Apples are pretty harmless for ducks. Until you reach the core and seeds. There is a reason you do not eat those parts. And it is the same for the ducks.
So, can ducks eat apples? Yes, ducks can eat the whole apple, except for the seed and the core. Apple seeds carry amygdalin, a poisonous component that can pose health risks for them. Just avoid these portions of the apple, making sure you’re giving an ideal quantity. And your feathered friends will face no health consequences!
I know you have a lot of interest growing in the back of your mind. Don’t worry, we are going to elaborate on every possible question that arises and help you out. Stick for 10 minutes and keep on reading.
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Apples?Everything You Need To Know
Ducks can eat apples. In fact, you shouldn’t be surprised if they go crazy when giving them apples. They just like it and apples pose no health risks in general.
Moreover, an apple a day also keeps the veterinarian away. First of all 80% of an apple is water. Carbohydrate, sugar, and fiber are also some other nutrients that apple contains in fair quantity. By fair I mean balanced.
The only problem is sugar. Stats claim, 10% of an apple is sugar, which may bother your duck’s health. So, give them apples in appropriate quantities and make sure apples aren’t creating trouble for them.
What If I Give Them Apples Every Day?
I won’t recommend you give them apples every day. Here are my narratives on this matter.
Apples are rich in sugar. Excessive sugar consumption will cause several health troubles for your ducks. It can cause them to become overweight and obese. Plus, it can potentially cause heart problems for your ducks. Why take such risks keeping it in your everyday diet?
Moreover, apples are considered a premium fruit in the USA because of their expense. The price can be up to $6 in the American region (covering central, northern, south, and Caribbean regions).
Why do you have to buy it at such a price and give it to them every day while there is a risk attached to it?
Can Baby Ducks Eat Apples?
Baby ducks are completely fine with consuming apples. But the same theory here, do maintain an ideal quantity and do not give them apples every day.
Anyway, chop the apples into small pieces which won’t cause choking troubles. From a general perspective, 1/32 quarter sounds alright for them. However, the size may vary. Mashing it for the ducklings might be a better idea.
Can Ducks Eat All Portions of An Apple?
Yes, I have said earlier, apples are all safe for your ducks. Only seed and core is the exception here.
- Skin: No problem with the skin. Apple peels contain a fair amount of phytonutrients and dietary fiber. These food contents help your ducks smoothen their digestion process.
- Seed: Seeds are poisonous for your ducks. We already know that, right? Let’s know how apple seeds can cause severe trouble.
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is a complex chemical compound and has the potential to transform into another chemical form. When you chew on them, amygdalin can convert into hydrogen cyanide.
And severe hydrogen cyanide toxicity can even bring death to your ducks! So, avoid giving seeds, both to your ducks, and their babies. - Core: The core is not bad for chemical reasons like the seed. Its physical properties make it a choking hazard. I have tried to feed it to my ducks. But they don’t seem to enjoy the chewy core very much.
- Stem: Apple stems, also called pedicel, can be a real choking hazard. They’re tough and can be difficult for ducks to digest too. So, do not give them apple stems.
Can Ducks Eat Apples in Different Forms? 5 Forms Explained
Nope, not all apple forms are safe for ducks. Let’s see which one works for them.
- Cooked Apples: Cooked apples can be given to ducks only if extra sugars aren’t added here. For example, apple sauce can be given to ducks as an ideal snack.
- Raw Apples: Raw apples are best for ducks. Just make sure you sliced them into small enough pieces, and serve them to your ducks. Raw apples provide so much food nutrition that helps your ducks to be healthy.
- Dried Apples: Ducks can eat dried apples. It is full of vitamins, and antioxidants, and may not pose any health problems at all.
- Apple Juice: I won’t recommend giving apple juice to ducks. Because it might have added sugar, and staff. This can make your ducks chubby, or lazy. However, it might be given to them as an occasional treat – like on a hot summer day.
- Frozen Apple: No problems with frozen apples. On hot summer days, frozen apples may bring refreshment for your ducks. But don’t make it a routine, make it an occasional practice rather.
Let’s have a nutritional tour of an apple without skin.
| Nutrient | Amount ( per 100 gm) |
| Water | 86 g |
| Calories | 48 kcal |
| Protein | 0.27 g |
| Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Fat (lipid) | 0.13 g |
| Sugar | 10.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 12.8 g |
| Calcium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 90 mg |
You gotta understand now, apples are loaded with water, carbs, and sugar. Overconsumption of both carbohydrates and sugar may harm your little feathered friends. So, make sure to keep the amount moderate.
