What Do Ducks Eat In The Water And Ponds? (10+ Diets!)

You may wonder precisely what do ducks eat in the water or pond. When swimming or relaxing, they put their mouths to get aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small fish, and other sources. The list is long, so it will be inside the article. You’ll find how ducks have nutrients, especially protein, from water food sources.

However, spend some minutes here to understand the ducks eating behavior in water. You’ll find your answer with crystal clear knowledge. Guaranteed!

What Do Ducks Eat in the Water and Ponds? Know Their Preference!

Ducks have natural foraging behavior, so they may look for aquatic food sources in water or ponds. And they actually dive into the water to have their benefit.

But ultimately, ducks and geese become an integral part of the food chain. What I mean is they contribute to the ecosystem. You may check the study of MDPI for more clarification about the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, we call them the valuable feathery guest in the pond!

However, whether it’s a wild one or a domestic duck, they’ll have a similar nature in the water when looking for food sources. But you’ll see a little difference when it’s about ducks swimming in salt water. Particularly, sea ducks may eat other creatures, such as plankton, or they prefer tiny aquatic or marine organisms.

Now, look at the most common food ducks eat in the water.

1. Aquatic plants
2. Small insects
3. Mosquito and larvae
4. Tadpoles and frogs
5. Beetles
6. Worms
7. Snails
8. Fishes
9. Small snakes
10. Crustaceans

Waterfowl Love To Have Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants are the first natural diet source for waterfowl. Whenever ducks are in the pond, they’ll indeed look for such plants. They swallow a variety of aquatic vegetation, and I find them eating duckweed the most.

As dabbling ducks or shallow-water ducks, North American Mallards usually look for aquatic plants. Such plants can contribute the most vitamins, minerals, and carbs to keep the duck energetic.

However, if you question, “What to feed ducks at a pond?” I would say let them eat aquatic plants!

And be an observer who notices if ducks have the wrong plants that contain toxic compounds. Based on the study of Springer, heavy metals around 74%, pharmaceuticals around 7%, and 7% hydrocarbons are the toxicants found on the plants. Now, let’s talk about some common aquatic plants for ducks.

Algae: A Notable Natural Food Source

The first love for ducks in water is aquatic plants such as algae! Ducks love to swallow algae from the water, whether green, brown, or black beard algae!

But avoid the blue algae since it is harmful to ducks. It’s basically a bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

However, if it’s safe algae, ducks will get nutrients such as:

• Vitamins (B12, C, and E)
• Omega-3 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic
• Minerals (calcium and potassium) 
• Wide range of carotenoids
• Fiber.

Such nutrients will help to contribute to the duck’s overall health, where it works to provide:

• Good digestion
• Improved immunity system
• Better feather and plumage.

Duckweed: Floating Nutritional Green Plant

When ducks don’t find food in the water, they swallow duckweeds or pondweeds. You’ll see duckweed in the water during the summer and springtime. And you may need to ensure the duckweeds are free of pollutants. 

But what’s beneficial here? Such small floating plants have components such as:

• Vitamin
• Beta-carotene
• Minerals
• Protein
• Carbohydrates and more.

And they will contribute to health in a way such as:

• Boost energy
• Proper digestion
• Good feather quality
• Better eyesight.

Water Lettuce: Hydrating Ornamental Plant

While swimming, ducks may prefer to eat some water lettuce from the pond. It’s a part of their natural diet.

But you need to observe since such plants have a big contribution to water. Water lettuce blocks the sunlight and reduces the algae blooms in water.

Such lettuce usually has high water content and insignificant nutrients, so ducks only notably get a hydration boost.

Water Lilies: Safe Flowery Plant

Among the aquatic plants in water, water lilies are another primary food source for ducks. If ducks find some near the habitat, they’ll surely eat water lily leaves, stems, and flowers. 

Such lilies are not a nutritional thing, but the omnivore and foraging behavior are the reason for their eating behavior. Although swallowing some lilies has no noteworthy health benefit, it helps with environmental control.

Water Hyacinth: A Great Food Source!

Similar to duckweed, water hyacinths have around 95% water intake. According to the NCBI, In the time of water hyacinth growing season, such plants help filter wastewater from the intensive duck farm. Harvested water hyacinth will be great for duck feed.

Such plants disrupt the water ecosystem, so it would be great if ducks eat some in moderation. But remember that it’s an invasive species that grows faster. Ducks don’t need excessive consumption!

Ducks Do Consume Small Insects

If you have ducks in the yard, you’ll see how they dive under the water to have some small insects. They are fond of it! Mainly, their choice is small insects that are easy to swallow without hassle.

Based on personal experience, I found avians usually catch small creatures such as:

Mosquito And Larvae: Waterfowl Catch It For Protein

Although all the duck species have natural foraging behavior, I often saw the muscovy act like a predator of mosquitos, whether the winged adult or the larvae, swallow within a few seconds.

