10 Best Winter Feed For Deer (2024 Update)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Winter is a tough season for deer as they struggle to find food sources to survive the harsh weather conditions. As a deer enthusiast, you may want to help by providing them with winter feed. However, it's important to understand that not all feeds are appropriate for deer, and some may even be harmful.

Firstly, it's crucial to consider the nutritional value of the feed. Deer require a balanced diet that contains protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. Secondly, the feed should be easily digestible to avoid any digestive issues. Thirdly, you need to ensure that the feed is free from mold, which can be toxic to deer. Fourthly, the feed should be easily accessible to deer without causing harm to them or damaging their natural habitats. Lastly, it's important to check with local authorities regarding regulations on feeding deer.

When choosing winter feed for deer, there are several options available. One popular choice is hay, which provides a good source of fiber and carbohydrates. Corn is also a common feed, but it should be offered in moderation as it's high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Other options include fruits, vegetables, and specialized deer feed that contains all necessary nutrients.

Providing winter feed for deer can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to do it right. By considering the nutritional value, digestibility, mold presence, accessibility, and local regulations, you can ensure that you're helping the deer in the best way possible.

10 Best Winter Feed For Deer

1. Purina's 20 Lb. Water-Resistant Deer Feed Block For All Life Stages.

Purina’s Water-Resistant Premium Deer Feed Block is a 20-pound block that provides a diet-enrichment for all deer life stages. The new energy nugget supplement helps to support the nutritional requirements of these animals. The optimized formulation helps provide more nutrition than whole grains and maintains vigor during periods of poor or sparse natural forage.

This deer feed block is highly palatable and has a proprietary flavoring that attracts deer, helping to ensure strong consumption and keep deer coming back. This makes it ideal for those who want to attract and feed deer without having to set up a feeder.

The water-resistant design of this deer feed block ensures that it remains intact and effective even during periods of heavy rain or snow. It is also easy to use as it can be set up in the area you want to attract deer without the need for a feeder. The convenient carrying handle provides for easy transport, making it easy to move from one location to another.

Purina’s Water-Resistant Premium Deer Feed Block is the perfect solution for those who want to attract deer to their property while providing them with the nutrition they require. With its optimized formulation and highly palatable flavor, this deer feed block provides a convenient, easy-to-use option for anyone looking to ensure the health and wellbeing of the deer in their area.

2. Antler King Annual Food Plot Seed Blend For Late Season | 17 Lbs | High Protein Winter Peas And Cereal Rye | Plants 1/2 Acre | Ideal For Deer Food Plot | Fall/winter/spring.

Antler King is a leader in wildlife nutrition products, food plots, minerals, and attractants, providing bigger bucks and healthier deer. Their Fall/Winter/Spring Late Season Annual Food Plot Seed Blend is a unique mix that stays green all season and beyond, providing deer with much-needed winter energy, as well as up to 20% protein for bucks to grow next year's rack. The seed blend plants 1/2 acre, making it the perfect choice for avid hunters looking for an unbelievable hunt plot.

The Winter Peas in the Fall/Winter/Spring Food Plot Seed Blend offer a 20-30% protein forage, making them a valuable nutrition source for deer. They are very cold-tolerant, and the entire plant, including the stem, leaves, and pod, will be browsed and eaten by deer. The special variety of Fall Rye in the blend provides a tender green food source with up to 15% protein and stays green all winter long. This makes it an excellent choice for hunters who want to attract deer to their plot during the colder months.

The unique blend of winter peas, a special variety of fall rye, radishes, and buckwheat grows extremely fast and stays green all fall and winter. In just ten days, they can grow up to 6-8 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for hunters who want to attract deer to their plot quickly. The Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring Late Season Annual Food Plot Seed Blend is the perfect choice for hunters who want to ensure that their plot is a valuable nutrition source for deer all season long.

