Ducks can be mischievous birds, so you might find that they got into a bag of your dog or cat food. Or, perhaps you’ve run out of duck food and don’t have gas in your car to rectify the situation. It might get you wondering—can ducks eat dog or cat food?
In short, yes, your ducks can eat dog or cat food if you’re in a bind.
There’s a lot more you need to know aside from this basic answer, though. So, read on to know when and how you should feed your ducks dog or cat food.
The Rundown on Feeding Your Duck Dog or Cat Food
Ducks are omnivores meaning that they eat vegetables and living beings like snails and small fish. Therefore, the ingredients in dog or cat food often mesh well with a duck’s natural diet.
That said, dog and cat food have a much higher protein concentration than ducks eat in their regular diet. Therefore, it’s best to feed your ducks dog and cat food in small quantities.
Even if you’re not in an emergency situation with needing food for your ducks, there are a few times in a duck’s life when feeding them dog or cat food is an excellent idea. They include:
- When your duck is preparing to molt
- When you want your ducks to have strong ducklings
- During nesting periods, since ducks use more energy
According to Cornell University, the amino acids in protein are critical for a duck’s bodily functions. They help ducks build muscle and grow feathers, among many other tasks.
Ducks can’t produce all the amino acids they need for living on their own, so they must get them from their food.
The bottom line here is that when you think about feeding your ducks cat or dog food, you should do it from the perspective of protein.
There are no set guidelines on how much you should feed them (after all, dog and cat food brands don’t label their packages for ducks). So, use your best judgment and, when in doubt, start small.
Is Cat Food Safe for Birds like Ducks?
Cat food is safe for ducks if you give it to them in moderation.
One great tool for harnessing the protein-boosting power of cat food without worrying about filling your ducks with too much protein is to use cat food as a treat.
By offering your duck regular but small quantities of cat food, you’ll boost their chances of having a long and healthy life.
Wet Food Vs. Dry Food
Now that you know it’s safe to feed your ducks cat or dog food, it might get you wondering—is dry or wet food better?
Both are great options. So, it comes down to checking the labels and seeing which contains more nutrients and protein.
Of course, if you’re in a bind, all you need to know is that it’s safe to feed your ducks both wet and dry dog or cat food.
Can Ducklings Eat Dog Food?
Like adult ducks, dog food can offer ducklings an excellent source of protein. However, you’ll need to ensure you’re not overfeeding your ducklings, as they don’t require nearly as much protein as dogs and adult ducks.
Another factor to consider when feeding ducklings dog food is the size of the kibbles, should you feed them dry food. The kibbles are often large, creating a choking hazard.
To be fair, adult ducks can choke on large kibbles, too. So, regardless of their age, consider soaking them in water before offering them to your ducks or crushing them.
Alternatively, you can use cat food since the kibbles are usually smaller (although they can still be too big for a duckling’s throat).
What You Can Feed Ducks If You Run Out of Food
Here’s a dose of good news if you run out of duck food: Ducks love to munch on many of the same foods that you do.
So, head to your pantry and browse through your fridge to concoct some yummy meals for your ducks until you can restock on duck food. Ideas include:
- Lettuce and any other salad greens you have (tear them into pieces)
- Corn (frozen, canned, or fresh will do)
- Seeds (including those you feed your backyard birds)
- Oats (they don’t mind if they’re rolled or instant)
- Grains (including lentils, quinoa, and rice)
As a word of warning, your ducks may love their new menu so much that you might feel guilty for feeding them duck food again!
FAQs About Feeding Dog and Cat Food to Ducks
Do you still have lingering questions about feeding your dog or cat’s food to your ducks? Read on for more details.
Can Birds Eat Dog Food?
Birds of all kinds, including ducks, can eat dog food. If you choose to feed them dry food, make sure to moisten or crush the kibbles to avoid a choking hazard.
Can Muscovy Ducks Eat Cat Food?
Muscovy ducks are a relatively aggressive duck breed. As a result, they may have a higher protein intake than other duck species, as they tend to kill more living organisms, including frogs.
Therefore, cat food is an excellent addition to a Muscovy duck’s diet since they require protein to thrive. Just make sure you don’t overdo it—even though Muscovy ducks eat protein out in the wild, they still need far less protein than a cat.
The Verdict
So, can ducks eat dog food? They absolutely can, and they can eat cat food, too. When preparing a dog or cat meal for your ducks, make sure to feed them in moderation and ensure the kibbles are in duck-friendly size pieces.
The extra protein in dog and cat food is excellent for your duck’s health, especially during times when they’re molting or laying eggs.
As a bonus, they’ll love you for it—dog and cat food are delicious to ducks!