Animal safety
Alongside animal food, ducks eat many aquatic and land plants. While dabbling and grazing, they consume different plant parts, so planting around runs and pond edges should be selected carefully.
Quick help
Search for the plant first. The exact plant part, amount eaten, time of ingestion, possible symptoms, and the animal's weight are important for the next step.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Practical guidance
This animal page helps you assess garden plants by urgency, plant part, and evidence level. For possible exposure, start with the action guidance. For garden planning, focus on critical plant parts and access control.
The rating helps with initial orientation, but it cannot replace an individual assessment. Amount, plant part, spoiled material, chemical residues, age, weight, and existing health conditions may all matter.
Ducks ingest plants while dabbling in soil and water. Check pond edges, muddy collection areas, and washed-up plant material regularly.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for duck. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Duck
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
180 plants visible
No matching plants found.
How to read the assessment: Status describes general suitability, urgency describes the recommended response after possible ingestion, and evidence describes confidence in the assessment. Low evidence is not the same as low risk.
Duck
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
27 Plants
Suitable: Shaft (white and light green), Leaves (tender, green parts), Flowers (as edible garnish)
Critical: Roots, Very tough, outer leaves, Woody flower stalk after bolting
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anemia with repeated ingestion
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated feeding
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Anemia, weakness, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, dark urine
Especially relevant: Large quantities, regular consumption
Wild garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which contains thiosulphates that can cause hemolytic anemia in poultry. While often considered milder than onions or garlic, caution is advised...
Suitable: Sweet almond kernels (shelled, processed, in very small amounts as a treat)
Critical: Bitter almond kernels (raw), Leaves, Stems, Bark
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Weakness, Tremors, Convulsions, Collapse, Death
Especially relevant: Ingestion of bitter almonds, Ingestion of leaves, stems, or bark
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Young leaves, Flowers
Critical: Older leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dermatitis
Especially relevant: Long-term consumption, Excessive consumption
Young leaves and flowers are likely safe for ducks in small amounts, but older leaves, stems, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be hepatotoxic. No duck-specific studies...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Consumption of mature pods
Edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for ducks when cooked, but mature pods and roots should be avoided. Phasin and other lectins can cause gastrointestinal upset when...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset, Anemia from red blood cell destruction
Especially relevant: Consuming large quantities, Sensitivity to Allium compounds
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can be toxic to birds such as ducks, potentially causing hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal upset. Although no species-specific studies exist for...
Suitable: cooked pods, cooked seeds
Critical: raw pods, raw seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Especially relevant: raw consumption, immature seeds
Common bean contains the lectin phasin, which causes gastrointestinal distress when raw. Cooking destroys the toxin. Ducks can tolerate cooked beans in small amounts, but raw parts are...
Suitable: Fruit (nut kernel)
Critical: Green fruit husks, Leaves, Roots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Consumption of non-edible parts
Edible nut kernels are safe for ducks in moderation, while other plant parts contain juglone and may cause gastrointestinal upset. A part-specific risk assessment is appropriate.
Suitable: Leaves, Young shoots
Critical: Woody stems
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Woody parts difficult to digest
Leaves and young shoots suitable in small amounts as flavoring, avoid woody stems. Not for use as primary feed. Excessive consumption may cause digestive issues.
Suitable: leaves, young shoots, flower spikes
Critical: seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High oxalate content may stress kidneys, Saponins may irritate mucous membranes
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes of Good King Henry are suitable for ducks in small amounts but contain saponins and oxalic acid. Seeds should be avoided due to higher concentrations...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Toxicity documented in many mammals, Plant parts contain potentially irritating compounds
No duck-specific sources found. Based on documented toxicity in mammals and the presence of essential oils, tannins, and saponins, a conservative assessment is made. All plant parts should...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts (especially in large quantities), Fumes during grating
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities consumed), Eye and mucous membrane irritation (from fumes)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Sensitive animals
No specific data available for ducks. Glucosinolates can cause gastrointestinal irritation in poultry, especially if large quantities are consumed. Fumes can also be irritating.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Essential oil
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High doses of essential oil, Neurotoxic effects at overdose
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Essential oils
Lemon verbena contains essential oils that may cause gastrointestinal upset in ducks if consumed in large amounts. While small quantities are used as a culinary flavoring, it is not...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Green shoots (leaves), Flowers
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Blood in urine, Weakness, Elevated heart rate, Heinz body anemia
Especially relevant: All plant parts contain the toxic compound N-propyl disulfide, Ducks are sensitive to hemolytic anemia from Allium compounds
Onions are toxic to ducks due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolytic anemia. All plant parts should be avoided. If ingested, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoot tips
Critical: Heavily woody stems at the base
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to essential oils
>Oregano leaves and flowers are edible for ducks in small amounts, but essential oils may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Woody stems should be avoided. No duck-specific...
Duck
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
35 Plants
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without stone)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Bark, Stones (seeds)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock
Especially relevant: Access to the whole plant, ingestion of stones or wilted leaves
Apricot fruit flesh is safe for ducks in moderation as a treat. All other plant parts, especially leaves, stems, and the stone, contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Wilted plant...
