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If you’re a long-time dog owner, maybe this question has run through your mind… “Can dogs eat duck?”
Has your dog recently begged for a bit of duck meat that you were eating?
You might think: Well, it’s safe for humans, but can our dogs eat duck meat?
Ducks can be a delicious dinner best served on special holidays like Christmas.
And while we, humans, don’t eat ducks daily, a lot of dog food variants actually contain ducks. So, technically, dogs are eating ducks more often than humans, after all!
That's why yes, dogs can safely eat ducks. In fact, this meat can be a great addition to your dog’s diet.
However, ducks can be costly, and if you’re on a tight budget, I suggest you save ducks as a special treat for Fido (or you both!)
There are also a few things to consider before feeding ducks to your dog.
When introducing a new food, drink, or supplement to our dogs, it’s best advised to consult your vet first.
This blog will discuss everything you need to learn about ducks for dogs. We’ll also tackle its health benefits and potential risks (if there are any.)
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
Can Dogs Eat Duck?
Dogs can safely eat ducks in moderation. Duck meat offers great benefits like essential nutrients Fido needs on a daily basis.
In fact, this premium meat is considered novel meat, which means it's a great alternative for dogs with food allergies to other more common protein sources like chicken or beef.
Another thing to note is that dogs can eat different parts of the duck!
For instance, it’s safe for them to consume the duck’s neck and giblets or its heart, liver, and gizzard.
Actually, duck necks are full of amino acids and trace minerals that are quite beneficial for Fido.
Ducks can be given as a tasty treat or added as an ingredient in a healthy dog meal.
And since it tends to be more expensive than beef or chicken, you may want to give it in moderation (for your budget's sake!)
If you’re cooking a duck at home right now, you can give small amounts of meat to your pup as long as it’s cooked and kept plain without additives like butter, oils, spices, or seasonings since it might increase the fat content.
Can dogs eat duck raw?
Dogs can eat duck raw. In fact, pet owners who are into the raw diet meal for their dogs might even recommend this to you.
But is it the best idea? Not quite.
If you plan to do this, make sure to do so with caution.
One of the disadvantages of letting your dog eat raw duck is that it could be contaminated with harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella or E. Coli.
And aside from the obvious, raw duck will also be much fattier since the fat hasn’t been rendered by cooking.
Food that is high in fat content will make it harder for your dog to digest.
Feeding them constantly with a high-fat diet can lead to diarrhea, obesity, or pancreatitis.
RELATED: 5 Raw Food Diet Trends and How Pet Owners Raw-Feed Their Dogs
Health Benefits of Duck for Dogs
Duck is safe and good for dogs as long as it is given in moderation. It can be a great part of a balanced diet!
Even if your dog is healthy, you can still add duck to your dog’s diet since it offers many other benefits that we’ll discuss below.
1. Good Source of Protein
Dogs need a source of animal protein in their diets, and ducks are considered one of the best.
Ducks are an excellent source of protein and amino acids that dogs need for muscle growth and great skin.
Our dogs can gain high animal protein content by eating duck meat.
2. Good Source of Amino Acids too
Aside from protein, duck is also a great source of amino acids.
It is specifically high in lysine and leucine, which are excellent for lowering cholesterol and making healthy bones and muscles.
Amino acids help our dogs build and repair their body tissues, as well as for their bodies to function properly.
3. High in Fatty acids
Not all fat is bad for dogs. There are forms of fat that are quite beneficial for Fido.
Luckily, ducks contain high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for our dogs.
Many pet owners think you can only get these nutrients in fish oil, but ducks are excellent alternatives since they're also high in polyunsaturated fat.
4. Good Alternative for Picky Eaters and Allergic Dogs
One of the best benefits pet owners might get from duck is that it is a great alternative for dogs with allergies or intolerance to more common meats, such as chicken and beef.
However, it is best to consult with your most trusted vet first to know whether the duck is a suitable substitute for other meats.
In addition, many dogs enjoy the taste of duck, making it a good choice for picky eaters.
5. B vitamins
Duck dog foods are rich in B vitamins. B vitamins help shield your dog from cancer.
Vitamin B3, known as niacin, helps control glucose levels and convert protein, fat, and carbohydrates into energy.
On the other hand, Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine supports the dog’s cardiovascular health and increases your dog’s metabolism.
