Can Ducks Eat Fruit? Gladly And Cheerfully!

Fruits might seem a go-to for ducks. And for the most part, they are. But there are some precautions you need to be aware of when feeding ducks fruits.

So, can ducks eat fruit? Absolutely, ducks are fond of fruits, and you can include a small portion of fruits as a complement to a balanced diet. While many fruits are safe, it’s better to exercise caution with citrus fruits along with the fruit with seeds and pits. It’s because of sensitivities.

Although the primary food sources carry more significance, occasional treats are not far behind. Go for it! But first, take responsibility to understand the benefits and drawbacks of feeding fruits to ducks. You’ll find the ideas here!

Can Ducks Eat Fruit? Thing You Need To Hear First!

You may know ducks are opportunist eaters who forage and look for food. So, fruits are no exception from the avian food source list!

In general, ducks’ primary diets are Aquatic plants, Insects, and Small fishes.

Besides that, they love to have some fruits or vegetables on the ground. When they get some sweetness from fruits, they get various nutrients like Vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, carbs, and more.

You’ll be surprised to know that feeding only a small portion of fruits can contribute to keeping the duck healthy. Particularly, heart disease, blood pressure, sugar level, eyesight issues, and digestion difficulty lessen. So, the overall health remains fit.

Based on Researchgate, there is a big contribution of protein connection to ducks’ growth. Also, the NLM claims that 3.8% DF with heavier BW will be sufficient for ducks’ growth and performance.

So, you may get a little idea of how feeding fruit as an occasional treat can keep the ducks more joyous. More knowledge is coming! Go a little further!

Now, let us introduce some safe and unsafe fruits for the avians. Hope the suggestion will give information that every poultry farmer or duck owner should have.

List Of 5 Safe Fruits For Ducks: What Are Those?

You may see domestic ducks quacking while you are eating some fruits. Now, you need to suggest whether the fruits you have are safe for the fowl.

Therefore, I am giving you the safe and popular fruit options you can feed. But please, only a small portion!

1. Berries – Delicious And Safe Without Pits!

Who doesn’t love to enjoy the juicy flavor of berries? Everyone does! So, the ducks are no exception! Such birds love to eat almost all types of berries, such as:

• Strawberries
• Mulberries
• Blackberries
• Cranberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

But a few berries are not friendly to them. Such as:

• Barberries
• Chokeberries
• Elderberries.

Highlight: Berries are incredibly nutritious and have a low-calorie intake.

Benefits: Berries have plenty of types that may make you perplexed! So, I decided to add the notable beneficial facts about berries that your ducks will get. A good fact is ducks can even eat stems and leaves.

• Overall Health: Berries have rich antioxidants and vitamins such as C, E, K1, and B6. They can contribute to the overall health of ducks.
• Better Immunity System: Feeding berries can boost the immune system of ducks.
• Good Digestion: Your duck’s digestion will be ideal for dietary fiber in berries.
• Keep Hydrated: Ducks usually need water, and berries have it. So, say goodbye to dehydration and keep the duck hydrated all the time, especially during the summer.
• Quality Feather: Your duck’s feather condition gets better after having some berries.

Risks: Berries are no doubt good for ducks, but some potential problems cannot be overlooked.

• Choking Hazard: Ducks usually encounter the choking trouble problem. It may happen if the fruit size is unbearable or if seeds or pits are there.
• Nutritional Imbalance: Don’t overfeed them! It will cause an imbalance in their diet that lacks the proper nutrients.
• High Sugar Level: Excessively eating berries will give high sugar. It’s a trap to make the duck unhealthy and overweight.
• Sensitivity And Allergy: Some of them may have allergic reactions. Do observe!

Tips: I would suggest bringing some blueberries, around 2 or 3 pieces, once or twice a week. And avoid the moldy or canned form of berries.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Berries

2. Cherries – It Shines The Duck!

Cherries can be a part of ducks’ supplementary food source. In America, ducks like Mallards, Muscovies, or Domesticated one enjoys having some ground cherries when given without seeds.

