Can Ducks Eat Nuts And Seeds? Yep, They Are Good!

When considering nuts and seeds for ducks, it reminds me of Chip ‘n Dale from Disney. I found them enjoying nuts a lot, but be picky for backyard ducks in real life!

So, Can ducks eat nuts, or is it a no-no? Yes, ducks can eat some particular nuts as an occasional treat. They enjoy walnuts, peanuts, and Pistachios the most, which ensures the best growth and development. But avoid whole nuts and high-sodium salted nuts. And think about their beaks before feeding nuts!

For exploring the right nuts for your duck friend, we included safe or unsafe nuts. Alongside, you’ll have feeding tips! Please enter the article to discover some other facts about nuts in ducks’ diets.

Can Ducks Eat Nuts? Let’s Explore If Nuts are Safe For Backyard Pal!

Nuts as a crunchy item can delight ducks, but you need to be careful about the duck’s digestion or gastronomical facts. No doubt, ducks get a nutritional boost from nuts, which have protein, fats, and more. But don’t make it their regular part! It’s a trap!

The tale of the nuts and ducks is quite confusing, but don’t worry. They can eat safely if you keep our words in mind. However, let’s see the best nuts and nuts we must avoid for toxicity.

06 Nuts That Are Safe For Ducks

You are no doubt aware that ducks predominantly prefer greens, small insects, veggies, fruits, and grains. But in the case of nuts, they are safe with some nuts but not all. Let’s see what nuts are good for the feathered friend. 

Before that, take a look at the video on how ducks eat nuts. It will give you more ideas for feeding in the future!

01. Walnuts – Exceptional Edible Seed!

Walnuts in the US are the best nut type for the backyard friend. Particularly in California, you can bring walnuts as a nutritious treat since they have plenty, around 75%. But the surprising fact is walnuts are not technically a nut, it’s a seed.

Highlight: Walnuts contain high antioxidants with healthy omega-3 fat, which is not in other nuts.

Benefit: Walnuts are the best pick if you maintain moderation when feeding! See the benefits, please!

• Walnuts with high fat, around 60%, contribute to improving waterproofing by boosting energy.
• The antioxidants are there as a magical feature where vitamin E and polyphenols ensure their better immunity system.
• I find dried walnuts that offer high protein are given to baby ducks.

Risks: It’s true ducks are good eaters but give only a few walnuts in front of them while feeding. If you avoid following the proper way of feeding nuts, they surely suffer problems such as:

• If the whole nut is given, it’ll cause a choking hazard.
• Excessive consumption of walnuts will give high fat which may cause health troubles.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Walnuts

02. Cashews – Nuts With Mono And Polyunsaturated Fat 

Same case as walnuts! Cashew or Kaju is not technically nuts, but they’re seeds. Study says cashews are quite expensive for ducks. But it offers a lot of benefits. 

Sigh! What to do now since it’s pricey? Offer them as an occasional treat, and when considering how to feed, grind them before serving! Simple.

Highlight: The high mono and polyunsaturated fat in cashews are exceptional!

Benefits: Take a look at the benefits of feeding cashews.

• Especially for ducklings, cashews are good with rich protein intake.
• Fatty acids are there to help insulate the fat layer. So, weight management is confirmed.
• Also, cashews, as a healthy treat, can play for the calcium requirement for ducks’ health.

Risks: It’s gonna be unfair if I don’t mention the negative facts of feeding cashews.

• Choking hazard is a common trouble for bird species, including ducks. So, giving the whole nut is to blame, but small chopped or crushed sizes are safe.
• Urushiol in cashew nut shells is a toxic thing that may cause allergic issues or skin irritation.
• As we said, salted nuts are unsafe for ducks, so please keep the words. Ducks are also not friendly with chemicals, seasonings, spices, or salts. Excessive salt usually causes kidney issues.

For more details about Cashews, check – Can Ducks Eat Cashews

03. Almonds – Nutrient Rich Superfood

I noticed two types of almonds are available where sweet almonds are safe for humans and ducks. But the bitter one is not good since it contains hydrogen cyanide.

As you decide to feed it to ducks, 2 or 3 chopped almonds are good, but the crushed form is much better because it’s easy to digest.

