Do Deer Eat Meat? And Other Strange Deer Diet Myths

Deer are herbivores – Their main diet includes grass, leaves, twigs, fruits, and nuts.

Yes, deer can eat meat – Though rare, deer have been seen eating birds, rabbits, or carrion when food is scarce. 

Deer don’t eat everything green – Some plants like daffodils or ferns are toxic to them.

They love salt – Deer are attracted to natural salt licks and will even chew on bones to get minerals.

Deer don’t eat hay like cows – They prefer fresh, easily digestible plants. Hay can be too tough for their stomachs.

Feeding deer bread is bad – Bread can upset their digestive system and has no nutrients they need.

Deer can be picky – They often test plants with their mouths but spit out things they don’t like.

In winter, diet changes – Deer eat more woody plants and tree bark when green food is scarce.

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