Suitable: Leaves (in small amounts, from common culinary mints), Young shoots (in small amounts, from common culinary mints)
Critical: Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) (all parts), large quantities of other mint varieties, concentrated essential oils
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Lethargy, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Essential oil
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the chickens profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds (raw)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Overconsumption, Consumption of leaves or stems
The flesh of acorn squash is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Leaves, stems, and raw seeds contain cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Seeds should only be...
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without seeds), Peel (untreated)
Critical: Seeds, Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, shock, cyanide poisoning symptoms
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or stems, especially wilted material, Large quantities
Apple flesh (without seeds) can be offered to ducks in small quantities as an occasional treat. However, seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic and can lead...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (without seeds)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Stomach upset (with large quantities of raw berries)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities of raw berries, Consumption of leaves, stems, or seeds
Aronia berries are considered non-toxic, but due to their tart taste, excessive consumption, especially raw, may cause stomach upset. Suitable for ducks as an occasional treat in small...
Suitable: Flesh (fully ripe)
Critical: Seeds, Unripe fruits
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Nausea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Consumption of seeds, Consumption of unripe fruit
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: ripe fruits
Critical: leaves, stems, seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, restlessness
Especially relevant: hot cultivars, overfeeding
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: ripe fruit (syconium including skin)
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Fruit pulp
Critical: Seeds, Leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds or leaves
The fruit pulp of ripe Cornelian cherry is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Seeds are indigestible and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Leaves may cause skin irritation in...
Suitable: Fruit flesh
Critical: Seed/pit, Leaves, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Respiratory distress
Especially relevant: Access to pits or wilted leaves, Excessive fruit consumption
The fruit flesh of the damson plum is safe for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin and can release cyanide, leading to poisoning symptoms. Ducks...
Suitable: Ripe fruit (in moderation)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Green plant parts
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities or unripe parts are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of green plant parts or unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities of ripe fruit
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Seeds (pit), Leaves, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
Especially relevant: Pit ingestion, Leaf or bark consumption
The flesh of plums is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide and cause poisoning symptoms. Feed only...
Duck
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
107 Plants
Suitable: Leaves, Stems, Roots
Critical: Seeds (in large quantities), Plants in the flowering stage
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis) with very large quantities
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of plants in the flowering stage
Parsley is generally safe for ducks when fed in moderation. Large quantities, especially of flowering plants or seeds, can lead to photosensitization due to apiol and furanocoumarin...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Leaves, Stems
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high water and sugar content., Leaves and stems contain small amounts of tannins that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers, Tender stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Phototoxicity from plant sap contact combined with UV light
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Fruits, Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to ducks. Fruits and leaves can be fed as an occasional treat. Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset due to fiber content.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Bulbs, Tubers
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption)
Especially relevant: Sensitivity to sulfur compounds, Excessive consumption
Leaves and flowers of Allium ramosum are edible for ducks in moderation and are occasionally consumed as a treat. As with all Allium species, sensitive individuals may experience...
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers, Young seed pods
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Digestive upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Arugula is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. Leaves, flowers, and young seed pods are edible and non-toxic. No known toxic compounds. Overconsumption may pose a risk of...
Suitable: Young shoots (asparagus spears)
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of shoots
Young asparagus shoots are safe for ducks in moderation and can be offered as a treat. Berries, woody ends, and mature fronds contain saponins and should be avoided. Ingestion of toxic...
Suitable: young leaves, flower buds
Critical: very pungent or old leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess, potentially thyroid issues in very high amounts
Especially relevant: overconsumption, old or very pungent leaves
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the chickens profile and the known plant-part risks of the Brassicaceae family. Young leaves and...
Suitable: leaves, young shoots, flowers
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption
No direct species-specific source was found for ducks. This is a cautious inference from the geese profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Root (taproot), Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption), Harmless discoloration of urine and feces (beeturia)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Consumption of large quantities of leaves
Beetroot is generally safe for ducks, especially the root. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be problematic in very large quantities but is unlikely to pose a significant risk to...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Roots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of leaves or stems., Wild-collected berries should be washed to avoid parasites such as Echinococcus.
Fruits are safe for ducks in moderation and valued for their nutritional content. Leaves and stems contain tannins that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if consumed in large amounts...
Suitable: Fruit (after frost or processing)
Critical: Seeds, Leaves
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal disturbances, Cyanosis (in severe poisoning)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities of raw fruit, Consumption of seeds or leaves
The fruits are suitable as occasional treats after frost or processing. Seeds and leaves contain amygdalin, which can be converted to hydrogen cyanide and are therefore toxic. Raw...
Duck
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
11 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Guides
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Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
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Learn how to grow tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants safely in pet-friendly gardens and understand plant-part risks.
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Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
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Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
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Learn how to create a pet-safe herb garden with suitable herbs, thoughtful layouts, and practical maintenance strategies.
FAQ
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for duck. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for duck in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
Critical means the plant or certain plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the plant, access control in the garden may also be useful.
No. The information helps with garden safety decisions, but it does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested, symptoms appear, or behavior changes, contact a veterinarian.
