresh and not spoiled.
When providing snacks to ducks, it is also important to make sure they have access to fresh, clean water. Ducks need plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated, and they love mixing their food with water.
- Don’t feed your ducks too many snacks, no more than 10% of the total feed
- Make sure snacks are appropriate for ducks
- Make sure snacks are fresh and not spoiled
- Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces
- Soak grains and seeds in water before feeding
- Be careful not to give ducks too many insects or worms, to avoid protein overload
- Provide ducks with access to fresh, clean water
Conclusion
Ducks love a variety of snacks, and there are plenty of healthy options available. Fruits and vegetables, grains and seeds, insects, fish, cooked beans, and eggs can all make great snacks for ducks. As long as you keep them healthy and in moderation, your duck will love these delicious snacks!
Here you can find an article about the best 7 duck breeds for beginners.
