Keeping ducks happy and healthy means more than just giving them regular duck pellets. While they love foraging for grass, clover, bugs, and even some kitchen scraps, not everything is safe. Some foods can upset their tummies or make their poop messy.
All the pet experts agree that a good diet is mostly balanced feed and greens, with fruits, veggies, and protein treats given occasionally. Peas, berries, and leafy greens are always best, but avoid citrus, avocado, and bread. With a little care, you can give your ducks tasty treats that are safe and good for them.
If you’ve ever had ducks waddling up to you while you’re eating, it means that they’re begging for a snack. I have had the same question myself, wondering if it’s good to give them a bite of an apple, a strawberry, or even a tomato. After spending years raising ducks and figuring out what’s safe and what’s not, I’ve put together a list of the top 12 duck treats you can feel good about sharing.
You can find more about healthy duck’s feeding in this article.
1. Can Ducks Eat Rice?
So, a lot of people wonder if ducks can eat rice. Ducks can eat rice, cooked or uncooked. You’ve probably heard the old myth that raw rice swells up in a bird’s stomach and makes them sick. That’s not true at all. Scientists have experimented with it, and ducks and even little birds like sparrows can handle raw rice just fine.
Now, when it comes to cooked rice, ducks will happily gobble it up. But the point is, cooked rice is mostly carbs and doesn’t have much nutrition in it. If ducks ate rice and nothing else, they’d eventually miss out on the vitamins and protein they need to stay healthy. So, cooked rice is best as an occasional treat, not a main meal.
Some folks say wild ducks won’t mind uncooked rice either. In fact, leftover rice from dinner without spices or oil can be thrown their way, and they’ll enjoy it. The only thing you really need to avoid is seasoned, salty, or oily rice.
2. Can Ducks Eat Carrots?
Out of my 6 duck flock, only two of them prefer to eat carrots, and even then, only occasionally. What I have noted throughout carrots are not a favorite meal for ducks. Most of the time, my ducks happily dig through a mix of veggies to grab the peas or corn and leave the carrots behind. Honestly, I’ve even seen them spit carrots out like they’re saying, “No, not for me.”
It doesn’t mean that carrots are harmful, but they are not on the list of most ducks’ favorites. If your ducks accept them, provide fresh carrots or cook them a little to soften them up. Don’t go for canned carrots as they contain sodium and preservatives that are not good for ducks.
3. Can Ducks Eat Apples?
On my farm, I’ve got apple trees, so I’ve tried giving apples to my ducks many times. I have observed that ducks can safely eat apples, and most of them enjoy them as a treat. I usually chop or slice the apples into small pieces so they’re easy to eat, and I always remove the seeds because they contain a bit of cyanide.
Some flocks love apples, while others aren’t too interested. The type of apple matters too. Fresh, sweeter apples are usually ducks’ favorite, while the older, woody, or wormy ones get less attention. Overall, they are a safe and healthy snack as long as they don’t replace a balanced diet.
4. Can Ducks Eat Lettuce?
Yes, ducks can eat lettuce, and most of them love it. The crisp kinds like romaine are usually their favorite, while iceberg isn’t that great since it’s mostly water and doesn’t offer much nutrition. Too much iceberg can even give them runny poop, so I avoid feeding it often.
I’ve noticed mine get very excited when I tear lettuce into smaller pieces and toss it into their water. They love the game of grabbing greens out of the bowl or pool. Some duck keepers even give them a whole head of romaine in a bucket, and the ducks happily rip it apart themselves.
Lettuce is perfectly fine as a treat, but it shouldn’t replace their regular feed. Other greens, such as bok choy or Napa cabbage, are also good options. Just avoid spinach since it’s high in purines and not great for them.
If you’re near a pond, make sure they eat it quickly. Leftover lettuce in the water can rot and mess up the water quality.
5. Can Ducks Eat Broccoli?
Yes, ducks can eat broccoli, stalks and all. Mine will happily peck at both the florets and the stems. You can give it to them raw or cooked, make sure it’s plain with no oil, salt, or seasonings. I usually chop it up into smaller pieces so it’s easier for them to nibble on.
It’s a healthy snack, but like any veggie, it should be more of a treat and not their main food.
6. Can Ducks Eat Tomatoes?
Ducks can eat ripe tomatoes, and many people feed them as an occasional treat without any issues. Mine will even grab them straight from the garden if they get the chance.
