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Can Cats Eat Duck? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Written by: Rachel Giordano

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Can Cats Eat duck

Can Cats Eat Duck? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Vet, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in their diets to get all the nutrients they need to survive, such as vitamins and minerals. Animal protein is essential for their overall well-being, but is all meat safe for them? Can cats eat duck meat? Is it healthy for them?

Yes, cats can eat duck meat. Duck meat can be a nice addition to your kitty’s kibble for an extra surprise, and odds are your cat will lap it up. Duck meat provides a vast amount of protein, vitamin B, iron, and zinc.

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Can Cats Eat Raw Duck Meat?

The short answer to this question is, no, they should not eat raw duck meat. Cats should never consume raw meat of any kind because raw meat and raw fish contain harmful bacteria that can make your kitty very ill. If you feed your cat duck meat, ensure it’s cooked all the way through and avoid adding spices.

In the wild, cats hunt and eat prey, but when they do, they consume it immediately after the kill, and the meat is not processed. They also consume the organs, muscles, and bone, which gives them the extra nutrients they need to survive.

Domesticated cats do not need to hunt for food; they rely on humans to provide them with the proper nutrients they need. That’s why you must feed them a well-balanced diet and avoid feeding raw meat because of the potentially harmful bacteria it may contain.

roasted duck meat
Photo Credit: MYCCF, Pixabay

Is Duck Better For Your Cat Than Chicken?

Duck meat is dark meat, whereas chicken is leaner and has a lower fat content. Chicken is an excellent source of amino acids, which aid in building muscle and many vital body functions. Some cats may be allergic to chicken, and duck meat is an excellent substitute if that’s the case.

Duck meat contains many nutrients for your kitty, including taurine. Taurine helps cats maintain healthy vision and a healthy heart. However, duck meat has more fat than chicken, and if your kitty likes chicken and is not allergic, chicken is better to feed regularly.

If you feed chicken to your cat, remember to cook the chicken without any spices. In short, both types of meat provide nutrients and protein your cat needs to be healthy.

Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

Absolutely not! Feeding raw eggs is not advised because of the potentially harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. If you want to feed your cat eggs, make sure you cook them first. Cooked eggs are high in calories, so we recommend feeding cooked eggs to your cat sparingly as a special treat.

What Is The Healthiest Meat For a Cat To Digest?

Cooked chicken, cooked beef, lamb, and turkey are terrific choices for your cat’s digestibility. Chicken and turkey are lean meats, and most cats digest them well. Usually, as a rule, you’ll have to experiment to see what works better for your cat. Some do better with chicken, while others do better with turkey.

grey cat eating meat
Photo Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock

Can A Cat Have A Duck Allergy?

Cats can be allergic to several types of food, including duck. Food allergies in cats are rare and are usually caused by a protein rather than a carbohydrate source. Unfortunately, you won’t know if they are allergic until you feed it to them. However, it’s wise to monitor your cat after giving them something new.

Here are some common symptoms to watch out for after giving your cat duck, or any new food, for that matter.

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Head scratching
  • Itchy skin
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hair loss
  • Swollen face
  • Abdominal pain

If you suspect your kitty has a food allergy, it’s best to let your veterinarian do an examination. While a food allergy has no cure, other methods can be implemented to avoid the allergy, such as changing their food.

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The Bottom Line

Duck meat is perfectly safe to feed your cat, especially if your cat is allergic to chicken or any other type of meat. If your cat doesn’t have a chicken allergy, it’s best to feed them chicken or turkey because of the leanness of those meats.

Feeding your cat a well-balanced diet will ensure they get all the vitamins and minerals necessary to live a healthy, long life. Duck meat is healthy for cats, and if you want to add it to your cat’s kibble, there’s no harm in doing so, as long as your cat doesn’t have a duck allergy.

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