12 best food for ducks

Food for ducks typically refers to the diet provided to ducks in their natural habitats or in controlled environments like ponds, lakes, or parks. Here's what you need to know about feeding ducks:

  1. Duck Diet: Ducks are omnivores, which means their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. Their natural diet includes aquatic plants, small fish, insects, and crustaceans. It's essential to mimic their natural diet when feeding them.

  2. Safe Foods for Ducks:

    • Cracked Corn: Ducks can consume cracked corn in moderation. It's a popular duck food and is readily available in pet supply stores.
    • Duck Pellets: Commercial duck pellets specifically formulated for ducks are an excellent choice. These provide essential nutrients and are designed to meet the dietary needs of ducks.
    • Wheat, Barley, and Oats: These grains can be offered in small quantities.
    • Vegetables: Ducks can eat leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale, as well as chopped vegetables such as carrots and peas.
    • Frozen Peas: Thawed frozen peas are a favorite treat for ducks.
    • Seeds: Ducks may enjoy seeds like sunflower seeds and birdseed mixes.
  3. Unsafe Foods for Ducks:

    • Bread: While bread is a common food offered to ducks, it is not a healthy option for them. It lacks essential nutrients and can lead to health problems. Feeding ducks large quantities of bread is discouraged.
    • Junk Food: Avoid giving ducks chips, crackers, or any processed human snacks. These are not suitable for their diet.
    • Moldy Food: Never feed ducks moldy or spoiled food as it can be harmful to their health.
    • Inappropriate Grains: Cornmeal, rice, and other similar grains can expand in a duck's stomach, causing digestive issues. Avoid offering these.
  4. Feeding Ducks Responsibly:

    • Feed ducks in moderation.Overfeeding can lead to health problems and water pollution.
    • Offer food in small pieces or crumbs to make it easier for ducks to eat.
    • If you're feeding ducks in a public area, check for any posted regulations or guidelines regarding feeding wildlife.
    • Make sure the food you provide is suitable for the duck species in your area.
  5. Water: Ducks need access to clean, fresh water for drinking and cleaning. If you're feeding ducks, ensure they have access to water nearby.

  6. Natural Diet: Whenever possible, encourage ducks to forage for their natural food in their habitat. Supplemental feeding should not replace their natural diet but rather complement it.

Feeding ducks can be an enjoyable activity, especially in parks and recreational areas. However, it's essential to provide them with a balanced and healthy diet to support their well-being and ensure they remain a vibrant part of local ecosystems.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best food for ducks on the market
  

Bright Line Eating: The Science of Living Happy, Thin & Free

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Go the F--k to Sleep

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

The Testaments: The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Chicken Love Duck Quackers - a nutrious Treat for Ducks and Other Water Fowl 40oz

Based on 77 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ingredients for Duck Qwackers Salmon meal, ground corn, brown rice, sweet potato, ground beans, oat groat, barley, fish meal, crab meal, fish meal, kelp, fish oil, chicken fat, lettuce, spinach, citric acid, celery, bets, parsley, blueberry, cranberry Floating duck treat for those that love their ducks and their pond environment. Analysis: Crude protein Min 20% Crude fat min 10% Crude fiber min 25% A nutritious treat for ducks and other water birds Net weight 40oz

User questions & answers

Question: Does it float
Answer: Yes the duck quackers were designed to float. They float so the ducks can eat them now if they are hungry or later. If the duck chooses not to eat them then the fish can enjoy them on the surface. Where bread and crackers will sink to the bottom.
Question: Can i feed this to swans
Answer: Yes you can feed this to swans. My friends swans enjoy them. If your swans do not like them let me know and I will submit a refund for you.

Purina Animal Nutrition Purina Duck Feed Pellets 40 lb N/A 40LB

Purina Waggin' Train

Based on 509 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Purina Duck Feed is specifically formulated to meet the elevated niacin levels ducklings need to grow and adult ducks need to maintain proper health. Should be fed to ducks as their sole diet from hatch for their entire life. Supplement laying ducks and geese with Purina Oyster Shell.

