Feeding deer can be a controversial topic, as artificial feeding can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems and lead to negative impacts on wildlifes health and behavior. However, if you still want to provide supplemental feed for deer, its essential to choose appropriate options that meet their nutritional needs and dont cause harm. Here are some safe and healthy food options for deer:

• Winter browse: This includes buds and twigs of woody plants, which are the winter foods that deer are already adapted to eating.

• Deer feed mixes: These can typically be found at feed mills or pet supply stores and are usually a mix of alfalfa, oats, soybeans, molasses, and several vitamins and minerals.

• Oats: If formulated deer food mixtures are unavailable, oats are the next best supplemental food for deer. Oats provide deer with a healthy mixture of fiber and carbohydrates without disrupting their digestive system.

• Fresh produce: Deer eat fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, cherries, pears, carrots, and snap peas in nature, so go with whatever is in season in your area in the spring and summer months.

• Acorns: These are a safe and natural food source that deer enjoy in the fall and winter months. Cut down tree branches to feed deer for a cheap and safe option.

Its important to note that introducing new foods in the middle of winter, especially in high quantities all of a sudden, can actually be more harmful to deer than not feeding them at all. Additionally, its generally best to avoid feeding wild animals like deer hay or straw, as these items are not a primary food source for deer and can attract unwanted animals.