Duck and other game birds have more developed muscle mass, so they contain more red-blood-cell-rich myoglobin, a type of protein, in the meat -- making it darker in color and richer in taste than turkey and chicken. Duck contains more fat than chicken or turkey, but it also offers protein, iron and B vitamins. Most of the duck you find in the United States is farm-raised and purchased frozen.
Calories and Macronutrients
In 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces, of roasted, farm-raised duck meat, without the skin, you get 201 calories and 11 grams of fat, 4 grams of which are saturated. This serving also contains 89 milligrams of cholesterol, about one-third of your daily limit. Duck meat contains no carbohydrates, but it does have 23 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. The protein in duck meat is complete, making it comparable to the protein found in beef, chicken and fish.
B Vitamins
Duck meat is a source of B vitamins that help support the formation and function of red blood cells. B vitamins also assist you in extracting energy from food. A 100-gram serving of duck meat, roasted without the skin, has 28 percent of the daily value for riboflavin, 25 percent for niacin, 17 percent for thiamine, 13 to 15 percent for B-6 and pantothenic acid, and 7 percent for B-12, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Duck meat is a minor source for folate.
Minerals
In 100 grams, duck provides 15 percent of the daily value for iron, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. It also provides 20 percent of your phosphorus needs, which is important to bone health and energy creation. Duck meat contains 252 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams, and it is also a source of zinc, copper and the trace mineral selenium.
Considerations
Wild duck is slightly lower in fat and higher in iron and protein than domesticated duck. Wild duck is acquired via hunting and not readily available in markets, however. Many preparations of duck feature a crisped skin, which greatly increases the calorie and fat content. A 100-gram serving of roast duck with the skin contains 337 calories and 28 grams of fat, 10 grams of which are saturated.
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