  • 100% complete daily nutrition Purina Duck Feed Pellets are balanced and complete, specifically formulated to meet the requirements for growing and mature ducks. If feeding laying ducks , then provide a separate feeder that contains Purina Oyster Shell.
  • Research proven feed Purina has been conducting poultry research for nearly a century. We have a flock of backyard birds at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center to help our nutritionists, feed formulators and flock caregivers evaluate our feeds before we put them on the market.
  • Key nutrients to support growth and development 19% protein to get young birds off to a strong start and to maintain older birds. A blend of calcium and phosphorus ensures strong bones throughout the life of each bird.
  • Strong legs with 60 ppm niacin We want your ducks to waddle along with you every day, which is why our Duck Feed Pellets are formulated to ensure that your ducks are getting the necessary niacin in every bite they take.
  • Healthy immune system Contains prebiotics and probiotics to support immune and digestive health.

User questions & answers

Question: Do the pellets float
Answer: No they do not, but our ducks love them
Question: Why is it 59.99 here and only 16.99 for the same exact thing size and brand at tractor supply
Answer: My local Tractor Supply store has 40lbs bags it in stock $16.99
Question: Can this be used for geese also
Answer: This is being fed to geese, ducks, and sometimes other birds on the shore of Lake Michigan
Question: How much % protein
Answer: I believe it is 19%. Probably not good for ducklings from 3 to 16 weeks of age. I have a 50 lb bag arriving today and one of my ducks developed angel wing. Now I need to find a lower protein feed.

Natural Waterscapes Waterfowl Feed | Floating Pellets for Duck, Swan, Goose | 20 lb Pail

Natural Waterscapes

Based on 107 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Waterfowl Feed by Natural Waterscapes is a premium floating feed for ducks, geese, and swans. The pellets are meant for feeding in water. Waterfowl feed floats for over 1 hour! Feeding waterfowl in water versus on the ground improves eating conditions for the birds. Pellets consist of fishmeal, and a proper balance of fiber/protein. Providing waterfowl with well balanced diet results in less waste in water, and healthier birds. How to use: Broadcast pellets into water, feed waterfowl as much as they will eat in 5 minutes. Ingredients include ground corn, wheat, soybean meal, ground oats, and fish meal.

  • Waterfowl Feed pellets float in water- pellets will float for over 1 hour
  • Diet formulated for water birds: duck, swan, and goose
  • Premium diet with fishmeal and proper balance of fiber and protein- better food results in less waste going in to water
  • Feed to wild and pet ducks, swans, geese

User questions & answers

Question: How long does one bucket last for one duck? Thanks
Answer: Depends on how much you feed that one duck. But it seems like it would last a long time!
Question: Can baby ducklings eat this
Answer: I haven’t tried feeding the ducks or geese yet. The pieces are small so I would think that the babies could eat them... if I found that the pieces were too big for them, I would crush a few to see if they could eat those pieces. That’s just me thinking outside the box.

Mazuri Waterfowl Maintenance Swan and Duck Food 50 lb

Mazuri

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mazuri Waterfowl Maintenance Diet is designed for non-breeding, mature, fully-feathered waterfowl approximately 6 months and older to provide quality nutrition for ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl species. This floating waterfowl food contains fishmeal, and allows for feeding of birds in the water and helps avoid the accumulation of uneaten food on the bottom of the feeding area limiting contamination and waste.

  • Mazuri waterfowl feed is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the majority of ornamental waterfowl.
  • The floating formula allows for natural feeding behaviors with balanced nutrients for optimal body conditions.
  • Nutritionally complete and balanced - No supplementation needed
  • Sustainable fish meal source
  • Product Form: Extruded pellet: 3/8" diameter x 3/16" length

User questions & answers

Question: Have you ever had a problem with the Mazuri Waterfowl food pellets sinking quickly before the birds can eat it
Answer: My birds would NOT eat it in any way I offered it. Call the manufacturer and ask this question. It is much too expensive to have this disappointment and if like myself. the floating was the main reason for purchase. Good luck.

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, Grain Free

Natural Balance

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed with a limited number of premium protein and carbohydrate sources, this grain-free cat food is an excellent choice when seeking alternative ingredients for your cat. Our L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Green Pea dry cat food is designed to help support healthy digestion and to maintain skin and coat health—all while providing complete, balanced nutrition for adult cats.

