Can Ducks Eat Cashews? Be Aware of These 3 Significant Risk Factors!
Ducks and nuts are never a good food chain. Being a true nut, what exception do cashews offer to ducks? Is it red-eyed for ducks like other nuts?
Can ducks really eat Cashews? Yes, ducks can. But, I’m not gonna give them cashews. It is extremely high in lipids and carbohydrates. Apart from that, Cashew shells are known to be poisonous. If you won’t let your beloved ducks suffer from skin problems, do not feed them Cashews.
This study will feature all your questions regarding the cashew in duck’s diet. We are gonna know everything that is relevant. So, just keep on reading!
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Cashews? Know My Take
I simply say no to cashews for my ducks. It’s not that they can’t eat it. They can, but they shouldn’t eat it. Let me share my comprehensive view on that.
Cashews have stuff like protein, carbs, water, calories, fats, and all the necessary foodstuff. But here’s why I don’t think they’re great: They don’t have a lot of important nutrients. It’s not just about having good stuff, you need a good amount of it too. Cashews lack this good amount.
And the last nail in this argument is its price. Cashew nuts are quite expensive! $13 for 1 lb of cashew nuts won’t be worth it if you buy it only to feed your ducks.
To me, it seems there is no need to give cashews to ducks due to their value for money since there are much better alternatives. However, back to the question. You can feed them cashews. But consider it as a snack only. I would say grind them first. But give it once a week, and please, be very cautious about the quantity.
Can Ducklings Eat Cashews?
The same theory applied to ducklings. Cashews are not an ideal treat for the ducks, no matter if the duck is an adult or it’s a baby duck. Ducklings will suffer even more as their digestive system isn’t well developed.
However, here’s news that may sound contradictory. Cashew nuts are high in protein. So, if given in moderation and proper way, cashew nuts may help them grow fast!
So, the conclusion is, that I recommend you not feeding cashews to baby ducks. If you do feed them, maintain the ideal quantity.
How Much Is Considered the Ideal Amount of Cashews?
Actually, there is no specific way to answer it. It seems that 2 cashew nuts can be given to your duck a day. The number may vary depending on the species of ducks and their diet habits. Mallard ducks may consume more than backyard ducks. I’m saying it because they may have 230 grams of intake every day.
So, consider it based on the species. But, I’m saying it again, it is expensive, and it is high in food contents which can cause harm to your ducks. It would be best if you avoid giving it.
Can Ducks Eat Cashew Nut Fruit?
I’m not certain about the answer. There hasn’t been much research on whether cashew nut fruit is good or bad for ducks. These fruits are usually high in vitamin C and magnesium, which can be healthy. However, it’s best not to give ducks cashew fruits, as some people have reported allergies to them.
Can Ducks Eat Raw Cashew Nuts?
Do not feed ducks raw cashew nuts. These nuts can be hard for their digestion to manage and might cause stomach issues. It’s a better idea to opt for different foods in their diet.
3 Significant Risk Factors of Cashews You should Know!
The risks are, as usual, associated with fats and high amounts of carbohydrates in cashew nuts. Let’s have them all explored:
1. Toxicity
Cashew nut shells produce a substance called urushiol. Ducks may be sensitive to urushiol. If they come into contact with cashew nut shells, it could lead to skin irritations or allergic reactions. However, it’s not fatal.
2. Choking Hazards
Where I finished the previous part. The size of cashew nuts is a matter of concern. Cashew nuts are relatively large. Never give them unchopped cashew nuts as these can cause them choking troubles.
3. Salted or Flavored Varieties
You may find cashew nuts available in salted or flavored varieties. These varieties can contain added spices, seasonings, or preservatives and can be harmful to ducks.
This is because ducks’ bodies are not equipped to process high amounts of salt or certain artificial additives. Excessive salt consumption can lead to dehydration, and kidney problems in ducks.
Related Reads:
Nutritional profile of Cashews (USDA Approved)
I’ve been talking about how cashews might be nutritious, but that’s not the whole story. Plus, they have a lot of fat and carbohydrates. Want to check out the nutrition info for cashews? Here’s a nutritious chart of raw Cashews according to USDA
| Nutrient | Amount ( per 100 gm) |
| Water | 5.2 g |
| Calories | 553 kcal |
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Sugar | 5.91 g |
| Fatty Acids | 7.78 g |
| Lipid | 43 g |
| Carbohydrate | 30.2 g |
| Calcium | 37 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg |
Cashew nuts have a lot of fats, carbs, sugar, and fatty acids. This makes them a tricky choice for ducks to eat. If you give ducks the right amount, it can make them strong and healthy. But if you give them too much, it could cause problems for the ducks.
Recommended Reading: Nuts for Ducks – Nutrition, Safety and Precautions
Bottom Line
So, if you want me to share my opinion, I would say don’t feed your ducks cashew nuts. It’s not prohibited. But it’s rich in lipids and sugar, plus it’s expensive.
You can feed your ducks some other fruits, or vegetables that are cheap compared to cashew nuts. All in all, your ducks need your attention to be on them and their diet.
Just keep them roaming on full fledge and be happy with these innocent birds!
Sources and References:
- https://vihaba.global/2021/09/01/what-do-cashew-apples-taste-like-the-truth-about-cashews/