They may find it anywhere, but most often in stagnant water. The important fact is ducks help other livestock, especially chickens. They eat small insects during the metamorphosis.

On the other hand, ducks foraging for mosquitos can be a part of their protein requirement. Also, eating mosquitos and larvae significantly impacts the Mosquito population.

Tadpoles And Frogs: Ducks Catch Amphibians Too!

Ducks have a habit of foraging in the water, as you know. Where they look for food sources, and if they get tadpoles or frogs, they’ll consume them. 

Ducks require protein intake, whereas frogs and tadpoles have it. Besides, it’s an opportunist behavior of ducks to eat anything they find nearby. And ducks also contribute to the ecosystem and frog population in the wild.

Related Reads:

• Do Ducks Eat Tadpoles
• Do Ducks Eat Minnows

Beetles: Ducks Surely Eat!

Whether it’s domesticated duck or wild Duck, they look for insects, so bettles are on the list. They almost eat beetles in the wild or near the pond. 

As we said, ducks have foraging activities in water or land. So, if they find beetles, they’ll have them for protein and for the overall health benefit. 

Presently, ducklings control the insects, pests, and weeds in the field. So, it’s the same near the pond! Ducks keep the environment well by swallowing some beetles from the pond.

Worms: They Just Loved It!

Waterbirds like ducks, geese, or even ducklings cheerfully love to get some mealworms from wetlands or water. Whenever they find worms, they’ll eat and swallow them as much as they can. If you missed seeing how they excitedly eat worms, take a look at the video.

According to the South China Morning Post, thousands of ducks are released to protect the rice fields from pests in Thailand. So, ducks are a great contributor to controlling pests. Here is another video for you!

Now, you may wonder what benefits the ducks actually get by eating some worms. Well, the backyard friends will get:

• Protein
• Essential fatty acids
• Vitamins
• Minerals.

Typically, ducks consume worms such as tubifex worms, earthworms, soldier worms, and bloodworms. Such worms can give the required energy along with nutrients for growth.

Snails: Fleshy Aquatic Nutrition For Waterbird!

Ducks may also look for mollusks or, more specifically, freshwater snails in the water. Although snails have hard shells, ducks don’t care about it! They try to swallow to have some protein, carbs, fiber, or calcium. Similarly, for pest control, eating snails from water is a benefit.

Ducks may eat snails to have high protein, in particular. Surprisingly, snails have almost the same protein intake as pork or beef. However, the benefits ducks get after eating snails from water are:

• Low fat in snails won’t make the duck fat.
• Eating snails improves the immunity system and vision.
• Iron may contribute to better cell condition.
• Calcium will contribute to better egg production along with muscle and feather condition.

But as a caretaker of domestic or garden ducks, be careful about pesticides and infections. Ducks may accidentally eat snails with such toxic things! Which is risky for their health!

You can have more surprising facts if you check the article, “Do Ducks Eat Snails.”

Do Ducks Eat Fish In Ponds Water? Within A Moment!

Indeed, ducks crave fish when they forage. But it’s not a primary food source. Their first preference is consuming aquatic plants, which we already talked about. But sometimes, they swallow small fishes that come across them.

In general, I saw Merganser enjoys having small fish in the water. But the truth is even the mallard, muscovy, Pekin, or other ducks act like opportunists when they see fish nearby. They put their face under the water and catch fish for protein needs.

If you want to feed fish to ducks as a part of their diet, check the study of Researchgate. It is based on the ideal use of fishmeal in waterfowl feeding.

However, please look at the fish they most often catch and swallow!

Recommended Reading: Ducks Thar Dive For Fish

Minnows: Ducks Choice!

As water birds, ducks are chance takers who will surely eat minnows from the freshwater. But the minnows from polluted areas cannot give a positive vibe as you may find toxic elements like pathogens. 

So, you may need to avoid letting the duck roam near Pittsburg, Pacific coastal regions, or Eastern Texas. However, it’s confirmed that ducks have good health benefits when they get minnows. The notable parts are

• Protein
• Fiber
• Omega – 3 fatty acids.

So, if ducks catch some minnows from the water, fiber may contribute to proper digestion, whereas other components will boost their health.

Also, this is to let you know that minnows are essential for the food chain in the water ecosystem. For balancing the environment in water, ducks are a blessing! 

However, letting the duck eat from ponds and lakes is a good idea. But monitor them in the water since toxicity can be there!

Goldfish: Ducks Eat Only As a Forager!

You may have kept goldfish in aquariums that look so cute. But they can be found in ponds as well. So, when found in the pond, your farm-raised or wild duck may try to catch them. But only when they’re in hungry mode or foraging for food!

Goldfishes are not their primary food, but ducks love having some when in water. However, they’ll have some protein and nutrients, which will be insignificant.

Guppies: Freshwater Protein Source!

Ducks, especially mallards, are fond of small fishes when they lack food in water. So, the guppies cannot be out of their food source. As opportunist eaters, ducks might consume guppies but won’t eat them regularly.

