Wild ducks are known for their diverse diet. They eat a wide variety of things such as aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Domestic ducks are mostly fed a commercial duck diet consisting of pellets, grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. But, can ducks eat strawberries.
Yes, ducks can eat strawberries as a healthy treat. Strawberries contain several important vitamins that can improve their overall health. Giving ducks treats such as strawberries should not count for more than 10% of the duck’s diet. More than that can lead to health issues.
In this article we will learn more about ducks eating strawberries and the positive effect they can have on their health. We will go over things like nutritional value, benefits to their health and how to feed ducks strawberries.
How Often Can I Feed My Ducks Strawberries?
Since strawberries is considered a treat, ducks should not eat them more than a couple times a month. It’s important to never replace a meal with strawberries because ducks are very sensitive when it comes to their dietary needs.
Can Ducklings Eat Strawberries?
Yes, ducklings can also eat strawberries like their parents. However it is important that the ducklings are at least 4 weeks old before introducing them to strawberries. The vitamins and mineral can be very beneficial to ducklings as well and giving them some strawberries will enrich their taste palette.
Make sure to mash or chop the strawberries into small pieces and make sure to have fresh water when you feed them.
Can Ducks Eat Strawberry Stems And Leaves?
Yes, ducks can eat strawberry stems and leaves. Both parts of the strawberry plant are non-toxic to ducks. In fact, strawberry stems and leaves can be a source of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to ducks.
Strawberries Nutritional Value
Below is the nutritional value of 100 grams of strawberries.
- Calories: 32
- Water: 91%
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Carbs: 7.7 grams
- Sugar: 4.9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
It also contains several vitamins and minerals as listed below.
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Folate
- Potassium
[Source]
Are Strawberries Healthy for Ducks?
Yes, strawberries are healthy for ducks when given in moderation. Like with any other treat, it should not replace their regular meal. Feeding duck too much treats can lead to overweight and other health complications. Below is a small recap of the benefits of ducks eating strawberries.
- Vitamin C is an important part of a duck’s diet and helps them keep their overall function of their immune system in good health.
- Manganese contributes to their metabolism and helps them keep their bones healthy and strong.
- Folate plays an important part in the duck’s overall growth.
- Potassium does a great job at ensuring their fluid balance as well as their heart health.
How To Feed Strawberries To Ducks
- Make sure to use fresh strawberries.
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly to remove any pesticide and chemical that can be present on the surface.
- Cut the strawberries into small pieces or mash to avoid the risk of the duck choking.
- Make sure to feed the ducks the strawberries near or in water if possible. This mimics their natural foraging instinct since their beaks have a unique ability to filter their food through water.
- Always keep an eye out for their reaction. Most the time they will be happy little quackers, but it’s still important to introduce new treats in small portions to see how they like it.
More Fruit Ducks Can Eat
Ducks are opportunists and will eat almost anything nutritious that they can find and below are some more fruits and berries that they love to eat:
Be sure to explore our comprehensive list of fruits suitable for ducks.
Conclusion
Feeding ducks treats at the park or as a caregiver is an enriching experience. Just make sure to give them treats in moderation because you never know if someone else already given them something to eat. As a caregiver it’s important to not replace a meal with treats as that have contribute to some serious health complications in the long run.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. I'm not an expert or a veterinarian.