Health Benefits Apple Offers
The following discussion might be handy to understand the apple’s nutritional benefits better.
Hydration
Apples come with more than 80% water content with it. Each of these amazing fruit carries 12% of the total water requirements for ducks. So, it surely contributes to your duck’s hydration, especially in hot summer noons.
Provides Better Muscle Health
Apples are pretty low in calories, with approximately 57 kcal per 100g. This makes them a suitable option for ducks, considering their size and energy needs.
Plus, carbohydrates make up more than 10% of the total apple nutrition, which sounds like a really sweet treat for ducks.
Mental Stimulation
Vitamins in apples support the immune system of ducks, specifically, keeping vitamin C in a duck’s diet signifies that your ducks are in good mental health.
Apples have plenty of vitamin C to keep ducks stress-free and healthy, especially during the heat. So, giving your ducks apples will help them stay in top shape.
Smoothen Digestion Process
Fiber in apples can potentially help make their digestive system soothing. Although 1.3 grams of fiber might not be good enough for adult ducks, it can still potentially contribute at least a little.
Ducks Over-ate Apples: What will be the Consequences?
Look, you’ll surely suffer when you overeat. it makes no difference what the food is, or how nutritious it is. Ducks aren’t any exception here.
If ducks consume apples excessively, the following symptoms can appear:
- Overweight
- Lack of interest
- Lazy
- Flying difficulties
If you notice any of those symptoms, make sure to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prior to that, stop feeding them fruits immediately. It could be apples or any other kind of fruit. Stick to safe options like lettuce or peas instead.
Proper Apple Serving Method for Ducks
Two things you have to remember always when you give treats to your ducks. Proper serving methods and ideal quantity. Here’s a short description of each of the facts.
How Much is Ideal Quantity?
Generally speaking, it all comes down to ducks. For instance, Muscovy ducks have a daily intake of 3.2 ounces. So, giving them half of an apple a day seems like a reasonable amount.
Now, when it comes to Pekin ducks, their daily intake can go up to 7 ounces. These fellas can handle a whole green apple in a day.
Serving Method
First, let’s go through the steps below, to know about a proper serving method.
- Step 1: Collect fresh apples from a super shop, or a seller who is reputed, or at least known to give fresh fruits.
- Step 2: Wash the apples thoroughly.
- Step 3: Now, cut them into small bite-sized pieces, bites that your ducks would take. Don’t give them an entire apple as it will pose choking hazards. Plus, leave the seeds out.
You may watch this video to have a better idea:
- Step 3: Mash the small pieces of apple for your baby ducks.
- Step 4: Now serve it on a plate or a bowl. You can add some water as well.
Carefully watch them when you introduce apples to your ducks. If they show any sort of uncomfortability, stop feeding them apples. Remember, not all ducks might be big fans of apples!
Summary of the Study
The whole discussion above shows that apples are a harmless fruit. Your ducks can safely chow down on it. Just keep an eye on the amount and don’t make it a daily thing. Giving apples twice a week can be considered a timely manner.
Also, always give them raw fruits and veggies. And if you boil the apples without any spices, that’s totally fine for them to munch on. Just imagine it as a tasty little snack and have them bouncing around with pure joy!
Sources & References
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_price_rankings?displayCurrency=USD&itemId=110®ion=019\
- http://royeshgar.com/sample/benefits-of-dried-apples/?lang=en
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359080604_Apple_peel_as_a_source_of_dietary_fiber_and_antioxidants_effect_on_batter_rheology_and_nutritional_composition_textural_and_sensory_quality_attributes_of_muffins
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507796/
FAQs
Can ducks eat apple cores? ›
You should never feed your ducks apple seeds, as they contain amygdalin. This substance becomes hydrogen cyanide when it's chewed and digested. While consuming a few apple seeds isn't dangerous for humans and other larger animals, they can be highly poisonous to adult and baby ducks and sometimes even kill them.
What fruit can ducks not eat? ›Grapes, bananas, plums, watermelon, pears and peaches are all fine for ducks. Avoid: Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges) are thought to interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to thin-shelled eggs. Citrus fruits can also cause acid reflux and stomach pain in ducks.