When planting the Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring Late Season Annual Food Plot Seed Blend, it is recommended to plant in the fall only, between August and October. The recommended fertilizer is 19-19-19 or 15-15-15 at 300lbs per acre. The pH should be between 5.5-7.0, and it can be plowed in the spring to put nitrogen back into the soil. These planting directions ensure that the seed blend grows to its full potential, providing deer with the nutrition they need to thrive during the colder months.

In conclusion, the Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring Late Season Annual Food Plot Seed Blend is an excellent choice for hunters who want to attract deer to their plot during the colder months. With a unique blend of winter peas, a special variety of fall rye, radishes, and buckwheat, this seed blend grows extremely fast and stays green all fall and winter. With the recommended planting directions, hunters can ensure that their plot is a valuable nutrition source for deer all season long.

3. Swaddleme Original Swaddle – Small/medium, 0-3 Months, 3-Pack (Coral Days) For Cozy And Secure Baby Sleep

The SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is a must-have for newborns who love to be swaddled, providing a cozy and secure environment that helps prevent the startle reflex. Designed for babies who are not yet rolling over, this swaddle blanket is part of stage 1 in the SwaddleMe Stages of Sleep, making it perfect for infants aged 0-6 months.

Made from soft 100% cotton fabric, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is incredibly comfortable and machine washable, ensuring that your baby always has a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment. The swaddle's secure design creates a womb-like feeling for your little one, helping them feel secure and calm as they sleep.

With three different sizes available, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is suitable for babies of different weights and lengths. The preemie size fits up to 7lbs, the small size fits babies aged 0-3 months who weigh between 7-14 pounds and are up to 26 inches long, while the large size is designed for babies aged 3-6 months who weigh between 14-18 pounds and are up to 33 inches long.

The SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is just the beginning of the SwaddleMe Sleep Stages, with stage 2 and 3 swaddles available for when your baby starts to show signs of rolling over. However, until then, the Original Swaddle is the perfect solution for keeping your baby cozy and secure as they sleep.

In conclusion, the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle is an easy-to-use newborn swaddle wrap that keeps your baby snug and secure while preventing the startle reflex. Made from soft, machine washable fabric and available in three different sizes, it is the perfect solution for parents looking for a comfortable and safe swaddle for their newborn.

4. Shaledig 75w Heated Bird Bath With Thermostat Control, Stand & Feeder Deicer For Winter Garden/yard/patio, Safe For Birds/squirrels/deer.

The Shaledig Heated Bird Bath is a premium quality product that provides fresh, flowing water for birds, squirrels, deer and other outdoor animals in winter. With its powerful 75-watt electric heating wire and a water capacity of up to 0.6 gallons, the birdbath heater ensures that birds and small pets stay happy and comfortable in cold weather.

One of the key features of this birdbath heater is its thermostatically-controlled setting. It automatically starts working when the water temperature approaches the freezing point (45°F), and turns off when the temperature rises above that level. This makes it easy to use, without requiring much attention or manpower.

The Shaledig Heated Bird Bath comes in three different mounting styles, making it versatile and adaptable for different locations. It can be placed on the ground or fixed on railings and decks, allowing it to be installed anywhere birds are present. The installation process is simple and easy, with included accessories to assist in the installation steps.

This bird bath is made of premium plastic material that is tasteless, non-conductive, and non-rust. It is designed to withstand harsh winter conditions and won't freeze, ensuring that the water is always flowing. All accessories are made of heavy-duty materials, making the installed birdbath stable and not easy to fall or tilt.

In addition to providing fresh, flowing water in winter, the Shaledig Heated Bird Bath can also be used as a bird feeder in other seasons. It is suitable for use in gardens, yards, patios, and any outdoor place, making it ideal for birds, squirrels, deer and other outside pets and animals.

Overall, the Shaledig Heated Bird Bath is a durable, safe, and versatile product that provides a comfortable and convenient solution for providing fresh water to birds and other outdoor animals in winter. It is easy to install, simple to use, and suitable for use throughout the year.

5. Backyard Seeds Squirrel, Deer Feed & Wildlife Mix 20 Pounds

Backyard Seeds offers a premium mix of seeds and grains specially formulated to attract and nourish wildlife in your backyard. This Squirrel, Deer Feed & Wildlife Mix comes in a 20-pound bag and features a unique combination of ingredients that will appeal to animals of all shapes and sizes.