6. High in Antioxidants
Ducks are also high in antioxidants. Dogs can benefit from the iron, zinc, and selenium that this meat contains.
These antioxidants are important for your dog since iron helps create red blood cells. Zinc also has plenty of help, including cell division, immune response, and cognitive function.
Lastly, selenium helps maintain a dog’s coat and improve joint health.
How Can I Safely Give Duck To My Dog?
Dogs can safely eat ducks if prepared correctly and if taken moderately.
If you plan to add duck to your dog’s meals, it’s best to consult with your vet or a pet nutritionist to ensure that your giving is suitable and healthy.
1. Remove the Bones and Fat
First, you must remove any bones, skin, or additional fat. Bones can splinter and become stuck in your dog’s digestive system.
Remember that duck is also high in fat content. Leaving too much fat can lead to obesity in dogs.
2. Cook the Duck
When feeding duck to dogs, it’s best served cooked rather than giving it raw.
Though many pet owners prefer a raw diet, cooking the duck prevents any food-borne diseases or other health problems caused by harmful pathogens.
You should also try and render as much fat as possible since too much fat can cause weight gain and pancreatitis.
3. Monitor for Allergies or Possible Side Effects
Although uncommon, ducks can develop a sensitivity to duck dog food.
If it’s your pup’s first time eating duck, watch out for food allergy symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, skin irritations, hives, and ear infections.
Stop feeding them ducks, and consult your vet if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.
Duck-Based Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Real Duck & Sweet Potato
If you plan to feed Fido duck-based dog food, try Merrick’s Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Duck and Sweet Potato.
Merrick is one of the industry leaders in natural, high-protein dog foods.
It’s one of the best brands if you switch to a healthier diet.
This US manufacturer uses locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients and high-quality sources of meat.
This dog food is all-natural, containing 70% meat proteins and 30% fresh produce.
The proteins in the meat promote healthy lean muscle development, and fatty acids can help maintain your dog’s skin and coat.
Some fruits and vegetables also offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog’s health.
Merrick Dog Food Reviews: Read what dog owners say on Amazon
Homemade Crockpot Duck Chuck for Dogs with Allergies
Ingredients
- 1 lb. duck
- 1 cup DRY brown rice
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup peas
- 2 cups water
How To Cook Duck For Dogs: Instructions
The Crockpot Duck Duck for dogs is easy to prepare. It will only take about 15 minutes to prepare all the ingredients.
Once prepared, put the ingredients in the slow cooker in the order listed above.
Cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
If you plan to add supplements or other vitamins to the recipe, add them once the food has cooled.
Once cooled, you can feed it to your dog. 1/2 cup for every 20 pounds of body weight is the recommended serving size for dogs.
If you plan to store leftovers, place them in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can Dogs Eat Ducks? Commonly Asked Questions
Why is duck good for dogs with allergies?
Duck is a great protein source that helps alleviate gastrointestinal problems or skin irritations.
Since it is rare for dogs to be allergic to ducks, it is a great alternative dog food for pups allergic to other protein sources like chicken and beef.
Is duck or chicken better for dogs?
Duck is slightly healthier than chicken. However, it is more expensive.
Duck is great for dogs since it’s a new taste with the right mix of savory and sweet. It is a good source of iron and protein in dogs.
Duck (with the skin removed) has about the same calories and fat as chicken. Duck also contains more healthy unsaturated fat than chicken.
Can I feed my dog duck every day?
Start with small amounts and watch for possible side effects. If your pup is not showing any bad side effects, you can slowly introduce it as a daily meal.
However, we recommend only feeding duck moderately since dogs can gain weight fast when they eat too many fatty foods.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Ducks! But Before You Go…
Chicken is a lot more popular than duck for dog owners. However, duck is another excellent and safe alternative to introduce to Fido.
Duck offers several health benefits, being an excellent source of B vitamins, protein, amino acids, and fatty acids.
They're also among the best substitute protein sources for dogs with chicken, pork, or beef allergies.
However, it’s best to avoid raw duck since it can contain harmful bacteria.
Duck is best served cooked and without seasoning.
Also, avoid feeding Fido duck bones to prevent the risk of splintering and lodging in your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive system.
Have you tried feeding this excellent protein source to your dogs? How did they find it? Share with us your experience in the comments section!
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