Can Ducks Eat Granola? Risky Yet Have 4 Beneficial!
Can ducks eat Granola? Yes, ducks can. But there’s an exciting thing about Granola. It is incredibly beneficial in moderation but can be deadly if recklessly given. Because Granola is extremely high in carbohydrates, sugar, and lipids. So, it’s essential to be mindful when feeding Granola to your ducks.
Granola isn’t a usual food fed them. So, do not consider it giving them any purpose. Why Granola should be fed, and why not – I’ll briefly elaborate on everything regarding this. Take 5 minutes and start reading!
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Granola? Only in Moderation
The case of Granola in ducks’ diet is interesting. Ducks can surely eat it. But my suggestion is to keep things moderate. Here’s why.
Why Moderation is So Important? Excessive Nutrients Are Blessing in Disguise
Because Granola comes with so many nutrients, but with excessiveness. More than 50% of Granola is carb, while protein competes well with around 20%. These nutrients are absolutely good for ducks until consumed in an ideal quantity.
Excessive nutrient consumption will lead your ducks to various problems, such as obesity and taking too much carbs. Do not forget about sugar; it can cause a variety of health problems as well.
Is Granola Safe? Up to You
Granola is safe. Just take responsibility while maintaining an ideal quantity, and this will be an amazing treat for your backyard birds. Just make sure they aren’t showing any allergic reaction to it. It can happen. If you notice something like that, do not feed them Granola.
Can Ducks Eat Granola every day? No Way!
Never. The ingredients Granola consists of are – nuts, oats, and sweeteners – each and every ingredient is potentially dangerous for ducks. So, no Granola for them every day. Instead, consider it as an occasional treat. I guess once every week sounds sensible.
How Much Granola Is Considered An Ideal Quantity?
That is not specific. Plus, there’s no such study that defines how much is ideal. Depending on the duck species, it may vary. Muscovy ducks, for example, require 8 ounces of food every day. They require 16% protein every day. In that consideration, they require 36 grams of protein.
If you feed them 50 grams of Granola, it will cover up to 33% of their protein requirement. That’s amazing. However, do not forget about the sugar. All in all, two teaspoons of Granola seems to be good for Muscovy ducks.
According to this consideration, think about how much is ideal for your backyard ducks and give them Granola exactly according to that calculation.
Can Baby Ducks Eat Granola? Not Suggested
Yes, baby ducks can. But I discourage you from feeding them Granola. However, grind the nuts and oats well while giving them to them if you still want to do so.
The reason why baby ducks can’t eat Granola is that Granola isn’t an appropriate replacement for their required starter feed. Plus, excessive nutrients won’t bring any good to their health. So, all in all, Granola isn’t well recommended.
Can Ducks Eat Granola Bars?
Ducks can eat Granola bars, but they are not ideal food for them. It is essential to avoid Granola bars that contain chocolate, sugar, or other additives. Chocolate is toxic to ducks and should never be fed to them.
Why Granola is A High-Carb Food? Here’s the Prove
Why am I telling you carbohydrates in Granola are mighty high? According to USDA, let’s have a look at the nutritional composition of Granola with added cereal below:
| Nutrients | Amount (per 100 gm) |
|---|---|
| Water | 5.84 gm |
| Energy | 489 kcal |
| Protein | 13.7 gm |
| Lipid (fat) | 24.3 gm |
| Carbohydrate | 53.9 gm |
| Fiber | 8.9 gm |
| Sugars | 19.8 gm |
| Calcium | 76 mg |
| Iron | 3.95 mg |
| Magnesium | 168 mg |
| Phosphorus | 431 mg |
| Potassium | 539 mg |
| Sodium | 26 mg |
| Zinc | 4.17 mg |
| Manganese | 4 mg |
| Niacin | 2.74 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1.2 mg |
I hope now you’ve got your answer. Granola isn’t only high in carbs, it also has a high protein, lipid, and sugar ratio. Giving this every day to your ducks will surely harm your ducks.
4 Health Benefits My Ducks Get If Given In Moderation
You know, Granola is a good source of essential nutrients for ducks. It is packed with energy, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. So, it’s pretty obvious that Granola provides amazing benefits when the ideal quantity is maintained for your favorite birds. Here’s a list of nutritional benefits:
1. Ensures Optimal Growth
Approximately 24% of Granola is protein. On average, it provides around 50% of the protein that a duck needs for a day. In addition, more than 50% of Granola is carbohydrates. These nutrients provide the following benefits
- Growing strong muscles, bones, and feathers
- Produce antibodies
- Boost their immune system
2. Promoting Digestive Health
The oats and grains in Granola provide fiber. Experts say 9% of Granola is fiber, which aids healthy digestion for ducks and prevents constipation as well. However, it helps ducks feel full for longer, which can prevent overeating and obesity. For your kind information, ducks enjoy oats a lot! Check out how ducks enjoy such diets.
3. Fatty Acids Boost Appearance
Granola also comes with fatty acids. Although the amount isn’t enough, it can still potentially contribute to a duck’s health.
These fats help ducks maintain healthy skin, feathers, and eyes. It also reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of heart disease.
4. Vitamins And Minerals Enhance Metabolism
A group of researchers from the South China Agricultural University found that vitamins and minerals can enhance ducks’ metabolism. With vitamins C, E, and K, Granola can provide other health benefits as well, such as better bone health and boosts blood cell activity.
Related Readings:
What If My Duck Overeat Granola? 3 Potential Risks!
The list of benefits wasn’t small. Surprisingly, the list of risks isn’t short either. That is where Granola is interesting. While overeating, it may lead to death even. Here’s what the risks are
1. Cyanide Poisoning
Granola can have some fruits while in the making. Sometimes, you may love to add some apples. But apple seeds are toxic to ducks and other animals because they have a compound called amygdalin.
This compound releases cyanide when broken down by enzymes in the digestive system. Cyanide can cause respiratory failure and even death!
2. Choking Hazard
Pretty common. Ducks can have choking hazards if the food they’re ingesting is too large. If the nuts in the Granola are too sharp or large, your ducks may have choking troubles.
3. Salt and Sugar Overdose
Food with added sugar or honey isn’t suggested for ducks. Since Granola has these ingredients, an overdose may arise. Sugar can cause obesity and liver damage and can interrupt the natural balance of bacteria in ducks’ gut. Digestive infection can happen as a result.
On the other hand, baking soda isn’t good for ducks. Added salt can cause dehydration, plus it may cause problems with maintaining temperature. The National Institute of Health in the US claims something even worse – kidney failure.
Let me finish it with some shocking news. Did you know about the mass duck death in North Dakota due to a salt overdose in 1987? Please keep it in mind!
Do I Have to Follow Any Serving Approach?
Nothing too specific. My tip is not to add any sugar, salt, or preservatives. Make it in your home, only for ducks. Break up the Granola into small pieces to soften it before feeding it. This will make it easier for them to eat and digest.
Do not forget to add water and serve it on a plate. Avoid adding milk or any other liquid that you may use while eating.
Recommended Reading: Grain Diet For Ducks
Summary of the Study
So, can ducks eat Granola? What I’ve wanted to tell is Granola isn’t harmful until it is given in ideal quantity. But when your ducks overeat Granola, it may cause them to even death!
Be very aware of the quantity. Do not keep any extra additives like salt and sugar. No milk for them as well. Instead, mixing it in water might come in handy. At the end of the day, it is up to you whether or not you give them Granola.
Sources And References:
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/programs/duck-research-lab/duck-nutrition
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3625905/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579120306933
- https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2010/april-5-2010/prevent-salt-toxicity-in-livestock
