Can Ducks Eat Cabbage? They Love Such Leafy Veggies!

Offering vegetables like cabbage to waterfowl species can be a blessing as it’s full of nutrients!

But can ducks eat cabbage safely? Yes, wild ducks or domestic ducks can eat cabbages. Ducks can eat cruciferous vegetables like cabbage as a healthy treat. Cabbage can contribute to heart health, fight against infection, and work as a water-soluble vitamin. Free feed your duck’s raw cabbage.

So, if you’d love to include cabbage in your feathery friend’s diet, this article is a gift for you! Because you’ll see how to offer cabbages, the benefits, and the nutritional properties of cabbage for feathered friends.

Can Ducks Eat Cabbage? Is It Good To Feed?

Yes, it’s completely safe to give cabbage as a nutritious treat for the wild, poultry, or pet ducks, but in a bearable quantity. Cabbage has a rich nutritional value, such as vitamins, fiber, and more. Not only this, you’ll be surprised to know how they contribute to ducks’ health.

Green cabbage has antioxidants called phytochemicals, a natural bioactive compound. Then, researchers say glucosinolates get broken into biologically active elements like isothiocyanates. Which is actually a potential anti-cancer property.

The research was primarily for humans, but there was proof that avians could have the same benefits.

You’ll find polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acid. Here, as antioxidants, they may work to protect cells from oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. So, I am pretty sure ducks will get something with high nutrients very soon.

Different Types Of Cabbages For Ducks: Nutritional Value

Among all nutritious vegetables, cabbage is a great source of nutrients for domestic backyard ducks. However, not all types of cabbages are safe and comfortable for the ducks. 

However, According to USDA, we’re including a list of the estimated 100-gram nutritional value of various cabbages.

Note: Cabbages are high in water, so as a special benefit, ducks won’t have to remain dehydrated due to consuming such a water-intake nutritious diet.

9 Benefits Of Feeding Cabbage To Ducks

So, we just checked the nutritional properties of cabbage according to the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agro-product Processing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Now, let us tell you how feeding cabbage to ducks benefits their health.

1. Vitamin A: It’s important for ducks’ eyesight as well as their reproductive and immunity systems.
2. Vitamin B9 (folates): This essential vitamin aids in producing red blood cells.
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin): This helps your feathery friend convert carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to offer more energy.
4. Fiber: Cabbage is a source of fiber that can help with digestion, so it’s a crucial food option for ducks. And your ducks won’t have digestive issues if they consume such leafy veggies as a healthy snack.
5. Calcium: Pieces of cabbage provide calcium, which helps birds’ bones and maintains robust egg shells.
6. Potassium: Potassium is available in cabbage to manage the fluid balance in ducks’ bodies, as well as to promote nerve signals and muscle contraction.
7. Phosphorus: Phosphorus in cabbages is an important nutrient for muscular function.
8. Carbohydrates: For overall health and as a source of energy for the ducks.
9. Magnesium and Potassium: Magnesium and potassium, together, fix heart health and will offer good blood pressure and a steady pulse.

4 Potential Risks Of Giving Cabbage To Ducks

Alongside the beneficial facts, sometimes, offering cabbages can be risky for your ducks. Therefore, we always prefer a moderate amount of cabbage rather than providing too much. But what are the potential health concerns? Your ducks may face problems such as:

1. Gastronomical Issue: Eating too many leafy vegetables like cabbage can cause diarrhea or gas problems in ducks.
2. Nutritional Imbalance: Overfeeding is a core negative point that disrupts ducks’ normal nutrition. It causes a shortage of proper nutrition, which causes them to become ill over time.
3. Oxalates: The presence of oxalates interferes with calcium absorption and can cause kidney problems in ducks.
4. Discoloration: Red cabbages can occasionally cause droppings to discoloration.

However, if you feel unsafe somehow to feed ducks cabbage, offer them their regular pellets. Or a variety of fruits or other veggies as part of supplements.

Can Ducklings Eat Cabbage? Better Not to Give This!

The moment ducklings are born, they shouldn’t consume other foods except for a protein-dense healthy diet or starter feed for a couple of weeks. However, ducklings can eat only a small portion when they cross at least four weeks.

