Can Ducks Eat Walnuts? 2 Answers – 1 Solution

Giving ducks walnuts is like playing with fire. Otherwise, California ducks would have been very happy because they produce 75% of the walnuts worldwide. But that is not the case.

Can ducks eat walnuts? No, they should not eat walnuts. It is assumed that ducks can eat walnuts. But do not believe everything that comes to you. Walnut is full of fat and if you’re not careful, you may witness a massacre. So, it is safe not to consider it for the duck’s diet.

Why walnuts should be avoided? What are the consequences? Is it completely prohibited? Here’s the study you’re looking for to have all your answers.

Twist in the Tale: Can Ducks Eat Walnuts?

Ducks can eat walnuts but feed them in ideal quantities. I could have just said this. But that’s not all about the answer. The answer is quite tricky, at least I think so. Here’s why.

Are Walnuts a Fine Snack? Fine Doesn’t Mean You Should Feed Walnuts

Different sources on the internet tell us walnuts for ducks are okay. The claim is right if you can measure the amounts for every duck. And that is not practical. Plus, if you give it in moderation, your ducks may not face any difficulties. Alright, I do agree.

Moreover, the lipids in walnuts are known to increase energy density. So, more lipid means more strength. Your ducks need energy to roam around, right? Plus, it contains other beneficial nutrients like carbohydrates and protein.

So, walnut, as a healthy treat, is not likely to be the worst choice.

But Here’s a Plot Twist! You Should Not Feed Walnuts To Ducks

Walnuts are insanely high in fats. Statistics show that 65% of walnut is fat. If your ducks consume too much fat (lipid), they may face different health issues which we will discuss later.

On top of that, it is high in carbohydrates too. Extreme carb consumption can lead to serious health difficulties like heart problems, high blood pressure, and also in reproduction.

Now if you feed these to your ducks, don’t you think you are gonna hurt them if you make a blunder? 

So, even if you give them walnuts, the benefits will not shine significantly, compared to the risks. Apart from that, so many alternatives are available from the same taste group but with less carb, and sugar. So, to me, there’s literally no need to feed walnuts to your ducks. 

Answer to the Point: Do It If You Are Responsible

However, if you want to give walnuts to your ducks, you’re welcome! But please, be very careful about the appropriability. If you can maintain the occasionality, and give them walnuts in proper quantity, it will boost your duck’s health surely!

Potential Walnut Substitutes: Low Maintenance Treats

You can consider some alternatives for walnuts considering the high-fat issue. The following nuts can be a good walnut substitute:

• Almonds
• Hazelnuts (chopped into smaller pieces)
• Pecans
• Peanuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

How Many Walnuts Can Ducks Eat? Not Many

First, let me tell you how much fat intake ducks need every day. Research in Australia says that ducks only need 5% of their total nutrition to be fat. That means 5 grams, in every 100 grams. 

But, walnut is more generous about fat. It will provide 65% fat in any amount of walnuts. Crazy!

Coming to the main point, this how much to feed thing isn’t specific. There is no such research found about how much a duck can eat walnuts. But, I may share my suggestion. 

I suggest you de-shell it first, crush it, and mix it with other regular food. It can be with some chopped raspberries or blueberries. Any other fruits can also be considered here. For each duck, 2, or 3 walnuts sound sensible according to their fat requirements.

Can Baby Ducks Eat Walnuts? Best If You Do Not

Look, you can feed them if you properly grind walnuts. But I think you should wait at least 21 days. Because after 3, or 4 weeks, baby ducks’ digestion system develops a little. Fat consumption should not bother them at that time.

However, vegetables, and fruits that are high in protein can be given to ducks. Considering the protein, dried walnuts can be beneficial for ducklings for containing high protein content. 

Related Reads:

• Should Ducks Eat Almonds
• Can You Feed Ducks Cashews
• Do Ducks Eat Pecans

Are Walnuts Really High in Lipid?

Yes, Walnuts are really high in lipids. Come, let’s have a quick look at walnuts’ nutrition in different shapes. 

Key Nutrition in Raw Walnuts

Nutrient	Amount ( per 100 gm)
Water	4.07 g
Calories	654 kcal
Protein	15.2 g
Sugar	2.61 g
Fat	65.2 g
Fatty Acids	6.13 g
Carbohydrate	13.7 g
Calcium	98 mg
Vitamin C	1.3 mg
Potassium	244 mg

Key Nutrition in Dried Walnuts:

Nutrient	Amount ( per 100 gm)
Water	4.56 g
Calories	619 kcal
Protein	24.1 g
Sugar	1.1 g
Lipid	59.3 g
Carbohydrate	9.58 g
Calcium	61 mg
Vitamin C	1.7 mg
Potassium	523 mg

We have seen walnuts in two shapes. Did you notice the significance of fat in the nutrition list? On both occasions, walnuts are high in fats, with around 60% of walnut fat (lipid). I hope now you know, why walnut should not be on the list of what ducks should intake. 

What If I Feed Walnuts in Moderation? The Only Way

If moderation is maintained, walnuts can be a healthy treat for ducks. If you feed your feathered buddies walnuts in proper quantity, it will bring these benefits:

• Walnuts are high in fats that are beneficial for ducks. These fats can help improve their waterproofing and provide them with energy. 
• Walnuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. These nutrients can help support the immune system of ducks.
• Dried walnuts can be pretty helpful for your baby ducks. To make the development more steady, dried nuts offer a significant amount of protein. 

Walnuts can Decrease Duck’s Food Cravings!

Here comes a very important point. Walnuts, which I have been told to avoid in a duck’s diet, can help ducks lessen their food cravings. You have to know when food cravings increase. Ducks will have cravings when they don’t have enough fat in their food. 

Since walnuts are high in lipids, this will keep your duck’s fat cravings lower. As we all know, proper food consumption ensures healthy and sustainable living.

What If I Over-Feed Walnuts To Ducks? RIP!

As mentioned before, if you make a blunder feeding walnuts to ducks, it may cost you high. 

Excessive fat consumption can help increase various health issues. It will either assist in gaining weight or increase the possibility of heart problems. Plus, carbohydrates also company fats to make it even worse. It can lead to obesity and a lack of interest.

You may see the following symptoms in this case:

• Lack of interest
• Obesity
• Laziness

So, follow proper precautions when you feed ducks walnuts. Otherwise, you may face serious health consequences. Oh, one more thing, don’t be late to contact a veterinarian if you see any symptoms, or abnormalities in your duck’s behavior. Do it before it’s too late!

Recommended Reading: Nuts in Duck’s Diet

FAQs

To know more interesting news, keep your eyes here. We exclusively picked a few most asked questions from the internet.

Finalizing the Study

I hope you have got your answer. This particular nut is strange to define. It can be incredibly beneficial if given in proper quantity. But it can set the risk graph even higher if you’re not cautious about the amount. 

So, feed them walnuts in moderation and keep the thing balanced. If you think you can’t be so cautious, just avoid giving your feathered buddies walnuts.

Treat your ducks like your dear friends! Give them occasional treats like walnuts if they seem bored with their regular diet. Keeping their minds stimulated will make them show their love for you!

Source & References:

• https://www.poultryhub.org/all-about-poultry/nutrition/nutrient-requirements-of-ducks
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119580233