Can Ducks Eat Chia Seeds? Yes, It’s Nutritious!

Some seeds are safe for ducks but will chia seeds be on the list? It should be as it won’t cause a choking hazard!

But can ducks eat chia seeds? Yes, they can but not frequently. Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Along with these, chia seeds contain a high amount of protein, many essential minerals, and antioxidants. All these nutrients can contribute to ducks’ growth and development. 

But these seeds shouldn’t be fed more than once a week as the amount of dietary fiber is too high. And this can create disturbance in ducks’ digestive systems. To learn more about ducks and chia seeds, keep on reading!!

Can Ducks Eat Chia Seeds? Yes But Not Too Often

Ducks can try chia seeds but let me share some facts with you!

In ancient history, it was believed that chia seeds provided supernatural power. I am not sure about supernatural power, but scientists have found that chia seeds can provide ducks with energy. Moreover, chia seeds are rich in protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. 

Whether the seeds are black or white, they are safe for ducks. The point to be noted is, that these seeds should be fed occasionally and shouldn’t be replaced with ducks’ regular diet. 

Why Chia Seeds Should Be Fed Ocassionally?

Chia seeds are high in dietary fiber. They contain almost 34% of fiber. Consumption of too much fiber can create disturbance in ducks. For instance:

• Dietary fiber can reduce the digestibility of some nutrients, such as protein, starch, fat, and minerals. 
• It can increase the water intake and excretion of ducks by increasing the bulk and moisture content of the feed and feces.
• It can decrease the energy density of the diet by diluting the energy-providing nutrients, such as starch and fat.
• Dried chia seeds can absorb the water from ducks’ stomachs and make your ducks dehydrated.

So, it is advisable not to feed chia seeds too often to ducks. You can offer chia seeds to your ducks as a treat. 

How Often Ducks Should Have Chia Seeds?

Earlier I said, that chia seeds should be given as a treat. You can treat your ducks with chia seeds once or twice a week. I will suggest treating your ducks with chia seeds once a week. This is because chia seeds have high- fat content and high dietary fiber. 

How Much Chia Seeds Ducks Should Eat?

As per the general thumb rule, any treat for ducks should be within 10% of ducks’ daily intake. Generally, a duck needs 170 to 200 gm of food. This means you can give 17 to 20 gm of chia seeds to your ducks. 

How To Serve Chia Seeds To Ducks

Before serving chia seeds to your ducks, you need to know the serving method. Some tips are given below:

• Tip 1: You should soak the seeds in water for at least 15 minutes. Dried seeds can soak water from the stomach and make your ducks dehydrated. 
• Tip 2: You can mix these seeds with ducks’ regular diet. 
• Tip 3: Another way to feed chia seeds to ducks is to sprout them first. Sprouted chia seeds will have a lower fat content and a higher water content than dry chia seeds.

What About The Younger Ones? Can Ducklings Eat Chia Seeds

Yes, ducklings can eat chia seeds once they get 4 weeks old. Before that, ducklings shouldn’t be fed chia seeds. They need a proper nutritional diet rather than an occasional treat. You can give 5% chia seeds of their daily intake.

Nutritional Content Of Chia Seeds for Ducks

Let’s take a look at the nutritional content of chia seeds and then we will move forward to the benefits of having chia seeds in ducks’ diet.

Nutrient	Amount (per 100 gm)
Water	5.8 gm
Energy	486 kcal
Protein	16.5 gm
Lipid	30.7 gm
Carbohydrate	42.1 gm
Dietary fiber	34.4 gm
Calcium	631 mg
Iron	7.72 mg
Magnesium	335 mg
Phosphorus	860 mg
Potassium	407 mg
Sodium	16 mg
Zinc	4.58 mg
Copper	0.924 mg
Manganese	2.72 mg
Selenium	55.2 µg
Vitamin C	1.6 mg
Thiamin	0.62 mg
Riboflavin	0.17 mg
Niacin	8.83 mg
Folate	49 µg
Vitamin E	0.5 mg

Related Readings:

• Can You Feed Ducks Sunflower Seed
• Can Ducks Eat Pumpkin Seed
• Do Ducks Eat Flaxseeds

What Are the Health Benefits of Feeding Chia Seeds to Ducks? 4 Nutritional Facts!

We have already seen the nutritional contents of chia seeds. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and many more. Let’s learn about their contribution to ducks’ growth.

1. Enhancing Digestive Health in Ducks

Chia seeds contain more than 34% of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can help ducks in different ways like

• Absorption of nutrients
• Providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria
• Preventing overeating and potential obesity
• Preventing constipation in ducks

2. Nurturing Ducks’ Vitality With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit ducks’ health. For instance:

• Promoting skin elasticity 
• Ensuring the development of strong and lustrous feathers
• Helping to regulate and enhance ducks’ immune responses
• Positively impacting ducks’ reproductive health

3. Mineral Marvels

Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and many others have a great contribution to ducks’ health, and chia seeds are considered a great source of these. Let’s take a look at them:

• Minerals like calcium and phosphorus contribute to the formation and maintenance of strong bones.
• Magnesium and potassium play a role in muscle contraction, relaxation, and overall mobility.
• Sodium, potassium, and chloride are important for maintaining electrolyte balance in ducks’ bodies.
• Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and selenium support proper egg formation, embryo development, and successful reproduction.
• Selenium and zinc contribute to the production and activity of immune cells, helping ducks resist infections.

4. Nourishing Ducks with Vitamins and Antioxidants

Chia seeds are also considered a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. Let’s know how vitamins and antioxidants contribute to ducks’ health.

• Thiamine supports the nervous system and proper muscle function in ducks.
• Riboflavin contributes to the production of energy and helps maintain healthy skin and eyes.
• Niacin is essential for cellular metabolism and energy production.
• Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and supports ducks’ reproductive health by contributing to proper egg development and fertility.
• Vitamin C supports the production and activity of immune cells, aiding in disease resistance.

Recommended Reading: Seed Diet Recommendation for Ducks

FAQs

Wait for a while! I have something more about chia seeds as a part of ducks’ diet.

Closure

When it comes to the closure of the discussion, all I can say is that chia seeds can be a healthy addition to ducks’ diet. You have to feed them in moderation and should follow proper methods.

Treat your ducks with chia seeds and keep them healthy, Chia seeds are expensive though.

Resources and References:

• https://www.ancientgrains.com/black-chia-seeds/chia-seed-history-and-origin/
• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.853797/full