I also find almonds as seeds, not as nuts. Yes, you hear it right! The truth is these nuts are seeds from the plant. However, ducks are safe, whether it’s raw or roasted almonds. But I would prefer raw form!

Highlight: The almonds can be sweet, semi-bitter, or bitter. But no other nuts are like this.

Benefits: We found various nutrients in almonds that benefit ducks by providing things like:

• Protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, and others boost the overall duck’s health.
• During the cold winter days, almonds bring energy to ducks. You’ll be surprised that 100 g almonds have a 592 calorie intake!
• The existence of vitamins prevents ducks’ wry neck issues.
• Protein is there to promote tissue forms, cell regeneration, muscle growth, and feather development.
• Fiber intake will also keep digestion good.
• Almonds ensure egg development as well.

Risks: We know there are some considerations before feeding almonds. Not all almonds are safe!

• Swallowing almonds causes a choking hazard, so keep them small or mash them before serving.
• Almonds have toxic cyanide, which is terrible for ducks’ health.
• Salted and seasoned almonds are bad for their health.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Almonds

04. Pecans – Hickory Nut

American pecans are a nutrition powerhouse when it comes to feeding backyard waterfowl. But keep your eyes open since moderating the pecans amount is all you need to nourish the duck.

Highlight: USDA says pecans have a type of antioxidant called flavonoids that works for antioxidant effects and cell signaling path.

Benefits: Let’s see what’s beneficial here when you prefer pecans!

• For having a healthy heart, unsaturated fatty acids in pecans reduce LDL cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel activities.
• Fiber is there to contribute to the duck’s digestion system.
• As an antioxidant, vitamin A keeps eyesight and improves the immune system.
• To see the duck’s muscle, bone, and brain condition well, protein, magnesium, and zinc in pecans will do the duty.

Risks: Aside from the benefits, let’s see the precautions for feeding pecans to ducks.

• We prefer moderation! But feeding pecans overly gives high fat and calories, which causes obesity.
• Pecans don’t have enough protein and calcium.
• A choking hazard risk is there if you feed pecans to ducks or geese.
• Please be careful about salt, sugar, and baked pecans. It makes them uncomfortable.

For more clarification, take a look at the article, Can Ducks Eat Pecans

05. Peanuts – Grind It For Them!

Nuts are specially offered to ducks to have some healthy protein and fats. Whether it’s for ducks or ducklings, nuts like peanuts can be a good source when you grind or chop them. And giving some water beside them is a perfect combination!

Now, it’s important to note that you have options such as:

1. Raw peanut
2. Whole peanut
3. Peanut butter or peanut butter crackers.

Highlight: Comes in various colors with unique bioactive elements.

Benefits: Bringing some peanuts usually nourishes the ducks with health goods such as:

• Peanuts have vitamins and minerals to boost the immunity system.
• Vitamin and calcium ensure better immunity along with faster growth.
• For duck’s reproduction, proper digestion, preventing constipation, and keeping bowel movement, fiber in pecans is enough!

Risks: We talked about safety and benefits, but what if we see ducks suffering? What actually makes them sick?

• Of 100 grams of peanuts, approximately 40 grams are fat, which is a source that makes ducks overweight.
• Either you give them small-sized peanuts or leave them to encounter choking hazards.
• Some ducks may get uncomfortable due to allergic reactions.

Related Reading: Can Ducks Eat Peanuts

06. Pistachios  – A Greenish Kernal

Here comes the low-fat nut from the Southern United States, which is good for ducks and other birds. To feed this, I prefer to remove the shells first.

Highlight: Considered as low-fat cashew family nuts with the symbol of prosperity and happiness.

Benefits: Now, look at how this nut contribute to the waterfowl’s health.

• Nuts are contributors to vitamins, minerals, fat, protein, and more to ensure better overall health.
• Carbs and fats boost energy during foraging, swimming, and roaming time.
• Vitamin C, E, and zinc confirm duck’s immunity is going well.
• For healthy feathers and plumage, protein is active in pistachios.
• Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D work to keep the bone and muscle condition improved.
• Also, the ducks’ egg production develops if they eat pistachio nuts occasionally.

