Rabbits can consume duck meat accidentally, but not regularly.
A rabbit’s nutritional needs are different from a duck’s.
The nutritional composition of duck meat is as follows: 19% fat, 2.3% protein, 1.5% phosphorus, and 5% carbohydrates.
Rabbit foods, however, contain 17 to 22 percent protein, 3% fat, and 1% calcium.
In conclusion, duck food lacks fiber and is too high in calcium and protein.
After I’ve given you a taste of what this article is all about, keep reading to learn why rabbits cannot digest duck for a long period:
Rabbits should not be fed duck food.
Duck foods can pose risks to rabbits over time due to the differences in their nutritional requirements.
Rabbits fed duck food in large quantities can carry the following risks:
Stasis of the gastrointestinal tract
In addition to lacking fibre, duck food can cause gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits.
Low-fibre diets and poor diets can cause GI stasis in rabbits.
Stasis in the rabbit’s gut occurs when the bacteria balance is upset.
Without immediate treatment, there would be painful gas, eventually leading to the failure of the organs.
GI stasis is characterized by the following:
- Feeling down
- Posture of hunching
- Teeth grinding
- Anorexia/decreased appetite
Veterinary care should be sought immediately if symptoms are observed.
There is diarrhea
Rabbits often get diarrhea when they change their diet too quickly or eat the wrong diet.
The two boxes will be checked if the rabbit is fed a lot of duck feed.
Questions & Answers (FAQs)
Rabbits that have eaten some duck food, should you be concerned?
Even though rabbits are not supposed to consume duck food, they can eat small amounts.
Feeding your rabbit duck food is safe, provided you are not intentionally feeding them too much of it.
Any behavioural or poop changes in your rabbit should be observed.
How to deal with duck food eaten by your rabbit?
Any changes in behaviour, faeces, and urine should be observed.
You should consult a veterinarian if your rabbit accidentally ate duck food.
In conclusion
Rabbits have different nutritional needs from ducks, so it is not recommended to feed duck food intentionally.
It is recommended that rabbit food contain a minimum of 3% fat, 5% fiber, and 1% calcium.
Protein makes up 19% of duck foods, fat amounts to 2.3%, and fiber amounts to 5%.
There is too much calcium and protein in duck food.
Diarrhea and GI stasis can occur if you feed duck food to rabbits for a long period.
Call your doctor if you notice any changes in behavior, urination, or bowel movements.