The mix includes whole corn, sunflower medium stripe sunflowers, split peanuts, peanuts in shell, and coarse cracked corn. These ingredients are rich in protein, fat, and fiber, providing the essential nutrients that animals need to thrive. With 14% protein, 16% fat, and 14% fiber, this mix is an excellent source of energy and nutrition.

This feed is perfect for attracting squirrels, deer, and other wildlife to your backyard. Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature lover, or just want to create a wildlife-friendly environment, this mix is a great choice. It's also ideal for hunters who want to attract game to their property.

The Backyard Seeds team takes pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals and additives. They believe that providing the best quality feed is essential to the health and well-being of the animals that visit your backyard.

This mix is easy to use and can be placed in feeders or scattered on the ground. It's also perfect for creating a wildlife habitat in your backyard. By providing a source of food, you'll attract a variety of animals, from squirrels and deer to birds and rabbits.

In summary, Backyard Seeds Squirrel, Deer Feed & Wildlife Mix is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to attract wildlife to their backyard. With high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients, this feed will nourish animals of all sizes and provide hours of entertainment for nature lovers. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature in your own backyard.

6. Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed (50 Lb)

Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is a complete and fortified feed for deer that contains a blend of grains, minerals, and vitamins. The feed is specially formulated to provide deer with the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet and thrive in the wild.

One of the key features of Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is its high-quality protein content. The feed is made with soybeans, which are an excellent source of protein for deer. This supplemental protein helps to support healthy muscle growth and overall fitness in deer, which is especially important during the winter months when food sources can be scarce.

Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is sourced from Ernst Grain & Livestock, a 7th generation family farm that has been producing high-quality feed and livestock products for over 100 years. The farm prides itself on using only the best ingredients and techniques to ensure that its products are of the highest quality and provide maximum nutritional value to animals.

In addition to its high-quality ingredients, Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is also fortified with a blend of essential minerals and vitamins. These nutrients help to support strong bones, healthy immune systems, and overall well-being in deer.

Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is available in a convenient 50lb bag, making it easy for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and other outdoor enthusiasts to stock up on the feed they need to attract and support healthy deer populations. The bulk size of the bag also makes it a cost-effective option for those who need to feed large numbers of deer over an extended period of time.

Overall, Homestead Harvest Ernst Grain Deer Feed is a top-quality feed option that provides deer with the essential nutrients they need to thrive in the wild. With its high-quality ingredients, supplemental protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, this feed is an excellent choice for anyone looking to attract and support healthy deer populations on their property.

7. Tidewe Rubber Neoprene Boots – Waterproof, Durable, 6mm, Men's Size 12, Black (Ger Ii)

TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots are designed for both men and women who need a durable and waterproof boot for outdoor activities. The boots are made with 6mm neoprene material that is tough and can withstand harsh environments. The boots are particularly suitable for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities that require reliable footwear.

The boots come in black and are available in men's size 12. It is important to check the size chart before buying to ensure that the boots fit well. The sizes displayed on the website from 11-14 are for men. The boots have a Ger II rating, which means that they are designed to withstand cold temperatures.

The TIDEWE mud boots are constructed with 100% waterproof CR Flex-Foam. This material absorbs impacts, retains heat, and flexes with your feet as you walk. The boots keep your feet comfortable and dry even when walking through wet and muddy terrain. The boots are also heat-resistant, which means that they prevent radiated body heat from escaping. The insulation in the boots returns up to 90% of your body's warmth, making them suitable for use in temperatures as low as -4°F/-20°C.

The TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots are lightweight and comfortable. They are made with 4-way stretch nylon that ensures a snug fit around your feet. The boots are easy to wear and take off, and they provide excellent traction on different surfaces. The boots are designed to be worn for extended periods without causing any discomfort.