But you need to be careful about cyanogenic glycosides in cherry seeds. Otherwise, the stone fruit is safe and secured with juicy fleshes!

To have a clear idea, you can check the table of different forms of cherries.

Highlight: Cherries are usually sweet and tart in flavor.

Benefits: Cherries are a good pick for a backyard companion. But how does it benefit the duck?

• Better Immunity, Skin, And Eyesight: Cherries have Vitamin C and polyphenol, where both of them have:

1. Antioxidant 
2. Anti-inflammatory qualities.

To improve immunity, skin condition, and vision, such components will work for it.

• Metabolic Power: In cherries, the exitance of thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B6 is there to boost metabolism and protein. It ensures muscle growth as well.
• Weight Management: Cherries have low-fat contents, so ducks won’t get fat easily. Also, for any heart disease or high cholesterol level, cherries can be a good caretaker in ducks’ health.
• Digestion Health: Ducks have an ideal digestion process for consuming some cherries. It’s the fiber that works!
• Fight Against Free Radicals: You will get notified that Antioxidants neutralize oxidative pressure given by free radicals on cell walls.
• Feather Quality: Some berries in ducks’ diet can give a good feather quality that shines naturally. Vitamin A and beta-carotene will contribute to this!
• Heart Disease And Blood Pressure: Having some cherries can balance the blood pressure level and keep the heart safe.

Risks: There are some severe effects when ducks eat cherries. Please consider it seriously!

• Toxic Cyanide: Be careful about cyanide in cherry seeds. It can even kill your ducks!
• Digestion Problem: Overfeeding can cause digestion trouble in ducks. So, keep it in moderation.
• Choking Trouble: The choking hazards due to seeds or pits are another considerable part. Ensure you remove the pits or seeds first!

Tips: You can offer cherries once or twice every month as stone fruits.

For More Details: Can Ducks Eat Cherries

3. Melons – Watery Treat!

You may not know how ducks jump over the melons. Such watery fruits can be a great treat that will give multiple health benefits.

Except for sugar levels of around 10%, ducks are all good to try melons. And I would say they’re more comfortable with the fleshes of melons. Mouthwatering!

However, you’ll have different melon options for ducks. Particularly, I found the best ones are:

• Watermelon
• Cantaloupes
• Honeydew
• Persian melons
• Snap melons
• Casaba melon
• Canary melons.

So, while feeding ducks, you have so many melons here. But be careful about the seeds, as ducks never get comfortable with seeds and stone fruits.

Besides, you’ll have to ignore the rinds. They are hard to eat! 

You may see in a video where ducks are enjoying melons. But I think you should be careful about the quantity.

Highlight: Melons have exceptional levels of water intake, which can be great for ducks’ hydrational needs.

Benefits: Different melons contribute different health benefits. Here, I am mentioning the overall beneficial facts when ducks get some melon slices.

• Immunity Booster: Most melons have vitamins and antioxidants like vitamins A and C. It promotes overall health by boosting the immune system.
• Smooth Digestion: You may know fiber is there to work for maintaining ducks’ digestion inappropriateness. Fibers are not high but good enough to contribute!
• Ideal Hydration: The best part of melons is most of them have around 90% water that plays for proper hydration. So, your ducks are safe during summer days!
• Strengthen Muscle: In melons, carbs work like a magic champ in a duck’s life. Melons can potentially work for reproduction as well.

Risks: You may also check some potential issues of feeding fruits like melons.

• Diarrhea And Bloating: High water intake in melons sometimes causes digestion troubles such as bloating or diarrhea. So, give a moderate amount!
• Overweight: Sugar intake in melons can also be a problem. It makes the duck fat!
• Choking Hazard: Never feed your ducks a large piece, and avoid the seeds and rinds of melons. The sad truth is melons may get stuck in their beak.

Tips: You can offer 1/4 to 1/2 of medium size melons for a few ducks like 5 to 6.

