Solid Starts

When can babies eat duck?

Duck may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Where do ducks come from?

These adaptable and ubiquitous birds were likely first domesticated thousands of years ago in East Asia, and today, domesticated ducks are raised for both egg production and meat across the globe. Both wild and domesticated ducks are edible—they just require different cooking methods to draw out their rich flavor. Domesticated duck meat tends to be fattier, softer, and less dense than that of wild duck.

Videos

Riley, 7 months, eats a strip of duck meat.

Cooper, 14 months, eats shredded pieces of duck meat.

Is duck healthy for babies?

Yes. Duck is exceptionally high in iron compared with other poultry like chicken and turkey, making it a fantastic first food for babies. Duck meat is also a great source of vitamins B6, B12, and E, as well as zinc, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids. Together, these nutrients work to support healthy blood cells, growth and development, taste and smell perception, and immune function.

In general, avoid duck sausage, cured duck, or duck products that have been smoked or glazed until after the first birthday due to sodium and sugar levels. That said, as long as the dish doesn’t contain honey (a high-risk food for infant botulism), it’s okay to offer a small taste to baby on occasion.

Is duck a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Duck is a potential choking hazard as it can be difficult to chew. To minimize the risk, cut the meat in age-appropriate sizes and try not to overcook it, which causes the meat to become dry and more challenging to chew and swallow. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Is duck a common allergen?

No. Duck meat is not a common allergen, though individuals with chicken meat or turkey meat allergies can also be allergic to duck meat, and cases of poultry allergy have been reported.

Duck has been reported as a trigger for FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), which results in delayed vomiting with or without diarrhea 2 to 4 hours after the ingestion of duck meat. While rare, certain individuals with fish allergies may have an increased risk of being sensitive to poultry, such as duck. Some individuals with known allergy to feather and egg also have positive allergy test results to poultry meat. However, this does not commonly result in symptoms after the ingestion of well-cooked meat, as the allergenic protein is heat sensitive.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity during the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future meals.

Can babies eat duck liver or foie gras?

Yes—an occasional taste is fine as long as it is low in sodium and free of honey, which carries a high risk of infant botulism. Make sure to serve just a taste: liver is exceptionally high in vitamin A, which, in excess, can be toxic for individuals of all ages, but particularly young children.

Can duck help babies poop?

No. In general, duck is rich in protein and fat, and lacks fiber, which are qualities that typically slow the processes of digestion and pooping. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

How do you introduce duck to babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 to 8 months old:

Offer thick strips of duck meat about the size of two adult fingers pressed together and remove any bone, loose cartilage, and skin to minimize the risk of choking. If baby bites off a big piece, take a deep breath and give the child the opportunity to push the food out with their tongue. Alternatively, give baby a large drumstick bone with loose cartilage, pin bones, shards of bone, and skin removed. Lastly, you can finely chop or shred duck meat and mix it into a soft, scoopable food, such as mashed vegetables, porridge, or yogurt.

9 to 11 months old:

Serve shredded or thin, bite-sized slices of cooked duck meat for baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp (where the thumb and index finger meet). These pieces can be offered on their own or as part of a dish. Try duck that has been slow-cooked or braised or duck served in a sauce: these cooking methods soften the meat, which makes it easier for baby to chew and manage the food. You can also let baby munch on a whole duck drumstick as long as loose gristle, cartilage, pin bones, and skin have been removed. To minimize the risk of choking, refrain from offering cubes of duck meat.

12 to 24 months old:

Serve bite-sized slices of cooked duck for toddlers to pick up with fingers or a utensil. Duck that has been slow-cooked or braised, or duck served in a sauce, will likely be easier for the child to manage than dry meat on its own. When you feel comfortable with the toddler’s biting and chewing skills, serve a whole drumstick with pin bones and loose pieces of cartilage removed. The skin and fat can also be removed for added safety, as these can be a bit challenging to chew, but know that the more familiar a toddler becomes with these textures, the more likely they will be to practice and accept them over time. At this age, duck sausage and other cured or glazed duck dishes are fine in moderation.