Guppies are not a primary source; confronting the ducks gets them eaten. But ducks get some benefits from it!

• For getting protein that works to maintain ducks’ muscle and tissue, guppies are good for ducks.
• Your ducks will surely get extra energy when swallowing freshwater guppy fish.

Snakes Can Be Their Target In Water!

We all know snakes, carnivorous reptiles, stay in the water where ducks visit. But surprisingly, ducks attack snakes as opportunist birds! You see them gentle ducks in the yard, but they are wild in water when confronting such creatures!

Usually, they don’t need to eat snakes but might eat snakes and their eggs to have protein intake. That’s what they need! I often noticed them swallow corn, garter, or copperhead snakes as they are small and easy to swallow.

However, try to keep the ducks away from giant snakes as they may attack ducks and make a reverse story! Especially think about the baby ducks! They are not safe in the water as dangerous snakes may be there!

Why we are warning you because of the snake’s poisons such as:

1. Proteolytic 
2. Hemotoxic
3. Neurotoxic
4. Cytotoxic venom.

And what they usually use for defense is saliva that has zootoxin.

Related Reading: Do Ducks Eat Snakes

Ducks Loves To Eat Crustaceans As Well

Ducks also get attracted to crustaceans like crayfish, crabs, or shrimp. They are freshwater creatures; while ducks are there, they’ll surely catch and eat them. To let you know, waterfowl not only go for crustaceans, they also catch other aquatic invertebrates.

If you ask, what do ducks naturally eat? Plants, grains, grasses, and invertebrates will be there. So, crustaceans are on their favorite diet list. But what’s the point? How do crustaceans benefit the ducks’ health?

• The rich protein will give muscle growth.
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will improve immunity, reproduction, and feather quality.
• Niacin, vitamin B12, and D are in crustaceans for metabolism boosts.
• Your duck’s bone health and other functionality will work properly due to minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Of all the food sources from water, I find crustaceans to be the most favorable. So, I prefer to show you the nutritional properties of the invertebrates (Shrimp).

Related Read: Do Ducks Like Shrimp

Feeding Seeds To Ducks In Water: Is It A Wise Idea?

NCBI states that spreading seeds can be notable for ecological systems habitats in wetlands that help preserve ecosystem biodiversity. But I think you shouldn’t give seeds in water for some reason.

Ducks are opportunist eaters, so they may look for seeds in water, which is difficult for them to eat. Also, we always heard about the toxicity and toughness of seeds that can harm the duck. 

But some seeds are safe for them. However, the best idea would be to provide birdseed mix but don’t toss the seeds into the water.

Well, you may ask which seeds are safe for the backyard friend? The suggestions are given below!

• Pumpkin seeds
• Chia seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Flax seeds 
• Sunflower seeds.

Although avians can eat seeds from water with trouble, give seeds in a comfortable place.

About Baby Ducks: What Do Ducklings Eat In Water?

Duckings are the baby form of adult ducks, so they’ll look for the same aquatic food sources. Let the young duck eat soft algae, worms, small mollusks’ flesh, or small crustaceans’ flesh.

But if you see them trying to grab something big, try to save them! Also, there might be some dangerous creatures living in the water. And my preference is just to let them eat the started feed. They don’t need such minor nutrients from water at that age.

How Do Ducks Eating From Water Impact On Environment?

Ducks make a significant contribution to the environment when they get aquatic diets. Also, there might be some negative impacts that can harm nature. Let’s see what are those!

• Promotes Growth Of Aquatic Plants: When ducks eat aquatic plants like algae, it helps to improve the growth of aquatic plants that also support the ecosystem in water.
• Controlling Population: The point is “Predator-Prey Interaction for balance.” Ducks eat small insects or invertebrates that keep the population in control. The fact is ducks are helpful predators here!
• Promote Plants By Eating Seeds: Ducks always try to eat seeds from plants. It helps the plants to grow by maintaining biodiversity.
• Water Quality: Duck droppings contribute to nutrient enrichment, but excessive may cause poor water quality in the pond. You may see eutrophication due to excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, where algae grows without limits.
• Overgrazing For Vegetation: If so many ducks roam in the same water place, they may eat plenty of vegetation. It will ultimately cause a loss of habitat for other species in water.

Recommended Reading:

• Ducks Diet and Nutrition Guide
• What Do Ducks Eat In Winter
• Ducks Diet As Carnivores, Herbivores or Omnivores

Conclusion

Ducks in the Wild and the Garden act differently, particularly when they’re in the water. So, what did you find? What do ducks eat in the water? They’re fond of aquatic plants, insects, seeds, small fishes, and notably invertebrates. They’ll jump over into such aquatic food sources!

However, please consider their safety when ducks are in the pond, lake, or wetland. We never know when the toxic creature attacks! Or if they go swimming or roaming in the water, be a reasonable observer! You need to know what they do!

Sources And References:

• https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/14/5012
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-020-11496-3