  • Contains 5 pound bag of dry cat food
  • Grain-free, limited ingredient diet with a single animal protein source
  • Helps minimize the number of ingredients cats are exposed to
  • Duck is a high-quality protein that helps maintain strong muscles
  • Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat

User questions & answers

Question: The 10lb package we got says nothing about the food being suitable for kittens as well as adults, but the image does. So is it
Answer: Kitten food is formulated for kittens. If it doesn't give kitten feeding instructions find a kitten food that does. I would say this would be geared more for adult cats. I believe they make a kitten food if you want to look it up.
Question: Does is have magnesium and ash? (I know it has manganese, but is that different from magnesium?) If it does, what is min amt of both
Answer: The ingredients for this food are: Ingredients: Peas, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Question: What is the ingredient list? Is it chicken free
Answer: This does not contain chicken. My cat is allergic to chicken and has been eating it with no problems for years.
Question: Is this product made in China
Answer: RED FLAG! YES, The are sourcing some of the ingredients from China. They use to have a made in the USA label on the packages and have since removed it. No where does the package state its made in the USA nor does its website. If you email them regarding this they will say you have to call the company because they do not want it listed on the internet they use ingredients from china.

Product features

Limited Ingredient Cat Food

Designed with a limited number of premium protein and carbohydrate sources, L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice when seeking alternative ingredients for your cat.

This ultra premium grain-free cat food is designed to support healthy digestion and to maintain skin and coat health—all while providing complete, balanced nutrition for adult cats!

Simple Formulas

Excellent for finding alternative ingredients, our L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet cat foods can help you systematically specify your cat’s sources of protein and carbohydrates.

Simple Ingredients

Made with high-quality duck - this premium protein source provides essential amino acids that help maintain strong muscle tone and a healthy, shiny coat.

Grain free

With complex carbohydrates and protein, green peas are a great choice when seeking alternatives to grains.

Natural Balance Buy With Confidence Promise

We do 9 safety tests* on every batch of food and treats. That’s the only way we can be sure that the premium quality ingredients in the food stay that way, all the way to your pet’s bowl.

Each test is performed by highly qualified microbiologists and chemists. Then we go a step further and share the results with you on our website. So you can always be confident that what you’re feeding your pet is safe.

*Certified by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, Certificate #AT-1956, 2018

Manna Pro All Flock with Probiotics Crumble | Formulated with Vitamins and Minerals to Support a Balanced Diet | 8 Pounds

Manna Pro

Based on 634 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Versatile complete feed for the mixed flock of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys & gamebirds. Formulated with added probiotics to support gut health as well as healthy birds.

  • Added probiotics support gut health & digestion
  • Nutritionally fortified with vitamins & minerals for a balanced diet
  • Crumble form for easy intake & feeding
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Complete feed for chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys & gamebirds

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product good for baby buff geese
Answer: I put it inside where they sleep. Needs electricity so out on elements wouldn’t work
Question: Does this contain pea or soy
Answer: No problems at all with them freezing in this bucket. Excellent waterer in my opinion. Easy to use, well made, works wonders!
Question: Can baby ducks eat this
Answer: I just went to the premier 1 website and ordered this waterer for $54 and a stock tank heater/de-icer for $52 and did not have to pay shipping! Glad to not by from A m - a - Z! on.
Question: Is there a niacin supplement in this for ducks or do I need to add it myself
Answer: The only way would be to take the lid off and evaluate or possibly some could tell by how heavy it feels. You could also keep it on scale, note full and empty weights. As it approaches empty, refill.

Product features

16% All Flock with Probiotics

No Artificial Colors or Flavors.

Feeding Instructions

Feed Manna Pro 16% All Flock Crumbles with Probiotics to growing, finishing, and mature chickens, ducks and geese and mature turkeys and gamebirds. Birds can be given free access to feed, allowing them to consume they want, or limitfed to achieve the desired body condition. Provide fresh, clean water at all times.

General Feeding Management: When feeding scratch or other coarse grains, offer Manna Pro Grit to help with breakdown and digestion of larger grain particles. When feeding laying birds, offer Manna Pro Oyster Shell to help ensure strong egg shells. Maintain a regular feeding schedule. Provide fresh, clean water at all times.