More Details: Can Ducks Eat Melons

4. Apples – Without Core And Seeds!

Ducks need nourishment, and apples can be a contributor to their health. Although apples are premium fruit in the USA, occasionally given along with other nutritional treats is fine. 

However, there is a little risk in apple seeds where researchers have found amygdalin. So, you must avoid it along with the core and stem, which is unnecessary.

However, apples are found in different forms, so be picky about the safe ones. I would say give them raw apples, cooked apples, dried ones, apple juice, and frozen ones after you defrost them.

Highlight: Apple peel works magically to keep digestion better!

Benefits: Let us introduce some facts that keep the ducks healthy when they eat apples.

• Hydration: Apples have more than 80% water, so duck’s hydration is confirmed.
• Immunity System: Apples have vitamins that promote the mental condition of ducks. It improves the immunity system, too!
• Digestion System: Ducks will have fiber from apples. Fiber ensures proper digestion, and based on science daily, soluble fiber boosts the immune system. It’s exceptional!
• Muscle Health: With a low-calorie intake of around 57 kcal per 100g, apples can be better for muscle growth.

Risks: Listen, ducks are not always safe with fruits. Particularly you need to be careful about some facts when you feed apples.

• Toxicity Cause Sickness: Cyanide in apple seeds can harm the ducks. So, remove the seeds first!
• The Danger Of Suffocation: You must be familiar with the problem called choking. Ducks may face the situation when they eat large apples. I suggest making it a small, manageable size that is easy to eat.
• Digestion Discomfort: Overfeeding is always bad! Give only a small piece occasionally. Otherwise, ducks will be in indigestion trouble.

Tips: For baby ducks, you can mash apples, which is a better idea! I would say it is considerable in the case of other fruits when feeding ducklings.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Apples

5. Pineapple – Acidic, But It’s Okay!

With high water intake and other nutrients, South American pineapple can also be a part of ducks’ occasional treat list. 

Ducks can take such a tangy, sweet flavor of pineapple by following some precautions. But don’t cross the limit of feeding such acidic fruits because ducks should only eat fruits in moderation.

Highlight: It’s slowly becoming America’s favorite fruit, so it’ll be available for the avians.

Benefits: Check the quick overview of the good facts about feeding pineapple to the ducks.

• Energy Booster: Pineapples have carbohydrates that give energy to your ducks.
• Immunity Get Better: As you know, antioxidants keep the immunity system better; pineapple has this!
• Digestion: Feeding some pineapple helps your ducks to ingest some soluble fiber. What it does is keep the digestion process in control.
• Fix Damaged Tissues: Protein in pineapple can be a repairer of damaged tissue that happens due to influenza.

Risks: As you have heard about acidic matter, your curious mind may look for any potential risks of feeding pineapples to ducks. Check below!

• Digestion Issue: Pineapples have sugars and high acidity, which is risky for ducks. Be careful to feed only a small quantity.
• Imbalance Cause Weight Gain: Overfeeding can never take part in ducks’ life. So, in the case of pineapple, as well! If you don’t give the ideal amount, ducks will surely get sick or maybe fat, which is a negative sign.
• Risk Of Asphyxiation: Ducks are always at risk of suffocation while they eat any food. In layman’s terms, we call it a choking hazard due to the inappropriate size of fruit pieces. Or maybe it is due to seeds or tough cores. Be careful when you give some pineapples.

Tips: You can give pineapple juice or a smoothie. Also, fruit salad is a wise idea to feed your duck.

More Information: Can Ducks Eat Pineapple

What Nutrients Contribute to Duck’s Health? Check the Value!

So, we are done sharing the safest fruit for ducks that should be a part of ducks’ occasional treats. To give you more schemes to select the best fruits, check the table below!

It’s precious where I’ve added the nutrient’s value per 100 grams. But to keep the balance, I prioritized the fruit ducks may enjoy the most. For example, I said blueberry and watermelon nutrients in the case of berries and melons.

4 Unsafe Fruits You Must Avoid For Ducks!

So, you have the choice to pick from the fruits we added. Besides, ducks can also try papaya, mangoes, bananas, and some others. No issues until you feed in the wrong way. 

