Can Ducks Eat Apples? Yes, Just Leave The Seeds And Core!

Can ducks eat apples? Yes, ducks can eat the whole apple except for the seeds and the cores. Apple seeds carry amygdalin, a poisonous component that can pose health risks for them. Just avoid these portions of the apple, making sure you’re giving an ideal quantity. And your feathered friends will face no health consequences!

I know you have a lot of interest growing in the back of your mind. Don’t worry; we are going to elaborate on every possible question that arises and help you out. Stick for 10 minutes and keep on reading.

Can Ducks Eat Apples? Everything You Need To Know

Ducks can eat apples. In fact, you shouldn’t be surprised if they go crazy when giving them apples. They like it, and apples pose no health risks in general. This is definitely one of the most nutritious fruits for ducks.

Moreover, an apple a day also keeps the veterinarian away. First of all, 80% of an apple is water.  Carbohydrates, sugar, and fiber are other nutrients that apples contain in fair quantities. By fair I mean balanced.

The only problem is sugar. Stats claim that 10% of an apple has sugar content; for example, 10 grams of sugar in every 100 grams of apple may bother your duck’s health. So, give them apples in appropriate quantities and make sure apples aren’t creating trouble for them.  So, offer them a variety of foods in their balanced diet and keep them happy, healthy, and in steady mental health.

What If I Give Them Apples Every Day?

As a duck owner, I won’t recommend giving them apples daily. Instead, feed them a variety of fruits and other food options that will ensure proper growth, such as leafy vegetables and aquatic plants. Here are my narratives on this matter.

Apples are rich in sugar. Excessive sugar consumption will cause several health troubles for your backyard ducks. I’m not dragging wild ducks here because they’ve got better immune systems and digestion because of their habituality.

It can cause them to become overweight and obese. Plus, it can potentially cause heart problems for your ducks. Apples can cause choking hazard for ducks, as it isn’t a soft fruit. Why take such risks keeping it in your everyday diet?

Moreover, apples are considered a premium fruit in the USA because of their expense. The price can be up to $6 in the American region (covering central, northern, south, and Caribbean regions). 

Why do you have to buy it at such a price and give it to them every day while there is a risk attached to it? 

Can Ducklings Eat Apples?

Baby ducks are completely fine with consuming apples. But the same theory here, do maintain an ideal quantity and do not give them apples every day. 

Anyway, chop the apples into small pieces which won’t cause choking troubles. From a general perspective, 1/32 quarter sounds alright for them. However, the size may vary. Mashing it for the ducklings might be a better idea.

Can Ducks Eat All Portions of An Apple?

Yes, I have said earlier, apples are all safe for your ducks. Only the cores and seeds of ducks are the exception here.  

Can Ducks Eat Apple Skin?

No problem with the skin. Apple skin contains a fair amount of phytonutrients and dietary fiber content. These food contents help smoothen the digestion of ducks. So, the answer to “can ducks eat apple peel?” is yes.

Can Ducks Eat Apple Seed?

Seeds are poisonous for your ducks. We already know that, right? Let’s know how apple seeds can cause severe trouble.

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is a complex chemical compound and has the potential to transform into another chemical form. When you chew on them, amygdalin can convert into hydrogen cyanide.

And big amounts of cyanide consumption can even bring death to your ducks! So, avoid giving seeds to both your ducks and their babies.

Can Ducks Eat Apple Core?

The core is not bad for chemical reasons, like the seed. Its physical properties make it a choking hazard. I have tried to feed it to my ducks. But they don’t seem to enjoy the chewy core very much.

Can Ducks Eat Apple Stem?

Apple stems, also called pedicel, can be a real choking hazard. They’re tough and can be difficult for ducks to digest, too. So, do not give them apple stems.

Can Ducks Eat Apples in Different Forms? 5 Forms Explained

Nope, not all apple forms are safe for ducks. Let’s see which one works for them. 

Can Ducks Eat Cooked Apples?

Cooked apples can be given to ducks only if extra sugars aren’t added here. For example, store-bought applesauce can be given to ducks as an ideal snack. 

Can Ducks Eat Raw Apples?

Raw apples to ducks are best. Just make sure you slice them into small enough pieces and serve them to your domestic ducks. Raw apples provide so much food nutrition that helps your ducks be healthy.

Can Ducks Eat Dried Apples?

Ducks can eat dried apples. It is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants and may not pose any health problems at all. 

Can Ducks Eat Apple Juice?

I won’t recommend giving apple juice to pet ducks. Because it might have added sugar and staff, this can make your ducks chubby or lazy. However, it might be given to them as healthy treats for ducks, like on a hot summer day.

Can Ducks Eat Apple Sauce?

