Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

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

Can Cats Eat Duck

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.

divider 1 paws

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
Image By: 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. A veterinarian can also give you good advice on how to prepare these meats for your cat properly and safely.

Need veterinary advice but can't get to the clinic? Catster recommends PangoVet, our online veterinary service. Talk to a vet online and get the answers and advice you need for your cat without having to leave your living room — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

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
Image By: 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.

divider 1 paws

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.

See also: 

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Do Moth Balls Keep Cats Away? Vet-Verified Facts & Better Alternatives

Placing mothballs around plants is an old tactic to keep cats away. But do mothballs keep cats away? Whether it’s effective or not...

How to Bathe a Sphynx Cat: 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Advice

It’s easy to assume that a Sphynx cat would require less maintenance than a furry cat, but owners of these hairless cats will...

How Long Do Savannah Cats Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care

Savannah cats are beautiful hybrid spotted cats with long legs and distinctive, large ears. The hind legs are usually just a bit longer...

Pet Telehealth: How Does It Work for Your Cat? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Pet parents are more cautious and attentive than ever nowadays, leading more of us to overreact when things seem amiss with our cats....

More related

Chlamydia in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Signs, Prevention & Treatment

You’ve probably heard about chlamydia, but maybe not in reference to your feline friends. In kitties, chlamydia infections often take on the form...

Why I Allow Our Cats on the Countertops: Dr Karyn’s Perspective

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

100+ Spiritual Cat Names: Ideas for your Mystical Cat

Spirituality can mean different things to different people, but a spiritual identity is a core part of people’s lives all around the world....

8 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Durango, CO (2025 Update)

Durango was once a Gold Rush hotspot, but today, it’s evolved into a modern peek into history. Admire the Sierra Nevada Mountains, amble...

Keep reading

How to Keep Cats Healthy: 10 Vet-Approved Tips to Boost Your Cat’s Mental & Physical Health

Cats are family members, and it makes sense for pet parents to do everything possible to ensure their companions get whatever they need to be happy and healthy. Creating cat-friendly environments by providing pets with activities and entertainment can go...

white cat with the owner

10 Types of Veterinary Specialists & What They Do: Vet Approved Guide

Many cat parents may think their local veterinarian is the only option for their cat’s well-being and health, but this is not the case. Veterinary medicine and pet care operate in a similar way to human medicine. There is primary...

cat owner talking to the vet while examining the cat

Do Cats Like To Play Hide And Seek? 9 Vet-Verified Tips On Playing With Your Cat

Cats are playful animals, especially kittens, and enjoy playing different games that mimic hunting behavior. In fact, many owners notice that their cats frequently run off and hide behind things, which can make you wonder if they like playing hide...

bengal cat hiding in a drawer

What Do You Do if You Find a Stray Cat? 4 Vet-Reviewed Steps to Take

Stray cats are common in almost every part of the world. As such, it’s not rare for you to run into a stray cat. You might even have one staying near your house that you repeatedly notice. It could even...

cat sitting on the fence

Why Do People Hate Cats? What Science Tells Us (Vet-Reviewed)

Cat lovers think that their favorite animals can generally do no wrong. People who adore felines often find them loving, attentive, playful, and adaptable. They love cats’ independence and sweet companionship and feel honored that such self-sufficient and intelligent creatures...

red flame point siamese in the grass

Palliative Care for Cats: 6 Things You Should Know (Vet-Verified)

If you’ve recently received the unfortunate news that your beloved cat has developed a terminal or life-altering condition, your mind is undoubtedly full of more questions than you can count. Your vet may have mentioned the possibility of palliative care...

Vet touching a terminally-ill cat

Does Catnip Really Make Cats High? What You Need to Know!

It’s no secret that many cats love catnip. The plant, which is in the mint family, has a potent effect on felines, making them roll around, playfully bite things, and generally act like they’re high. But what’s really going on?...

Gray Cat Enjoying Fresh Catnip_Anna Hoychuk_shutterstock

6 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats (With Pictures)

We all know that a nutritionally balanced diet made up of high quality ingredients is vital to a long and healthy life. But with so many types of senior cat food on the market, how can you be sure that...

Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats