Deer are common inhabitants of many landscapes, from wild forests to suburban backyards. As herbivores, their diet primarily consists of various plant materials. Understanding their typical diet is useful for anyone sharing space with them, especially gardeners. Deer possess a varied diet, adapting their food choices based on availability and nutritional needs.
Common Garden Favorites for Deer
Deer frequently seek out tender, easily digestible plants, making many common garden vegetables highly appealing. They particularly enjoy leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard, due to their high moisture content and soft texture. Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are also frequently browsed by deer, especially their succulent leaves and developing florets.
Beyond leafy greens, deer show a strong preference for legumes like beans and peas, often consuming entire plants if left unprotected. The soft pods and developing seeds provide concentrated energy. Root vegetables can also be attractive, although deer typically target the leafy tops of carrots, beets, and turnips rather than the underground root itself. Sweet corn is another significant draw, with deer often consuming the stalks and ears, particularly when kernels are in their milky stage.
Vegetables Deer Tend to Ignore
While deer are adaptable eaters, certain vegetables are generally less appealing to them due to specific characteristics. Plants with strong odors, such as onions, garlic, and chives, are commonly avoided. Their pungent compounds likely deter browsing. Herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender are also often bypassed due to their intense aromas and flavors.
Vegetables with tough or fuzzy textures also tend to be less favored by deer. This includes mature, woody asparagus spears and varieties of squash and cucumbers with hairy leaves or prickly vines. Rhubarb is another plant typically ignored by deer, as its leaves contain oxalic acid, making them toxic. Although no plant is entirely deer-proof, especially when food is scarce, these options generally offer some resistance.
Understanding Deer Dietary Habits
Deer food selection is influenced by a combination of factors beyond just a plant’s taste or texture. Food availability plays a significant role; deer may consume less preferred items if primary food sources are limited, especially during harsh weather or in areas with high deer populations.
Seasonal changes also dictate their diet, with green, tender forage preferred in spring and summer, while woody browse and mast (like acorns) become more important in fall and winter. Nutritional requirements also guide their choices; deer need a diet rich in protein for growth and reproduction, seeking out plants that meet these needs, especially during peak physiological demands like lactation or antler development.
Individual deer can exhibit varying preferences, with foraging behavior differing based on learned experiences or local habitat conditions. This complex interplay of factors means that while general patterns exist, deer feeding habits can vary.