We don’t recommend any type of food except for starter food for baby ducks. We care about their sensitivities and comfort zone. So, please wait a little until they become mature to eat such vegetables. I would say let them be 4 to 5 weeks to be perfect for consuming cabbages.

Here is a video I found of baby ducks eating cabbages.

Considerable Facts Before Feeding Cabbages to Ducks

Fresh cabbages seem safe for ducks, so you’re good to go! But I would suggest you consider some facts before feeding. Let us share what you need to know in detail!

Can Ducks Eat Raw Cabbage?

Yes, raw cabbages are good for ducks or other birds. Unlike human beings, ducks can digest raw vegetables. 

Then what about the cooked ones? Can ducks eat cooked cabbage? Yes, they can eat cooked ones as well. You may boil the cabbage for around 10 minutes and make it cool to serve to your ducks.

Do Ducks Eat Cabbage Leaves?

Yes, ducks can eat cabbage leaves. But we usually clear the leaves as they may contain pesticides or dirt. Therefore, make sure the cabbages are fresh.

Should Ducks Try Red Cabbage?

Of course, waterfowl can eat red cabbage or purple cabbage as a nutrient as it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. However, don’t feed them excessive red cabbages. It can cause discoloration of droppings.

Can They Eat Chinese Cabbage?

Yes, Chinese, also known as Napa cabbage, is safe for the ducks. Your duck would love to eat such cabbages moderately and for the mild flavor. But bear in mind, Chinese cabbage is oblong in shape, so ensure you chop it in a manageable size and serve.

Will Ducks Eat Savoy Cabbage?

Almost all the cabbages are healthy for the ducks. So, the England and Netherlands-originated winter vegetable ‘savoy cabbages’ are a nutritious option. You can offer the cooked savoy cabbage version that your duck will enjoy the most!

Can Ducks Eat Molded Or Withered Cabbage?

No, don’t feed moldy cabbage or withered cabbage to ducks. However, if the outer leaves of a cabbage head wither when exposed to most air, you can remove them and feed the rest of the cabbage.

How To Feed Cabbage To Ducks: 8 Tips To Follow

While preparing the cabbage for ducks, you may follow our tips as professionals follow the same ideas.

• Tip 1: Always select organic cabbages that are fresh.
• Tip 2: Wash the cabbage and ensure the contaminants are cleaned.
• Tip 3: You can also remove the cabbage head intact.
• Tip 4: Never offer bread and cabbage together! The duck will get fat for sure!
• Tip 5: Making cabbages as a supplement with root veggies like carrots or potatoes is great!
• Tip 6: Cut the cabbages into pieces (small) to keep the duck safe from choking hazards. You can boil the cabbage or give it raw. 
• Tip 7: Select cabbages in moderation! What we mean is it should be an occasional treat as excessive can cause digestion.
• Tip 8: Observe how the ducks enjoy eating or if they are avoiding the leafy cabbages. Finding their way of eating problematic requires immediate attention.

How Often Should You Offer Cabbage To Ducks?

Among plenty of fresh feeding, add leafy cabbages, a moderate amount or a small portion. However, you can offer cabbages once or twice each week besides their regular diet. And it will be reasonable enough for the ducks. And ducks gonna make it their favorite treat!

And remember, never feed ducks whole large types of cabbage. It’s because they will face risks of suffocation.

Recommended Read: What Veggie Can Ducks Eat

FAQs

Offering leafy vegetables is good, but can ducks eat cabbage in any way they want? The Q&A section will clarify more!

Bottom Line: Can You Feed Ducks Cabbage?

This is to inform you that, yes, you can add cabbage to duck’s diet, but in moderation and as a supplement. Also, it’s crucial to have knowledge of the best vegetables as treats for ducks, which we’ve included above. Besides, when offering veggies like cabbages, check the nutritional value first.

However, you should follow the given tips for feeding the waterfowl in the right way to make a balanced diet. Bear in mind the negatives of overfeeding cabbages are quite bad for the duck’s health, It’s particularly due to digestion or choking hazard issues. So, always monitor their way of eating, which is a core point to be noted.

Sources And References:

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303723140_Antioxidant_phytochemicals_in_cabbage_Brassica_oleracea_L_var_capitata
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353411136_Cabbage_Brassica_oleracea_L_Overview_of_the_Health_Benefits_and_Therapeutical_Uses