Ducks can safely enjoy applesauce as an occasional treat, but it should be offered in moderation. While applesauce is generally safe for ducks, ensure it doesn’t contain any harmful additives like sweeteners or artificial ingredients.

Can Ducks Eat Frozen Apple?

No problems with frozen apples. On hot summer days, frozen apples may bring refreshment for your ducks. But don’t make it a routine; think of it as a nutritious treat.

Some Other Fruits For Ducks:

• Can Ducks Eat Stone Fruit
• Can Ducks Eat Dragon Fruits
• Can Ducks Eat Raisins
• Can You Feed Ducks Kiwi

Apple Nutrition For Ducks

Let’s have a nutritional tour of an apple without skin, according to USDA data.

You gotta understand now that apples are sugary fruit loaded with water, carbs, and sugar. Overconsumption of both carbohydrates and sugar may harm your little feathered friends. So, make sure to keep the amount moderate.

4 Health Benefits Apple Offers to Ducks

The following discussion might be handy to understand the apple’s nutritional benefits better.

1. Hydration

Apples come with more than 80% water content with it. Each of these healthy fruit carries 12% of the total water requirements for ducks. So, it surely contributes to your duck’s hydration, especially in hot summer noons.

2. Provides Better Muscle And Bone Health

Apples are pretty low in calories, with approximately 57 kcal per 100g. This makes them a suitable option for ducks, considering their size and energy needs.  Plus, apples have a tiny amount of calcium. This calcium absorption will help to build strong bones in ducks.

Plus, carbohydrates make up more than 10% of the total apple nutrition, which sounds like a really favorite treat for ducks. Apples also potentially contribute to lessening blood pressure.

3. Mental Stimulation

Vitamins in apples support the immune system of ducks. Specifically, keeping vitamin C in a duck’s natural diet signifies that your ducks are in good mental health. 

Apples have plenty of vitamin C to keep ducks stress-free and healthy, especially during the heat. So, giving your ducks apples will help them stay in top shape. 

4. Smoothen Digestion Process

Insoluble fiber in apples can potentially help soothe their digestive system. Although 1.3 grams of fiber might not be good enough for adult ducks, it can still potentially contribute at least a little.

Related Reads:

• Do Ducks Eat Avocado
• Do Ducks Eat Grapes

What Will Happen If Ducks Over-ate Apples?

Look, you’ll surely suffer when you overeat. It makes no difference what the food for ducks is; they’ll go mad at it.

If ducks consume apples excessively, the following symptoms can appear:

• Overweight
• Lack of interest
• Lazy
• Flying difficulties

If you notice any of those symptoms, make sure to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prior to that, stop feeding them fruits immediately. It could be apples or any other kind of fruit. Stick to safe options like lettuce or peas instead.

How Can Feed Apples To Ducks? 3 Easy Serving Steps

Two things you have to remember always when you give delicious treats to your ducks. Proper serving methods and ideal quantity. Here’s a short description of each of the facts.

How Much is Ideal Quantity?

Generally speaking, it all comes down to ducks. For instance, Muscovy ducks have a daily intake of 3.2 ounces. So, giving them half of an apple a day seems like a reasonable amount.

Now, when it comes to Pekin ducks, their varied diet can go up to 7 ounces. These fellas can handle a whole green apple in a day. I think now you resolved your question – can ducks eat green apples?

Serving Method

First, let’s go through the steps below to learn about a proper serving method.

• Step 1: Collect fresh apples from a super shop or a seller who is reputed, or at least known to give fresh fruits.
• Step 2: Wash the apples thoroughly. 
• Step 3: Now, cut them into small manageable pieces, bites that your ducks would take. Don’t give them an entire apple, as larger pieces will pose choking hazards. Plus, leave the seeds out. You can mix a little amount of fresh water in it.

You may watch this video to have a better idea:

• Step 3: Mash the small pieces of apple for your baby ducks. 
• Step 4: Now serve it on a plate or a bowl. You can add some water as well.

Carefully watch them when you introduce apples to your ducks. If they show any sort of uncomfortability, stop feeding them apples. Remember, not all ducks might be big fans of apples!

Recommended Reading: Fruits Diet for Ducks

Summary of the Study

Apples are a harmless fruit. Your ducks can safely chow down on it. Just keep an eye on the amount and don’t make it a daily thing but only a tasty treat. Giving apples twice a week can be considered a timely manner.

Also, always give them raw fruits and veggies. And if you boil the apples without any spices, that’s totally fine for them to munch on. Just imagine it as a tasty little snack and have them bouncing around with pure joy!

Sources & References:

• http://royeshgar.com/sample/benefits-of-dried-apples/?lang=en
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507796/