Wagner's 18542 Cracked Corn Wild Bird Food, 10-Pound Bag

Wagner's

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our Wagner's Cracked Corn is enjoyed by a variety of ground feeding birds such as Blue Jays, Cardinals, Doves, Juncos, Quail, Pheasants, Ducks and Grouse. Rabbits, chipmunks and other playful wildlife will be attracted as well. It can be fed on its own or mixed with other seed. Many people feed cracked corn separately from their regular bird feeding area so that playful squirrels and other small animals have their own place to eat - diverting them from eating at your bird feeders. Sprinkle some on the ground where it is easily accessible by both birds and animals. Use Wagner’s Cracked Corn and enjoy that "close to nature" feeling that comes with feeding your own backyard wildlife. Trust your backyard birds to the experts at Wagner’s.

  • Feed ground feeding birds and other backyard wildlife
  • Can be fed on its own or mixed with other seed
  • Enjoy that close to nature feeling that comes with feeding your own backyard wildlife
  • 10-Pound bag
  • Satisfaction guaranteed

User questions & answers

Question: Are there preservatives in this, or is it 100% untreated corn
Answer: The bag states for ingredients cracked corn. But the guaranteed analysis states: 7% crude protein, 2% crude fat, 10% crude fiber and 13% moisture. I hope this helps you.
Question: Can I use this corn for making whisky
Answer: Our Cracked Corn is intended for Wild Bird Feeding and is not meant for human consumption. Thanks for your interest in Wagner's.
Question: We have wild ducks in a large pond. Can you throw this product in the water so the ducks can swim and eat in the pond itself
Answer: Yes if it's shallow water. the ducks will come and put their heads under water to feed. I use this with my kids to feed wild ducks in a pond near our house... about 6 inches to a foot of water where we feed them. But be advised, most of this product does sink to bottom.
Question: Is this GMO corn
Answer: The package list its ingredients as just cracked corn. It also list a section titled "Guaranteed Analysis". In this section it list the following information. Crude Protein (Min) - 7%; Crude Fat (Min) - 2%; Crude Fiber (Max) - 10%; Moisture (Max) - 13%. It also states on the packaging for this product the following statement, "Our uncompromising commitment to the highest quality, natural ingredients..." seems to indicate that this is not GMO corn. However, you may want to contact the manufacturer to be 100% sure of the genetic makeup of this product.RespectfullyAllen D. Haynes

Product features

Wagner’s Cracked Corn

Our Wagner's Cracked Corn is enjoyed by a variety of ground feeding birds such as Blue Jays, Cardinals, Doves, Juncos, Quail, Pheasants, Ducks and Grouse. Rabbits, chipmunks and other playful wildlife will be attracted as well. It can be fed on its own or mixed with other seed. Many people feed cracked corn separately from their regular bird feeding area so that playful squirrels and other small animals have their own place to eat - diverting them from eating at your bird feeders. Sprinkle some on the ground where it is easily accessible by both birds and animals. Use Wagner’s Cracked Corn and enjoy that "close to nature" feeling that comes with feeding your own backyard wildlife. Trust your backyard birds to the experts at Wagner’s.

Food

Provide different types of food to attract more variety of birds. Sunflower is a great seed that many species love. Higher quality mixes attract more birds. Keep feeders full so birds will continue to visit.

Feeders

Provide a variety of feeders to attract the greatest variety of birds. Use hoppers and tube feeders for Sunflower and mixes. Use Finch feeders for Nyjer and Finch mixes. Platform feeders will accommodate ground feeding birds.

Water

Provide a shallow water source (2 inch-3 inch deep) so birds can bathe and drink. Water also attracts birds that feeding stations alone cannot, such as ones that feed on insects alone.

Location

Place feeders in locations already frequented by birds. Place by shrubs and/or trees to offer protection.

FAQ's

Make sure that your feeder is close to natural shelter such as trees and shrubs to provide protection for your birds, but be careful not to make it too convenient for squirrels. Also, place it in a location so that you can enjoy watching the activities of your feathered friends.

Should I feed the birds year-round?

Yes, birds need food year-round, so it is best to keep bird feeders full all year. Birds have a high metabolism and need to continually eat. Birds nest from late winter through late summer and during these months there is not an abundance of natural foods, so they need additional food for breeding and raising their young.

What is the best bird food?

