What do deer eat?
Quick Answer
Deer are browsers that eat leaves, twigs, buds, nuts, fruits, and tender plants; diet shifts by season. They prefer woody browse in fall and winter, switching to green vegetation, shoots, and fruits in spring and summer.
Key Takeaways
- Deer are primarily browsers, preferring woody plants and shrubs
- Diet varies dramatically by season based on food availability
- Common foods include acorns, twigs, leaves, buds, and fruits
- They typically eat 6-10 pounds of vegetation per day
- Prefer plants that are high in protein and easily digestible
- Will adapt their diet based on local plant availability
- Most active feeding occurs at dawn and dusk
Deer Diet by Season
Deer are highly adaptable feeders whose diet changes significantly throughout the year based on what's available in their environment.
Spring Diet (March-May)
- New growth: Fresh green shoots and emerging leaves
- Wildflowers: Trilliums, violets, and other spring ephemeral
- Tree buds: Maple, oak, and other deciduous trees
- Young grasses: Tender new grass growth
- Agricultural crops: Young corn, soybeans, and wheat
Summer Diet (June-August)
- Green vegetation: Leaves from trees and shrubs
- Fruits: Berries, apples, and other available fruits
- Aquatic plants: Water lilies and pond vegetation
- Legumes: Clover, alfalfa, and other protein-rich plants
- Garden plants: Vegetables and ornamental plants
Fall Diet (September-November)
- Acorns: Highly preferred and nutritious nuts
- Other nuts: Hickory nuts, walnuts, and chestnuts
- Fall fruits: Apples, persimmons, and wild grapes
- Agricultural crops: Corn, soybeans, and other farm crops
- Late season browse: Woody stems and remaining leaves
Winter Diet (December-February)
- Woody browse: Twigs and bark from various trees
- Evergreen needles: Cedar, pine, and fir
- Dried grasses: Standing grasses and hay
- Bark: From young trees when other food is scarce
- Moss and lichen: Available on trees and rocks
Favorite Deer Foods
While deer will eat many different plants, they show clear preferences for certain types of vegetation.
Most Preferred Plants
- Acorns: White oak acorns are preferred over red oak
- Apple trees: Both fruit and young shoots
- Clover: High protein content makes it attractive
- Honeysuckle: Both native and invasive varieties
- Sumac: Berries and young shoots
- Wild cherry: Fruit and browse
- Maple: Young shoots and buds
Plants Deer Usually Avoid
Deer tend to avoid plants that are toxic, have strong scents, or are difficult to digest.
Deer-Resistant Plants
- Aromatic herbs: Lavender, rosemary, and sage
- Spiny plants: Barberry, rose bushes, and holly
- Toxic plants: Foxglove, daffodils, and oleander
- Fuzzy-leaved plants: Lamb's ear and dusty miller
- Strong-scented plants: Marigolds and mint
Feeding Behavior and Habits
Understanding when and how deer feed can help explain their dietary choices and impact on local vegetation.
Feeding Schedule
- Crepuscular feeding: Most active at dawn and dusk
- Multiple meals: Feed 4-6 times per day
- Rumination: Chew cud between feeding sessions
- Seasonal changes: More active feeding before winter
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do deer eat per day?
Adult deer typically consume 6-10 pounds of vegetation per day, though this can vary based on season, availability of food, and the deer's size. They may eat up to 12 pounds daily when preparing for winter.
Do deer eat meat?
Deer are primarily herbivores, but they occasionally consume small amounts of animal protein such as insects, bird eggs, or carrion when plant food is scarce. This behavior is uncommon and typically occurs during harsh winters.
What should you not feed wild deer?
Never feed wild deer bread, corn, hay, or other human foods. These can cause digestive problems and make deer dependent on humans. Feeding wild deer is also illegal in many areas and can be dangerous for both deer and people.
Why do deer eat my garden plants?
Deer eat garden plants because they're often more nutritious and tender than wild alternatives. Gardens provide concentrated, easily accessible food sources, especially during dry seasons or when natural food is scarce.
Do different deer species eat different foods?
Yes, different deer species have somewhat different diets. White-tailed deer are generalist browsers, while mule deer prefer shrubs and forbs. Elk graze on grasses more than smaller deer species, and caribou specialize in lichens and other Arctic vegetation.
How do deer find food in winter?
Deer use their excellent sense of smell and memory to locate food in winter. They may dig through snow to reach vegetation, paw at the ground for acorns, and browse on woody plants that remain above snow level.
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