The only thing you should be careful about is the green parts of the plant, like the leaves, stems, and unripe (green) tomatoes. Those can have tomatine in them that can be toxic for ducks. But the ripe, red part of the tomato is totally fine as a little treat.
If you’re nervous about tomatoes or with any new food, it’s best to introduce them slowly and watch your duck’s reaction. If your duck is all good after eating it, there’s nothing bad in offering them. However, don’t overfeed anything, including tomatoes, and try it in small amounts first to see how your ducks like it.
7. Can Ducks Eat Green Beans?
Ducks can eat green beans in moderation, but it depends on the type and how they are prepared.
Raw Green Beans
Fresh green beans (the soft pods you eat) are usually fine for ducks if they only eat a few. They don’t have the dangerous toxins that dried beans like kidney or pinto beans do. So if your ducks sneak a couple of raw pods, no bad meal, but don’t make it a regular thing. But never give them raw dried beans. Those are toxic unless soaked and fully cooked.
Cooked Green Beans
Cooked green beans or thawed frozen ones are totally safe and a better way to give them. These are easier to digest. Ducks can munch on them as a fun little snack, just not too many at once.
8. Can Ducks Eat Strawberries?
Yes! Ducklings can have strawberries once they’re about 2 weeks old. Just make sure they’re mashed up or chopped tiny, smaller than ¼ inch, so they don’t choke. Adults can handle bigger pieces.
Some ducks go crazy for strawberries, while others won’t touch them. A lot of ducks actually prefer peas, tomatoes, or mealworms. If different foods are offered early, ducklings will enjoy variety later in their lives.
What About the Leaves?
The green tops and leaves aren’t toxic, but too many can upset their stomachs and give them diarrhea. A little bit now and then is fine, but don’t make it a regular meal.
9. Can Ducks Eat Grapes?
Ducks can definitely eat grapes. They’re safe, tasty, and often recommended as a better alternative to bread. They contain vitamins and antioxidants that are helpful for ducks’ health. But like other treats, ducks don’t necessarily need to eat them. Some of your ducks might totally ignore the,
Don’t give ducks whole grapes. Just chop big grapes into halves or quarters first and remove their seeds.Grapes are pretty sugary, so only give them once in a while as a treat, not every day food.
10. Can Ducks Eat Bananas?
Ducks can definitely eat bananas, and most of them enjoy the taste. You can even give them the peels, especially if they’re organic. The trick is to let the skins soften a little first, then chop them up into small pieces, almost like mush, so that the ducks can eat them easily. Bananas are a healthy little treat and safe for them as long as you don’t overdo it.
One thing to watch out for is the smell. As I have personally experienced, my coop starts to smell funny after feeding banana peels. That usually happens if bits of peel or mushy food get left behind and start to rot, especially in damp bedding.
Ducks themselves don’t have a problem eating bananas, but it’s important to make sure there aren’t any leftovers lying around. Wet or spoiled food is what makes things stink.
So, bananas and even their peels can be a nice treat for ducks. Be sure to serve them soft and chopped up, and always keep the coop clean so the smell doesn’t become an issue.
11. Can Ducks Eat Celery?
Ducks can eat celery without any problem, and a lot of them like it. Some might not go crazy for it right away, but if you toss it out for them, they’ll usually nibble on it eventually. The important thing is to chop it up into little pieces because the stalks can be stringy, and that makes it harder for them to swallow.
The leafy tops are fine for ducks too; make sure they’re clean and cut up nice and small. Since celery isn’t their regular crumble, it helps if they have grit so they can digest it better.
So, celery (stalks and leaves) makes a safe little snack for ducks as long as it’s chopped up and given in moderation.
12. Can Ducks Eat Grapes?
Though ducks can eat oranges, it’s not a good idea to offer them. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are very acidic, and that acidity can mess with a duck digestion. More importantly, it can interfere with how well they absorb calcium. If ducks don’t absorb calcium properly, it can lead to thinner eggshells and other health issues down the road.
I’ve seen some people give ducks a little orange here and there without immediate problems, but the overall expert advice is that it’s safer to avoid citrus altogether. While ducks can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables without risk, there’s no need to rely on citrus fruits.
My advice, based on both research and practical care, is: skip the oranges for ducks. They might take a few bites, but it’s like taking a risk of giving them an upset stomach or causing problems later on.
