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Can Ducks Eat Strawberries?

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A duck’s diet includes a variety of foods, such as small fishes, fruits, and vegetables. They are omnivorous aquatic birds who need to feed on foods that are rich in proteins and calories in order to stay healthy.

These animals enjoy having fruit as a snack, but would they enjoy feeding on strawberries as well?

Ducks can eat strawberries, and it is safe for them to eat them, too. Strawberries are packed with nutrients that are essential in ducks’ diet. However, it is also important to note that strawberries, including other fruits, should be fed to ducks in moderation. Ducks need to feed on a variety of foods for a balanced diet.

Ducks eating green strawberries

Is it safe for ducks to eat strawberries?

Ducks can safely eat strawberries as long as it is given as a treat, which means that feeding them such treats should only make up about 10 to 20 percent of their diet.

Be careful not to feed them too many strawberries or other fruits as it may result in an imbalance to their diet, which can have a serious effect on their health.

Can strawberries be part of a duck’s staple diet?

Strawberries should not be part of a duck’s staple diet. As mentioned earlier, they should only be given as an occasional snack.

Strawberries have high concentrations of sugar and water, and feeding ducks too many may cause obesity and malnutrition. Once they become obese, it will be hard for the ducks to fly around and forage for food.

Meanwhile, the high amount of water present in strawberries can cause ducks to suffer from diarrhea, or an upset stomach.

For these reasons, make sure to only feed them in moderation.

What are the nutrients present in strawberries?

Strawberries are packed with nutrients, such as manganese, potassium, fiber, vitamins and other antioxidants that are vital for a duck’s health.

If given in moderation, strawberries make a healthy and delicious treat for ducks.

Can ducks eat strawberry leaves?

Ducks can safely eat the leaves of strawberries. It does not have any composition that is poisonous to ducks, and is filled with additional nutrients, such as iron, vitamins C and K, calcium, and antioxidants.

Feeding ducks strawberries with leaves will help boost ducks’ nutrient intake.

Strawberry Leaves growing in the garden

3 ways to feed strawberries to ducks

1. Fresh strawberries

Feeding freshly-picked strawberries is the best and easiest way to feed ducks with strawberries.

If you own a garden with strawberries, you can easily pick the fruits when they are ripe. Wash them clean and cut into tiny cubes for the duck to easily digest it.

2. Mashed Strawberries

Another way to feed strawberries to ducks is by mashing the strawberries.

Before mashing them, make sure to wash first to remove dirt. Then, place it into a blender until it becomes well-blended. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to mash the strawberries.

Feeding mashed strawberries is the recommended method if you are going to feed baby ducks, or ducklings. Keep in mind that the fruit intake of ducklings is much less compared to adult ducks.

mashed strawberries and a wooden spoon

3. Fruit Salad

Making strawberries as part of fruit salad is another great way of feeding duck strawberries. However, keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar, so it is essential to cut only a small piece from each fruit.

To make fruit salad, add strawberries with other fruits, such as pears, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Slice them into small pieces and mix together before giving it to the ducks.

Can ducklings eat strawberries?

Like ducks, ducklings will also happily eat fresh fruits, including strawberries. However, tasty snacks should not be introduced to ducklings until they are at least three weeks old.

Strawberries should be mashed, or cut into very small pieces to avoid the risk of choking. Also, make sure to clean the strawberries thoroughly to remove any debris or pesticides that are present on the skin.

Keep in mind that ducklings, as well as ducks, do not know when to stop, so it will be your responsibility to keep their intake of such treats in moderation.

If you’re able to do this, then you are sure to hear happy quacks from the ducklings.

Final Take

Overall, feeding the right amount of strawberries can provide various benefits for ducks. Not only does it contain nutrients that are essential to their health, but strawberries also promote a healthy heart because of its high polyphenol content.

It also reduces the risk of cancer, and boosts hydration and gut health. Lastly, strawberries prevent cell damage, and strengthen the body’s immune system due to the vitamin C present in it, thus keeping ducks in good condition and preventing them from getting sick.

Feed them snacks in moderation, and you’ll have happy and healthy ducks.

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