What Can You Feed a Duck?

Whether you have a flock of ducks on a farm, are raising a duckling as a pet at home or simply enjoy going to the park to see the wild birds, it's important to understand what foods are healthy and nutritional for them. Domesticated ducks and ducklings required specialized foods, while wild ducks shouldn't be fed by humans at all.

  1. Pet Duck

    • If you're raising a domesticated duck, it's important to provide the bird with the proper nutrition. Some pet supply stores offer feed made specifically for ducks, including Mazuri and Nutrena Waterfowl. These formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of the birds. If a specialized waterfowl food isn't available, feed ducks poultry feed that has 16 percent protein. Do not feed your pet duck table scraps. These human foods will make the duck gain weight and produce fewer eggs.

    Pet Ducklings

    • Domestic ducklings require slightly different foods and nutrition than adults. These young birds grow quickly and need food that is high in calories and protein. Feed your duckling starter crumbs, which can be purchased from an agricultural store or pet shop. These formulas are made with milled wheat, as well as peas, beans and oil seeds. When feeding the duckling, ensure the pellets are small enough for the young bird to eat, about 1/8 inch. If you have a duckling that is weak, give the bird a portion of a mashed hard-boiled egg yolk.

    Pet Duck Treats

    • Most pet owners will want to praise and show love toward their ducks by giving them treats. You can give your bird corn, greens or carrots in small amounts. The duck will probably love the taste, although these foods do not provide any nutritional value to ducks. It's important to give these treats in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 5 to 10 percent of the bird's diet. However, allowing your duck to graze a yard and scavenge insects is OK everyday, as long as there haven't been any pesticides used in the area.

    Wild Ducks

    • While domestic ducks depend on humans for food, wild ducks -- including those at city parks -- can actually be harmed by hand-outs from people. Eating breads and crackers will cause a duck's organs to become fatty and engorged, making it more susceptible to liver problems, heart disease and other health problems. Bread and crackers don't have any nutritional value to ducks, yet hand-outs of these foods can make young ducks dependent on humans as they don't learn to forage for themselves. Instead of feeding wild ducks, watch them eat their natural diet of aquatic plants, invertebrates and grains. Although it is not advised, those who are still intent on feeding wild ducks should throw peas, corn or pieces of leafy greens to the birds instead of bread and crackers.