Taking care of animals and birds is similar to caring for children. Only pet parents can understand the struggle. As you think twice before feeding your children same goes for a bird. If you have a duck, you know that it can eat anything you throw at its feet. It is satisfying to watch ducks eat. However, a duck can eat anything; it can eat various fruits, including grapes, watermelon, bananas, plums, etc. However, the question that arises is, can a duck eat apples?
Most animal kingdom members love fruits; the same is with the ducks. Being a healthy fruit, apple is a good option when you think of adding something new to the ducks’ diet.
Can Ducks Eat Apples?
Of course, ducks can eat apples. Apples are healthy for humans and ducks too. Ducks can eat apples in regular quantities without seeds, which is good for ducks. Apple’s core is quite tricky for ducks to consume. So, you need to make sure to remove the core before feeding the apple to your duck.
Apple provides calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, so your apple can benefit the duck’s in several ways. An apple contains 15g of sugar, so always feed in moderation.
Can Ducklings Eat Apples?
Yes, ducklings can eat apples. However, one should always feed mashed apples to ducklings. Ducklings are undeveloped, and their jaw strength is not of a duck, so offering them mashed apples would be good. Removing the core and seed is good before offering the apple to the duckling; this will prevent the chances of choking.
Apple seeds contain cyanide, which may not harm big animals, but for ducks and ducklings, it may be a point of concern.
7 Health Benefits Of apples For Ducks
Apples are suitable for both humans and ducks. Apples contain vital nutrients necessary for good health. Here are some of the benefits of apples for ducks.
Vitamin A Supports Eyesight
Vitamin A plays a vital role in supporting eyesight, and it also helps in proper bone development. According to research, a duck can see 2-3 times farther than humans. Ducks’ vision is one of their greatest assets, and vitamin A helps protect a duck’s eight sights.
Vitamin C Works for the Immune System
Vitamin C is essential for a duck’s immune system. It maintains healthy bones and skin and acts as a powerful antioxidant. If you feed apples to your duck, it will not get ill quickly.
Niacin Stops Abnormalities
Ducks need 10mg of Niacin daily, and an apple contains 15 mg of Niacin. Ducks lacking in Niacin will experience aberrant growth patterns, which could ultimately be fatal.
Fiber Improves the Digestive System
Fiber helps in proper growth and gut health. Just like humans, ducks also need fiber for adequate growth. Apples are high in fiber, and fiber also helps improve the digestive system and helps food smoothly move through the digestive tract. The duck who eats lots of fiber never faces constipation.
Antioxidants Prevent Cell Damage
Apples are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage due to free radicals—feeding apples to ducks lesser the chances of cell damage and developing cancer.
Calcium, Phosphorus, & Magnesium Help in Healthy Feathers
Apples can boost calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in ducks, which all work together to support healthy bones and strong feathers. So the ducks can stay healthy, fit, and beautiful.
Potassium supports the central nervous system:
The potassium in the apple supports the growth of the duck’s muscles and central nervous system. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that helps in the adequate functioning of the heart and muscles. In ducks, it also regulates fluid balance and reduces muscle cramps.
3 Risks of Feeding Apples to Ducks
Cyanide in Seed Can Harm
One or two apple seeds won’t kill a duck. However, feeding larger quantities may be harmful and lethal for them. Permanently remove all the seeds for the apple because apple seeds contain Amygdalin, which releases the deadly chemical cyanide when it’s getting chewed or digested. Cyanide adversely affects ducks’ health.
Feeding Apples Lead to Obesity
Apples provide a lot of health benefits. However, apples may be healthy but have lots of sugar, and a medium-sized apple contains almost 15 grams of sugar. Eating too many apples may lead to obesity.
Big Size Can Cause Choking
The most crucial security precaution is to give the ducks tiny bits of apples to eat. Ducks take all of their food wholes without ever chewing it. Unless you cut everything into smaller pieces, any food could pose a choking risk.
How to Prepare Apples for Your Ducks?
Ducks can not take a bite from an apple. You have to feed a duck properly, and there are multiple ways to feed a duck safely.
Cut Into Small Chunks
Cut the apples into small pieces. Make small slices and then cut each slice into smaller pieces. A duck can quickly eat small amounts of apples without getting choked. Chop the apples into squares with no more than one centimeter on each side. (About 0.5 inches).
Shredded Apples
You can shred apples with a peeler or a chees grater, and your duck will love shredded apples. It has two benefits—First, a duck can quickly eat them without choking. Second, shredded apples look similar to small worms or caterpillars.
Apple Peels Are Also Good
You can also feed apple peels to your duck. If you give peeled apples to your child, don’t waste the peels. Rather than throwing it, provide it to your duck. However, always make sure to cut the peels into small pieces.
Applesauce May Attract the Duck
You can boil peeled apples, mash them using a potato masher or a blender, and turn them into applesauce. Remember, don’t feed hot applesauce. First, cool it and then feed it.
You would be wise to refrain from giving your ducks the apple core and ensuring they aren’t given any slices they can choke on. Amygdalin, found in apple seeds, is converted by the body into hydrogen cyanide. Even though a few apple seeds are not dangerous, throwing the rest of the seeds away (or better yet, the compost pile) is recommended.
Conclusion
Ducks are omnivorous and can eat anything. If you had the same question, can ducks eat apples? I hope you got your answer. Ducks love apples and can eat them. Apples get packed with healthy nutrients that benefit a duck’s health. You can feed apples to your duck as a healthy treat once in a while. Remember to take all the precautions and feed your duck in moderation.
Other Preferred Foods for Duck
FAQs
Can ducks eat apple seeds?
Never feed apple seeds to your duck. Apple seeds can injure animals and even be fatal to them, and Amygdalin is present in apple seeds.
How many apples can a duck eat?
Give your duck half of a medium-sized apple every week. They will receive around 30 calories and still get some vitamins and minerals.
Are apples Healthy for Ducks?
Yes, apples are healthy for ducks. Apples contain Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Vitamin C.
Do ducks like apples?
Ducks do like apples. Apples are sweet, and ducks love eating food that contains sweetness.
Can ducks eat applesauce?
You can give your duck applesauce, which works well for feeding your duck an apple. There is no threat.
Can ducks eat apple skin?
Yes, ducks can eat apple skin; remember to cut the peels into smaller pieces.
