Ducks are enthralling animals that live in a diverse array of environments, from tranquil lakes to zoo-like urban parks. As omnivorous waterfowl, their diets are remarkably flexible and allow them to occupy many ecological niches. Knowledge of their dietary habits—what they eat and, importantly, what they don't eat—will be valuable to any future duck farmers as well as wildlife professionals and the many people who enjoy the company of these appealing birds.

In their natural habitats, ducks exhibit a remarkable dietary flexibility. The convenience of their feeding practices allows them to adapt. Ducks are found in a wide range of habitats, from freshwater wetlands to estuaries. They are highly social birds that tend to forage in groups. However, even within a tight-knit foraging group, ducks display a remarkable feeding diversity. Some will dabble near the water’s surface or tip their heads under the water to grab aquatic invertebrates. Others forage on land, vigorously probing the soil for worms and other invertebrates. Still, others dive underwater, foraging up to 30 feet deep in search of fish. Ducklings, too, are adaptable feeders. As they mature, they increase the range of foods they consume.

Some species of ducks, especially diving types, may eat small fish and amphibians. This is a behavior more often associated with the merganser and other duck types uniquely suited to catching slippery prey. For those who keep ducks as pets or raise them for eggs and meat, it is vital to provide a conducive and balanced diet. Domestic ducks eat a range of food types, including commercially prepared duck feeds. Duck feeds are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, that ducks need to stay healthy. They do come in different formulations, depending on the life stage of the duck.

Grains like corn, oats, and wheat can be beneficial for ducks. Although these grains could serve as a complete diet, they shouldn't because ducks don't thrive on a monotonous diet. Ducks enjoy a variety of foods, and you should feed them a mix of different food types. Ducks are quite the foragers, and they find much of their food in the wild. You're going to have to be a part-time food scientist to achieve what they accomplish in nature. Feeding domestic ducks is not hard to do poorly, but it is hard to do well because there are so many things you can do incorrectly. That said, do include a wide variety of foods in their diet, a big part of which should be high-quality commercial duck feed.

Many people assume that ducks enjoy being fed bread, but this is not the case. Bread has little nutritional value and is effectively junk food for ducks. Over time, as it has with people, the consumption of junk food has led to an obesity epidemic among ducks, with many now suffering from the malformations and other health problems associated with obesity. Ducks do not ask for much: a few simple basics in their diet and the occasional wild food to maintain balance and health. You're not going to find any duck with a broader palate than that. Indeed, even waterfowl in the wild have a few thousand natural foods to choose from across their distribution range.

Appropriate nutrition is not only a priority in the health of pet ducks but also paramount in helping wild ducks and their populations persist in their native habitats. Wild ducks rely on a wide variety of food sources and have diverse diets depending on their species. Avoiding harmful foods helps ensure that the delicate balance of Kentucky’s aquatic ecosystems remains healthy, a likely continuing concern for those who live in close proximity to such environments.