However, some fruits are not safe for ducks’ health. Let us introduce what those are!

1. Avocado – Deadly Fruit!

You get health benefits from avocado, but that doesn’t mean birds like ducks can go well. They may even die if they eat avocados. The culprit is a toxic element called persin. 

People may say a moderate amount is safe, but it’s not! Keep the ducks away from such fruits!

Risks: While researching, I found ducks had never been comfortable with avocados. Some notable negative impacts are:

• Poisonous Toxins: Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which is completely deadly for birds like ducks or chickens. Particularly, the skin, leaves, and seeds have the components that can kill the duck.
• Digestion Issue: If ducks even accidentally eat avocados, they’ll face digestion problems for sure.
• Breathing Difficulty: Avocados can also make the duck suffer from breathing problems.
• Other Symptoms And Sicknesses: If ducks consume some avocados, they will have issues such as:

1. Heart failure
2. Disordered plumage
3. Myocardial tissue damage
4. Coma
5. Apathy
6. Swelling of Throat.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Avocado

2. Lemon – Say No To Acidic Fruit!

Although some birds are good while eating a lemon, ducks are not. The citrus fruit, like lemon, contains citric acid and oils, which are bad for ducks. The components in lemon actually irritate ducks’ health. Therefore, I would never give lemons or even other citrus fruits to ducks.

Risks: The reason behind avoiding lemons gonna be cleared in the next section. Take a look!

• Highly Acidic: Lemons have oils and acid that disturbs the duck’s digestion. So, please keep the citrus fruit away to avoid stomach trouble.
• High Level Of Vitamin C: Vitamin C is okay, but lemons have excessive, which is not good. So, don’t give lemons to ducks.
• Appetite Problem: Lemon has an acidic sour taste, which ducks may not like. They even lose their appetite for eating regular foods. So, avoid such treats that can impact ducks’ daily needs.

3. Orange – Bittersweet Fruit!

If you ask, can ducks eat oranges? It’s a big no! The reason is high acids like ascorbic and citric acids. Although such fruits have high nutrients, acid is a big problem here. Feeding oranges to ducks can cause several health difficulties.

Risks: Ducks act like an omnivore who eats anything found nearby while they forage. However, if they consume oranges accidentally or if you feed some, they’ll surely encounter difficulties such as:

• Acid Blocks Calcium: If ducks eat oranges, acid prevents the calcium from being absorbed into the duck’s body. Ducks require calcium intake for bones, joints, and egg development!
• Diarrhea Or Heartburn: The acidic element in orange can cause diarrhea or even heartburn. So, you must avoid it!
• Cellulose in Orange Peels: Orange peels have tough cellulose peels, which makes it hard to break down the fruit to digest. Avoid it!
• High Sugar: Oranges have high sugar besides the acidic elements. So, oranges are not necessary as their healthy treat. If you feed oranges to ducks, they may face obesity, diabetes, or even immunity system difficulties.

More Information: Can Ducks Eat Oranges

4. Grapefruit – Unhealthy Subtropical Citrus!

Another citrus fruit and a no for ducks! The same case I found is a bitter taste that ducks won’t like. The high acidity and sugar level is the negative part for ducks.

Also, the rind and pith compounds can be toxic for any bird. So, go for some other fruits. You don’t always need to bring some different taste for ducks! Especially not the citrus fruits!

• Digestion Trouble: Similar to orange, the high level of acids will cause digestion system disturbance.
• Vitamin C Is Excessive: In 100 grams of grapefruit, you’ll find around 31.2 mg of vitamin C, which is quite bad for backyard friends. It seems like a drug overdose!
• Loss of Appetite: If ducks consume grapefruit, they may lose their eating habit and get discouraged from having a regular diet.

Related Reading: Citrus Fruits For Ducks Diet

Can Ducks Eat Dried Fruits? YES, With Precautions!

If you prefer to feed some, keep the quantities in moderation. And take a look at the facts about dried fruits.