In case of any issues with the boots, TIDEWE provides excellent customer support. If customers have any questions or concerns, they can contact the company for assistance. The company is committed to ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchase.

In conclusion, TIDEWE Rubber Neoprene Boots are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable boot for outdoor activities. The boots are waterproof, heat-resistant, and lightweight. They are available in men's size 12 and are designed to provide maximum comfort and support. Customers can expect excellent customer service from TIDEWE in case of any issues.

Best Winter Feed For Deer FAQs

How much winter feed do deer need to survive the cold months?

Deer require a sufficient amount of food to survive the winter months. The amount of feed they need depends on various factors, including the severity of the winter season, the population density, and the availability of natural food sources. In general, deer require about 2-3% of their body weight in feed per day to maintain their health during the winter. This means that a 150-pound deer needs about 3-4.5 pounds of food per day. However, if the winter is severe or the population density is high, the amount of feed required may increase. It is essential to provide deer with a balanced diet that includes hay, grains, and other supplements to ensure their survival during the cold months. Additionally, providing access to fresh water is also crucial for their survival.

Is it necessary to supplement deer's natural diet with winter feed?

I can provide the necessary information on this topic.

Deer have evolved to survive harsh winter conditions by adapting to their natural diet of woody vegetation, twigs, and buds. However, in areas where food sources are limited, deer may benefit from supplemental winter feeding. Providing deer with additional food sources can help maintain their health and increase their chances of survival during the winter months.

Winter feeding should not replace the natural diet of deer but should be used as a supplement to it. It is essential to provide the right type of food and in the right quantities to prevent overconsumption and negative impacts on the deer population.

In conclusion, the decision to provide supplemental winter feed to deer depends on the specific circumstances and available resources. It is essential to consult with experts and follow proper protocols to ensure the health and sustainability of the deer population.

What are the nutritional requirements of deer during the winter?

Deer have specific nutritional requirements during the winter due to the scarcity of food and harsh weather conditions. They require adequate amounts of energy, protein, fiber, and minerals to stay healthy and survive through the winter. During this time, deer rely heavily on browse, woody plants, and buds for their nutritional needs.

The energy requirements of deer increase during the winter due to the need to maintain their body temperature. They require high-quality forage that is rich in protein and fiber to meet their energy needs. The protein requirements of deer increase during the winter to support their immune system and body maintenance. The fiber requirements of deer increase during the winter to aid in digestion and keep their gut healthy.

Deer also require minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to maintain strong bones and muscles. These minerals can be obtained from natural sources such as soil, plants, and water. Therefore, it is essential to provide deer with access to these resources during the winter to ensure their survival.

What are the potential risks of feeding deer during winter?

Feeding deer during winter can pose several risks to both the deer and the environment. Firstly, it can alter the natural behavior of deer, making them reliant on human-provided food, which can lead to overpopulation and potential starvation if the food source runs out. Additionally, feeding deer in one area can lead to the concentration of deer, which can cause overgrazing, soil erosion, and destruction of vegetation. It can also increase the likelihood of disease transmission among deer, as they congregate in one area. Moreover, deer feeding can attract other animals, such as rodents and predators, which can cause further ecological imbalances. Finally, feeding deer can also be dangerous for humans, as it can increase the risk of deer-vehicle collisions and aggressive behavior from habituated deer. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid feeding deer during winter and instead focus on preserving their natural habitat.

What is the best type of winter feed for deer?

The best type of winter feed for deer depends on the region and the availability of natural forage. Generally, deer need high-quality forage that is easily digestible and provides enough energy to survive the harsh winter conditions. Alfalfa, clover, and other legumes are excellent sources of protein and nutrients, but they may not be available in some areas. In such cases, alternative feeds such as corn, soybeans, and oats can be used to supplement their diet. However, it is essential to avoid feeding deer with moldy or spoiled feed, as it can cause sickness and death. Additionally, it is crucial to provide water sources and ensure that the feed is accessible and not contaminated by other animals. Overall, it's best to consult with a wildlife biologist or a nutritionist to determine the best winter feed for deer in a particular region.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!