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

Can Cats Eat duck
Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Rachel Giordano
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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.

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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? What about duck meat? Can cats eat duck? Is it healthy for them?

Yes, cats can eat duck meat. Duck meat can make for 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. As a matter of fact, 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 do feed your cat duck meat, ensure it’s cooked all the way through and avoid adding any 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 their food; they rely on their humans to provide them with the proper amounts of nutrients they need. That’s why it’s essential that you feed them a well-balanced diet and avoid feeding raw meat because of potentially harmful bacteria it may contain.

roasted duck meat
Image 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 makes for 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. Duck meat has more fat content, so if your kitty likes chicken and is not allergic, chicken is better to feed on a regular basis.

If you feed chicken to your cat, remember to cook the chicken without any spices. In short, both types of meat offer many 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 the eggs first. Cooked eggs contain many calories for your cat, 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 all terrific choices for digestibility for your cat. 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 some do better with turkey or some other meat.

grey cat eating meat
Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock

Can A Cat Have A Duck Allergy?

Cats can be allergic to many different types of food, including duck. Food allergies in cats are rare and are usually to a protein rather than carbohydrate source. Unfortunately, you won’t know if they are allergic until you feed it to them. With that said, it’s wise to monitor your cat after giving them anything 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 healthy meat to feed your cat, especially if your cat has an allergy 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.

As a rule, feeding your cat a well-balanced diet will ensure they are getting all of 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.

About the Author

Rachel Giordano
Rachel Giordano
Rachel Giordano is a Pensacola, Florida-based musician and writer. She lives with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about all types of cat breeds. When she’s not writing about cats, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys sharing her knowledge of the needs and requirements of our furry friends.

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