Risks: Other than good facts, some negative impact is also there. Let’s see how feeding pistachios harms ducks’ health.

• Overfeeding is bad since nuts have high fats. Ducks will gain weight.
• You may find salted pistachios, which are high in sodium. It may cause dehydration in ducks.
• A choking hazard is always noticeable when you feed nuts to ducks. Be careful!

Recommended Read: Should Ducks Eat Pistachios

What Nuts To Avoid – We have listed two here

So, we listed the safe nuts for ducks. What about the unhealthy ones?

01. Acorns – Safe With Potential Risks

We found most of the nuts have high fat, which is bad for birds, including ducks. Although we added some goods to the nuts, acorns from oak trees are unsafe for me.

But you may offer only a small quantity. However, if it was me, I won’t feed them!

Highlight: Low in calories and safe when given without tannin.

Risks: Since we red-marked the nut, I don’t think any potential benefits should be mentioned. It’s particularly for ducks! So, let’s see the potential risks.

• Raw acorns have toxic tannins, which cause digestion issues and block nutrition absorption.
• Surely, ducks are going to have choking trouble!
• You’ll find fats that may cause obesity or liver diseases.
• Most chickens, ducks, or other avian families are not familiar with this type of nut because most experts avoid acorns as their healthy treat.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Acorns

02. Macadamia – Restrictions!

When you have macadamia in the kitchen, is it safe for the backyard friend? No, I found toxins and things that will make your ducks suffer from life-threatening health issues.

Risks: Since we understood that macadamia is not a suggested nut, what are the health risks for ducks? Here are the reasons to be concerned about!

• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• High body temperature.

Nuts And Seeds: What Nut Forms Are Safe For Waterfowl?

Nuts are actually not nuts; they’re seeds. So, offering them the appropriate quantity is safe for ducks. However, let’s check out the safe and unsafe zone of Nuts.

1. Shelled And Unsalted Nuts: Yes! You can give some peanuts, almonds, and pecans that are unsalted. And ensure the shell is removed.
2. Salty And Seasoned Nuts: No! High sodium is risky for ducks’ health as well as the seasons we add in nuts.
3. Chocolate Nuts: A big no! Ducks should not eat nuts covered with chocolates as chocolates are toxic for fowls.
4. Chopped Or Grind The Nuts: Perfect idea! Chopped and ground nuts are the safe way to feed your ducks.

Can Ducks Eat Nuts In The Shell?

No, you may know nut shells are a hard covering around the kernel of the nut, which is difficult to eat for ducks. There is the risk of choking trouble, so we suggest avoiding it.

Can Ducklings Eat Nuts? Unsafe!

Absolutely not. Ducklings have sensitive small beaks with delicate digestion systems. It will surely cause choking hazards and may even kill the baby duck.

At least wait until they become an adult who can consume tough or solid foods in moderation. Until that, give only the started foods which provide enough protein for growth. Take some advice on feeding baby ducks from the vet or avian experts.

Nutritional Properties Of Nuts: Pick The Best For Ducks!

So, we suggested the best nuts or seeds for your backyard friend. But you should also know what nutrients are and what matters the most for ducks’ health. According to USDA, here is a table of nuts nutritional value (per 100 grams).

Among these nuts, pecan contains a high lipid fat of 72 grams. So, if pecans are your choice, give small quantities or you’ll ducks getting weight.

Nuts In Ducks Occasional Treat List: How To Feed Now?

Now, you’re in the stage of learning how we should feed nuts to backyard ducks. To let you know, we have serving ideas along with the right feeding tips. Grab them!

How Much To Serve?

Ducks shouldn’t eat more than 2 or 3 pieces of nuts as an occasional treat. Occasionally, it means giving every one or two weeks. Nuts are hard shell seeds. So, overfeeding won’t be safe for them!

How To Serve?

As you have nuts in the house, why not serve them in the backyard? You can offer them in ways such as

• Nuts without salt
• Offering in a tray
• Placing near any water source
• Nuts in the water bowl.

How To Feed?

As a caretaker, you should follow some steps while feeding nuts or seeds. Although we already said how you should feed, this part is a step-by-step idea for duck lovers.

