Can Ducks Eat Mealworms? 5 Benefits | Full Guide

Insects are protein-rich foods for pets like ducks. Insects like mealworms are high in protein and very nutritious, and they also contain fat, vitamins A, D, and E, fiber, iron, magnesium, etc. Mealworms are initially the larvae of a beetle species, and the worm is a crunch treat for multiple animals. 

Being omnivorous, ducks are fond of seafood, water creatures, different veggies and fruits, and insects. Can ducks eat mealworms? Mealworms are feeder insects. But are they safe for ducks? Here you will get all the accurate information regarding mealworms and should duck eat them or not. 

Can Ducks Eat Mealworms?

Yes, ducks can eat mealworms, and ducks like their taste. Mealworms have several vitamins and nutritional benefits which help your duck in healthy growth. The worm can fulfill your duck’s protein requirement as it contains a lot of protein.  

How Often Can Ducks Eat Mealworms?

You can serve mealworms to your ducks once or twice a week, and one to two mealworms at a time is fine for a mature duck. But it would help if you did not feed the worm to your ducklings until they turn two weeks old. Otherwise, they can face choking issues and other health problems. 

Mealworms are not a staple food for ducks, and the high amount of protein and high nutritional value could cause several health issues. 

5 Benefits of Mealworms for Ducks

Mealworms are rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals that aid in your duck’s body functions. A maintained diet is a key element to getting a long healthy life, and Mealworms can help in different ways through their beneficial aspects.

1: Protein Aids in Healthy Growth & Repairs Body Tissue

Protein is an inevitable element for healthy growth. For ducks, protein-rich foods, like eggs, are essential in their daily diet. Ducks are not exceptions; they also require an adequate amount of protein. A matured duck’s diet should have 14%-22% protein daily, and one mealworm contains 17%-22% protein. Therefore, mealworms can quickly fulfill their protein needs. But stay within the limit. 

Furthermore, the protein in mealworms contains amino acids and fatty acids—these fatty acids aid in repairing your pet’s body tissues.

2: Fat Helps to Absorb Fat-Soluble Vitamins 

A mealworm contains 13%-18% of fat, and this adequate amount of fat helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, etc. Also, skinny ducks need sufficient fat, and moderate fat can help them get their required weight. 

3: Vitamin D Regulates Calcium Phosphorus

Vitamin D is another crucial compound in mealworms that works for bone and muscle health. Calcium and phosphorus need strong bones, and vitamin D helps regulate these two minerals in your pet’s body. Also, vitamin D cares for duck eggs, aids in hardening the eggshell, and provides healthy eggs and later lively ducklings. 

Due to vitamin D deficiency, ducks could suffer from Osteoporosis and issues like a bone deformity. 

4: Fiber Aids in Digestion 

Healthy digestion is the indicator of a healthy body. 1%-2% fiber is there in a mealworm, and the quantity is relatively lesser, but it is beneficial in digestion. Your pet will get a smooth digestion after consuming fiber, and it prevents constipation and gives your duck a healthy life. 

5: Multiple Minerals Run the Body Smoothly

Mealworms contain essential minerals like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, etc. All these minerals help your duck organs function smoothly. A moderate feeding of mealworms to ducks will benefit your pet. 

2 Risks of Feeding Mealworms to Ducks

There are no such severe side effects if you feed mealworms to your pet occasionally. But excessive feeding could lead to severe health issues.

1: Excessive Consumption Causes Angel Wings 

If you feed an excessive amount of mealworms to your pet, it will harm them severely. The deficiency of certain nutrients and vitamins and a high amount of protein consumption causes Angel wing. Too much consumption of mealworms leads your ducks to other required vitamin deficiencies which are not present in them. 

2: Hard Skeletal Causes Digestive Issues

As the mealworm’s external shell or skeleton is hard and ducks do not have teeth, they can have digestive issues after swallowing the whole worm. Make sure to provide a small mealworm to your pet. 

How to Prepare Mealworms for Your Ducks?

Get the Worms from a Well-Known Shop

Do not mistake providing the mealworms from your backyard to your duck, as it is not healthy for ducks. Purchase worms from a reputed shop, and you can also buy them from online sources.

Serve Live Mealworms to Your Ducks

Nothing is a better option than the live insect for ducks. You can serve the live worms just in front of your pet. For more fun, you can put the worms in a water bucket so your pet can enjoy them joyfully. 

Dried-Mealworms Are Fine 

Buying live mealworms or farming the worm at home is quite time-consuming. You can skip the live worms and let them have the dried mealworms. Though the dried worms are a little less nutritious, it is safe for your pet. 

Feed Them Small Worms 

As ducks do not have teeth and can’t chew, you should take care of the size you give them. Big worms can also cause a choking issue. So, do serve the small worms for safe feeding.

Conclusion

Ducks have a lot of options for a tasty diet. They can eat insects as well as fruits and veggies. But do not try any experiments with your little ducklings. A duckling should always stick to its dietary pellets until they become 2 to 4 weeks old. But mature ducks have the opportunity to experience multiple dishes like frogs. 

Furthermore, sometimes you should free your ducks to roam around the territory. Let them find their food themselves. It will benefit through physical movements and liveliness. Remember, a lack of physical activity leads to obesity. 

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