What Do Deer Eat? Top Favorite Deer Foods

Deer are herbivores, and their diet varies based on season, region, and availability. Here are some vegetables that are often included in their diet:

Sweet and fleshy, provides hydration	Why Deer Like It	Good for Deer Health?
Clover	Tender leaves, high nutritional value	Yes
Alfalfa	Rich in nutrients, especially preferred by deer	Yes
Acorns	Nutrient-rich, a good source of energy	Yes, in moderation
Apples	Sweet and palatable, good source of vitamins	Yes, in moderation
Carrots	Sweet and crunchy, high in vitamins	Yes
Turnips	Nutrient-rich, especially in winter	Yes
Sweet Potatoes	High in carbohydrates, sweet taste	Yes, in moderation
Pumpkins	Tender pods liked for their texture	Yes
Broccoli	Tender shoots, nutritious	Yes
Cabbage	Leafy and palatable	Yes
Brussels Sprouts	Nutrient-rich, especially after frost	Yes
Kale	Nutrient-dense, especially in winter	Yes
Spinach	Rich in vitamins and minerals	Yes
Lettuce	Tender leaves, hydrating	Yes
Radishes	Crisp and mildly spicy, attractive to deer	Yes
Cucumbers	Moist and mild, good hydration	Yes
Celery	Crunchy and hydrating	Yes
Green Beans	Tender shoots liked for their texture	Yes
Peas	Sweet and nutritious, liked for their taste	Yes
Squash	Sweet and fleshy, hydrating	Yes
Zucchini	Mild flavor, hydrating	Yes
Eggplant	Mild taste, attractive to deer	Yes
Beets	Sweet and earthy, good source of nutrients	Yes
Corn	High in carbohydrates, sweet taste	Yes, in moderation
Tomatoes	Juicy and sweet, liked for their texture	Yes, in moderation
Bell Peppers	Sweet taste, hydrating	Yes
Potatoes	Starchy and palatable, liked in moderation	Yes, in moderation
Asparagus	Sweet and earthy, like in winter	Yes
Artichokes	Nutrient-rich, especially the leaves	Yes
Parsnips	Pungent taste liked in moderation	Yes
Cauliflower	Mild taste, hydrating	Yes
Onions	Pungent taste liked in moderation	Yes, in moderation
Garlic	Pungent taste, liked in moderation	Yes, in moderation
Cilantro	Aromatic and flavorful, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Dill	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Basil	Aromatic and flavorful, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Thyme	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Rosemary	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Mint	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Oregano	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Chives	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Parsley	Aromatic, liked by some deer	Yes, in moderation
Watermelon	Sweet and hydrating	Yes, in moderation
Cantaloupe	Sweet and hydrating	Yes, in moderation
Honeydew	Sweet and hydrating	Yes, in moderation
Grapes	Sweet and juicy, liked for their texture	Yes, in moderation
Blueberries	Sweet and nutrient-rich	Yes, in moderation
Raspberries	Sweet and nutrient-rich	Yes, in moderation
Strawberries	Sweet and nutrient-rich	Yes, in moderation
Blackberries	Sweet and nutrient-rich	Yes, in moderation

Note: “Yes, in moderation” emphasizes that while these items can be part of a deer’s diet, an excessive amount may not be suitable for their health. Providing a diverse range of natural foods is essential for a balanced and healthy deer diet.

Do Deer Eat Plants?

Here is a list of 20 plants that are favorites among deer

1. Switchgrass
2. Rye Grass
3. Timothy Grass
4. Bermuda Grass
5. Fescue Grass
6. Bluegrass
7. Sedge
8. Wildflowers
9. Sunflowers
10. Black-eyed Susans
11. Asters
12. Goldenrod
13. Wild Strawberry Plants
14. Thistle
15. Honeysuckle
16. Maple Seedlings
17. Red Clover
18. Chicory
19. Plantain
20. Arrowleaf Clover