Can we feed duck with apple? ›Apples Are Okay in Most Cases
This delicious food can be fed to your duck as long as they are cut up small enough for consumption, including thin apple slices. Apples are rich in antioxidants. They also contain carbs, sodium, fiber, and a fair amount of water.
If you've wondered whether chickens can eat apple peel (skin), the answer is "absolutely"! The peel contains higher levels of antioxidants than the flesh. Studies have also found that it can reduce the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol in chickens, and increase the HDL (good) fats(3).
Will birds eat an apple core? ›Do birds eat apple cores? Birds will typically not eat an apple core. And as you remove the seeds from the apple, remove the core as well. Birds will leave the core behind as they finish the apple, which will attract other wildlife to your homes, such as rats or mice.
Can ducks eat egg layer food? ›20 weeks and older
The ducks can now be fed a good quality layer or breeder food suitable for adult ducks or chickens. Pellets or mixed grain are best. They also need daily access to shell grit as a source of calcium to ensure strong shelled eggs.
As mentioned earlier, ducks are omnivores and waterfowl, so they do love insects, fish, and other aquatic animals. Mealworms, grasshoppers, and crickets are very common treats that you can buy for your birds, and ducks love them! Just be careful to limit the amount of these treats because they are very high in protein.
What foods make ducks sick? ›- Crisps. Not just crisps, don't feed ducks any 'junk food'.
- Popcorn. Popcorn hulls and kernels are difficult for ducks to digest, and they can become lodged in their throat and decay over time.
- Cornflakes. ...
- Citrus fruits. ...
- Onions and spinach. ...
- Avocados.
Foods like bread and crackers have no nutritional value to ducks and can cause malnutrition and painful deformities if consumed too much. DO: Feed ducks cracked corn, oats, rice, birdseed, frozen peas, chopped lettuce, or sliced grapes. These foods are similar to natural foods ducks will forage for on their own.
Can ducks eat scrambled eggs? ›Yes, ducks can eat scrambled and boiled eggs. For adult ducks, you can include eggshells (which provide extra calcium). For ducklings, leave the eggshells out. They'll be too hard for your tiny pets to eat, and too much calcium can inhibit organ growth.
What fruit goes best with duck? ›
Duck and cherries, the perfect combination! Roast duck Breast with a cherry and orange glaze Delicious roast duck paired with a classic orange and cherry sauce. Perfect for a special night in.
Can ducks have cheese? ›Despite being an excellent mouth-watering source of calcium, protein, fat, zinc, phosphorus, riboflavin, vitamin A, and B-12, the tiny amount of lactose it contains can cause health problems for ducks. Dairy products, including cheese, are particularly harmful to ducks.
Can ducks eat corn? ›You can feed cracked corn, frozen kernels or corn cut straight from the cob to ducks. It is packed with healthy nutrients, protein and fibre that ducks need for a healthy diet. Many domestic duck owners suggest that cracked corn is best since it is easier for them to digest, but any corn that you have spare will do.
Do ducks eat carrots? ›So, yes – your duck will eat (and enjoy!) carrots. Carrots are considered a treat for ducks and should be treated as such. Furthermore, carrots aren't just tasty, but this common vegetable offers plenty of health benefits, too.
Can ducks have tomatoes? ›The answer to all of these questions is yes. All ducks can eat tomatoes and any variety is fine. Some ducks may prefer the smaller tomatoes as they are easier to eat.
Can chickens eat apple cores? ›Chickens can eat apple cores, but there isn't much reason to let them. First and most obviously, apple cores contain apple seeds, which we discussed above. Other parts of the apple core are hard or sharp and could cause your chickens to choke. Some chickens might love the cores.
What human food can ducks not eat? ›DON'T: Feed ducks bread or junk food. Foods like bread and crackers have no nutritional value to ducks and can cause malnutrition and painful deformities if consumed too much. DO: Feed ducks cracked corn, oats, rice, birdseed, frozen peas, chopped lettuce, or sliced grapes.
What birds eat apple peels? ›In addition to the red-bellied woodpecker, squirrels, cardinals, mockingbirds and towhees help themselves to the oatmeal and apple peels. The squirrels and cardinals really go for the apple peels.
Why can't dogs eat apple cores? ›While apples are an affordable, low-calorie snack for dogs, the apple core isn't pet-friendly. The tough center of an apple is a choking hazard, and the seeds contain very small amounts of cyanide.