You're Probably Feeding Ducks the Wrong Food—and It Could Be Hurting Their Health

Going to feed the ducks with my family was one of my favorite

activities as a kid. We'd grab a loaf of bread, hop in the car, and have the time of our lives watching our cute feathered friends gobble up their treats. Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, it's one of the worst foods you can feed the animal.

Giving bread to ducks is equivalent to giving them candy. It causes them to fill up on something that lacks nutritional value instead of eating food that actually nourishes them. This can lead to an issue called

"angel wing"—a wing deformity caused by an unhealthy diet that leaves the birds unable to fly.

So if not bread, what's safe to feed your local ducks? While ducks are totally happy with what they can find in the wild—like

insects, snails, and aquatic vegetation—there are plenty of things you can feed them that provide the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong. Of course, don't go overboard—even these duck-approved options should be given in moderation.

If you have extra

lettuce on hand that's about to go bad, reduce food waste by sharing it with your duck friends. They love greens of all kinds—

especially kale.

Rice—both raw or cooked, and brown or white—is a healthy option for these adorable birds. Instead of tossing your leftover rice in the trash, feed it to your local ducks.

Ducks love sweetcorn just as much as you do. Whether you cut corn right off the cob, defrost a bag of frozen corn, or have a canned version on hand, they won't discriminate—they'll enjoy it all.

Ducks are big fans of peas, whether canned or a frozen option that has been dethawed. They're a great source of protein for the birds, so sprinkle them around and they're sure to come back for more.

Ducks are huge

broccoli fans, whether it's cooked or raw. Just make sure it's in small enough pieces for them to swallow, as they don't chew their food.

Uncooked

oats (rolled or quick) are a delicious treat for ducks. They enjoy both dry and cooked oats and will be sure to gobble up every last one.

Citrus fruits (like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons) are a no-go for ducks, as they're high-acid and can cause digestive issues. Also avoid

avocados, which can be poisonous. Instead, stick to duck-safe fruit like bite-sized pieces of

grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, and

bananas.