1. Dried Raisins: As a snack, raisins are ducks’ favorite! You may know it’s a dry form of grapes. Give some, but not excessively!
2. Dates: You may offer dates to ducks. They will love the fleshes. But remove the seeds first!
3. Apricot: You can offer sliced apricots to ducks. But quantity must be moderate. Dry things are tough for the backyard friends. Keep it in mind!
4. Dried Berries: Unsweetened dried berries can be okay when given in moderation.
5. Nuts: Nuts are not good for ducks. But sometimes, we give some like walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, and more. It’s tough for them to digest. So, make sure you mash it or chop it before serving!

4 Potential Risks

Ducks can eat dried fruits, but they shouldn’t. It’s because dried fruits are tough to swallow due to stiffness and toughness. You may check the 4 main reasons behind this!

1. Risk Of Choking Hazard: Dried fruits are tough to digest and can get stuck in ducks’ beaks and cause the risk of suffocation. So, ensure the size is manageable for the duck.
2. Lack Of Water: Dried fruits usually don’t have enough water. But ducks require water at least 1 liter each day. Feeding fresh fruits may keep them dehydrated. So, dried fruits are not necessary!
3. High Sugar Content: It’s confirmed that dried fruits contain high sugar intake. So, if ducks have some, it’s okay. But excessive amounts will surely make them fat and may push into other health issues.
4. Preservatives And Sulfites: Dried fruits outside usually have sulfites or preservatives to keep the color and freshness. But it’s not a good choice for ducks!

Important Note: Keep the water near the ducks when they eat some dried fruits. It may help them to swallow easily.

Fruits For Baby Ducks: Can Ducklings Eat Fruits?

No, ducklings are not friendly with fruits at a very young age. Their age is friendly with the primary starter feed that fulfills their nutritional need for development.

Until your ducks become mature and have developed digestion systems, don’t introduce fruits. I would say until they become more than 8 weeks, fruits are not recommended.

If they accidentally eat some or you feed some, they’ll surely face suffocation or choke. So, gradually introduce various fruits that can be a part of their regular diet. Remember, they are sensitive, and they need extra care!

How Much Quantity Of Fruits Ducks Should Eat? A Tiny Portion!

In general, mature ducks should eat around 170-200 grams each day, where 10% of fruits are ideal. In the matter of feeding fruits, fruits are good as an occasional treat.

The best way to feed is small bite-sized pieces of fruit. And please, don’t overfeed fruits to ducks! Only a tiny portion is enough where fleshes are the best part for them. Another noteworthy part is to monitor how ducks eat fruits. If they enjoy, keep fruits on their supplement list.

Feeding Time: 3 Facts You Should Consider Must!

When getting matured, fruits become a healthy option for ducks. But you need to know some necessary facts. 

• Fruit Trees: You don’t need to feed fruit trees where you’ll need to avoid leaves and branches. Most often, the leaves contain toxic cyanide, which is hazardous.
• Fruit Loops: Human food, like fruit loops, is not a good idea for waterfowl as it’s sugary. It can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and digestion issues.
• Fruit Loaf: Actually, some human foods are not easily consumable for ducks, although they can eat anything. So when it’s about a fruit loaf or baked item, don’t give it to ducks!

Such foods typically have artificial flavors, sugars, and more. And they are obviously inappropriate for ducks’ health.

FAQs

After going through the entire article, you may come up with some questions. Therefore, we’re including a Q&A section for your convenience.

Recommended Reading: What Do Ducks Eat Naturally

Final Words:

So, Can Ducks Eat Fruit? Yes, ducks can eat fruits, but occasionally. But not every fruit is safe, so think about the precaution. This article is a guideline for every duck owner or caretaker who is raising ducks as their pet.

Besides, be careful if your choice is dried fruit for them. Ducks need a balanced diet and, of course, the proper hydration. Fresh fruits can be offered, but not dried ones! However,  ensure it’s small slices that ducks can easily consume.

Sources And References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8532726/
• https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20455437/5-health-benefits-of-cherries/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25306368/
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100302171531.htm