Can Dogs Eat Duck? 3 Health Benefits of Duck for Dogs
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 24, 2022 • 2 min read
Dogs can eat duck. It’s a vitamin-rich food and healthy alternative for dogs with food sensitivities to other protein sources. Discover the nutritional benefits of duck for your pet.
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Can Dogs Eat Duck?
Is Duck Good for Dogs? 3 Health Benefits of Duck for Dogs
Feeding duck to your dog has many health benefits. Duck contains:
- 1. Antioxidants and acids: Duck is rich in antioxidants, which boost your dog’s immune system health. It’s also an excellent source of amino acids, which strengthen muscles, and omega-3 fatty acids, which give your dog’s coat a glossy shine.
- 2. Minerals: This protein source is full of essential nutrients for your dog’s diet. These include iron, calcium and phosphorus (which your dog needs to build strong teeth and bones), and selenium (which supports thyroid health).
- 3. Vitamins: Duck contains B vitamins like thiamin and niacin, which support red blood cell health and convert fats and carbohydrates into energy.
How to Safely Prepare Duck for Dogs
Follow these steps to prepare duck as a pet food:
- 1. Remove the bones and fat. Before cooking, remove any bones, skin, or fat. Like chicken bones, duck bones become brittle when cooked; if your dog swallows a bone it can splinter and become lodged in your dog’s digestive system. Duck also has a high fat content, which can lead to obesity if you leave too much fat on the meat before serving it to your pet.
- 2. Cook the duck. Though many dog owners prefer a raw diet for their pets, cooked duck meat is safer than raw duck. Cooking the duck prevents any food-borne illnesses or other health problems for your pet.
- 3. Watch for allergies. Duck allergies are rare, but your dog may develop a sensitivity to duck dog food. Food allergy symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, hives, and frequent ear infections. Stop serving duck to your dog if it displays any of these conditions, and consult your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Duck Eggs?
Dogs can eat duck eggs in moderation, and they are rich in protein and other nutrients. However, duck eggs are also high in cholesterol, so avoid giving them to dogs with elevated cholesterol levels. Whenever you introduce a new food into your dog’s diet, monitor them for symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Before Sharing With Your Pooch
Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
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