Oil Sunflower Seed is one of the best seeds to have in a wild bird food mix. It is popular with a large number of species and is easy to feed in a variety of feeder styles. Wagner's blends provide a wide selection of seed choices that will attract a largest variety of birds to the backyard feeder. Wagner's has the mixes that will attract the species you want and will fit any budget.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Kibble + Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

Instinct

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Instinct Raw Boost is a better way to feed dog food – high protein, grain free dry dog food mixed with all natural bites of freeze dried raw meat, all in one bag. With real meat as the 1st ingredient, this high protein, gluten free dog food is healthy nutrition, boosted with probiotics to support digestion and omegas for skin and coat. This best selling dog food is made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by product meal, artificial colors or preservatives - ingredients known to trigger food sensitivity. Raw Boost grain free dog food is complete and balanced nutrition for all dogs and is available in a variety of natural dry dog food recipes: Cage Free Chicken, USA Raised Beef, Cage Free Duck, Grass Fed Lamb, Grass Fed Venison, Healthy Weight, Small Breed, Toy Breed, Puppy, Large Breed Puppy, Senior. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world. Satisfaction guaranteed. Questions? Call Instinct at 888-519-7387.

  • GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD WITH FREEZE DRIED RAW CAGE FREE DUCK: Instinct Raw Boost natural dry dog food combines high protein, grain free kibble with all natural bites of freeze dried raw duck. Cage free duck is the #1 ingredient.
  • NATURAL DOG FOOD PLUS FREEZE DRIED RAW PIECES: Raw Boost is high protein dog food with probiotics to support healthy digestion and omegas for skin & coat. Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
  • THE FIRST RAW BOOSTED KIBBLE: Raw Boost mixes high protein, grain free dog food with our freeze dried raw dog food toppers in one bag. Complete & balanced nutrition for all dogs, including small breeds, toy breeds, puppy, senior & healthy weight.
  • POWER OF RAW INGREDIENTS: Our dog food is made with the pure, real nutrition of raw. Raw is natural, made from real meat & whole food ingredients, protein packed & minimally processed. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.
  • OUR BEST DOG FOOD BOOSTED WITH RAW: We craft dry & wet dog food from real ingredients. Compare Instinct to Blue Buffalo, Rachel Ray, Hills Science Diet, Purina One, Taste of the Wild, Merrick, Natural Balance, Wellness, Orijen, Royal Canin, Iams & Nutro.

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a canned moist dog food with the same ingredients
Answer: Yes
Question: What percent is protein
Answer: Hi Ashley, the protein percentage for the Raw Boost Beef for dogs is 36%. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Question: What is the purpose of the montmorillonite clay
Answer: Hi Wesley, my name is Missy and I work with Instinct! We use Montmorillonite clay in all of our diets as an AAFCO approved natural anti-caking agent to absorb excess moisturizer and keep the food from clumping. Hope this helps!
Question: Do you add water and soak
Answer: I personally do add water to this food and my dogs love it! I add hot water and let it soak for ten minutes. I drain off any extra water and they gobble this food up! lol they literally lick their bowls clean!

Product features

What is raw pet food?

  • REAL, NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Raw is made with raw meat, fruits, vegetables & other wholesome ingredients
  • MINIMALLY PROCESSED, NEVER COOKED: Raw is never cooked and less processed than other pet food—keeping valuable nutrients intact
  • NUTRIENT DENSE: Raw, uncooked foods retain natural flavors, antioxidants, amino acids & vitamins and minerals
  • FROZEN OR FREEZE-DRIED: We take our raw frozen product and freeze-dry it (removing the moisture) which makes it shelf stable

*Benefits reflect customer observations. Actual benefits could vary.

Our Ingredients.

Instinct recipes are made with the highest quality ingredients. Responsibly sourced meats, fruits, vegetables and other wholesome ingredients. We do not use soy, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or preservatives or other filler ingredients in our recipes.

Our Standards.

For over 15 years, our team has been crafting and perfecting raw recipes. Made by our team in Lincoln, Nebraska, our raw recipes are crafted in our own kitchens to ensure the highest standards in quality, cleanliness and food safety.

Our Purpose.

We know that raw food, and how it’s made —less processed, real, whole—has the power to transform lives. From 100% raw frozen recipes to freeze-dried raw coated kibble—we’re helping pet parents find a variety of ways to incorporate raw.

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