• Don’t Overfeed: Fat is an enemy here! They’ll get fat and sick over time. So, let them eat only a small quantity.
• Give Fresh Nuts: Bring fresh nuts without salts, seasonings, or spices.
• Chop Nuts: Then, please chop or grind the nuts before feeding. It ensures safety from choking trouble.
• Water Beside Nuts: Give some water to the ground where you served the nuts. But I would say hand feeding is a way to be more friendly with them.

But Can Ducks Eat Seeds? Let Me Clarify!

Wait! You may become confused since I am saying nuts and seeds together. I am saying this because nuts are considered the seeds of plants. Now you may wonder, are all the seeds safe for ducks?

No, some seeds are okay, and some are not. As we know, ducks face suffocation while trying to eat some seeds. So, feed in moderation or avoid giving seeds to your ducks. Notably, avoid the unsafe ones!

Let me clear it up. Seeds contain cardiac-toxic cyanide compound, which is toxic for backyard ducks. According to ScienceDirect, such fruit seeds contain amygdalin. Such compounds release cyanide, potentially targeting the cardiovascular system and triggering the ability of cells to use oxygen.

However, if you prefer to know some safe seeds for them, feed sunflower seeds to your ducks. Or I find chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or even flax seeds as the safest for them.

Check Our Comprehensive Article about this topic – Seeds Diet for Ducks

Do Ducklings Eat Seeds Too? No, It Causes Choking Hazards!

I think you should avoid it. Any matured ducks, geese, or even chickens are unsafe and face suffocation while consuming seeds. So, will it be safe for ducklings or baby ducks? Of course not!

Although it causes a choking hazard, a decent quantity of soft seeds is good for your young duck. I find birdseed the safest snack option. 

However, I suggest giving only the starter feed at a young age. They mainly need protein and niacin for growth. But you’re good with seeds when ducks become mature enough to consume food.

Can Ducks Eat Whole Seeds? With Limitation!

It’s okay to feed whole seeds, but they cannot eat much. And you need to consider some facts before giving the whole seeds. Let me tell you what are those.

1. It’s safe if the ducks are matured and have gizzard that helps to break down tough seeds.
2. They must eat small seeds or seeds with thin shells. It won’t cause serious levels of choking hazards.
3. If you feed large seeds, you must crush or give them sparingly to avoid the digestion problem.
4. In the case of nuts as seeds, you must ground them first.

Can Ducks Eat Seeds And Corn? Moderation!

Another fact you must hear is corn is also a seed, so yes, ducks can eat corn. Particularly, fresh corn from the cob, dried cracked corn, or defrosted frozen corn kernels are the safest.

But you must remain in balance while feeding such seeds. When it’s about feeding corn, ducks gonna have some carbohydrates but not the other needs. 

Ducks have other food sources for nourishment. Focus on feeding those items and bring corn as a supplementary treat.

Do Ducks Eat Seed Mix? They Are Good!

Yes, ducks will surely enjoy eating seed mixes. So, if you prefer to feed some seed mix, the cheapest idea is to get a bag full of pumpkin, sunflower, chia, sesame, and flax seeds.

Ducks need around 225 g of feed each day, where 10% should be their nutritional treat. So, feeding mixed seeds is good until you feed excessively. 

I suggest having formulated seed mixes for the wild birds or ducks. Such a mixture may contain seeds, grains, and dried fruits.

Recommended Reading: What Can You Feed Ducks

FAQs

Here, we have included some possible frequently asked questions for you all. I hope it will give new knowledge to the duck’s owner.

Summarization

In conclusion, I would say feed nuts to ducks. It’s safe, but excessive is unsafe! The nuts we included in the list of safe treats are okay, but please avoid acorns and macadamia. Among the good ones, I prefer to feed some walnuts. Healthiest and Nutritional!

However, you may look at the nutritional values of different nuts before giving some. And please, be careful about salts and shells! Think about their well-being; you want to keep them healthy with treats like nuts.

Sources And References:

• https://www.businessinsider.com/why-cashew-nuts-so-expensive-nuts-2021-5
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/urushiol