can deer eat horse feed

Is It Ok to Feed Deer . Instead, experts recommend providing natural sources of food that are high in fiber and proteins, such as hay, shrubs, twigs, lichens, and mushrooms. Final thoughts. However, if quality corn is fed correctly, that is, fed by weight in a balanced diet with adequate roughage that fits the requirements of the horse, corn is a safe feed for most horses. Registered. That being said, corn is not an excellent source of protein, which is essential for antler growth and the nursing of fawns. I'd ask him if he's pregnant. However, deer will not necessarily eat all of the stock feed that is available to them. For us, the issue was that if there had been a couple of days of intense rain on it, it would quickly mildew and smell awful. You can also provide them with special deer pellets or blocks made specifically for deer which provide essential nutrients like protein, fat, carbohydrates and vitamins & minerals necessary for overall health. Sweet feed is often used for horses and mules, but whitetail deer will eat it up! Understanding the Predator, Are Rhododendrons Deer Resistant- A Complete Guide for Gardeners, How to Bleach a Deer Skull- A Comprehensive Guide, How to Boil a Deer Skull- A Comprehensive Guide. Deer are herbivores, so they need a diet that consists primarily of vegetation such as fresh leaves, herbs, fruits and nuts. Not at all! Apples and carrots are traditional favorites. Additionally, wild animals have adapted to eating their natural diet and may find the sweetness of many commercial stock feeds unappealing. Horse feed also contains higher amounts of protein and carbohydrates than deer are used to digesting, which can disrupt the animals digestive system. How to prepare your garden to protect against wind. I'm sure any brand horse and mule sweet feed will work. Corn can be a particularly attractive food source because it provides a high caloric food source with a sweet flavor. In addition to these plant-based foods, deer also have a propensity for nuts like pecans, walnuts, and hickory nuts. Additionally, you can also place a bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and wild game bird seeds in order to bring them in. Is horse feed good for deer? To keep the rain off the tasty meal, you must construct a feed trough with a roof over it. Can you plant onion sets before the last Frost? A deers stomach is capable of digesting carrots with ease, and they provide enough nutrients to the deer to help them survive. Stock is a general term used to refer to any type of animal feed, while sweet feed is specifically a mix of grains, molasses, and other ingredients that is designed to make it appealing to horses. Like apples, oranges are out of a deers reach until they fall to the ground. Additionally, deer may carry diseases that could potentially be transmitted to horses. An expert in deer hunting with 10 years of experience in the field and woods. Deer being rudiments can suffer the same problems, sheep, goats, horses have with colic and eating too sweet of feed. Deer are attracted to the smell of sweet hay, grains, and other feed, and can easily consume large amounts of it in a short period of time. Deer are known to eat a variety of plants and grains, so it is possible that they may be attracted to horse feed. Natural food sources such as acorns, beech nuts, locust pods, and other nuts are great for attracting deer as they like to eat these things. I watched them fight over it while I had 50 lbs of corn spread out on the ground. However, its important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with feeding deer horse feed. Horse feed is designed for horses, which have a different digestive system than deer. When ruminants (deer) get ahold of large quantities of carbohydrates that are low in fiber, not normally not found in their diet this time of year, they lack the microorganisms in their stomach to digest the food. Contamination: If deer are frequently visiting the area where horse feed is stored, it could potentially lead to contamination of the feed with deer droppings. Horse feed may not provide the necessary balance of nutrients that deer need and could even be harmful if fed in excessive amounts. Gear & Gadgets on the Texas Fishing and Outdoors Show, Powered by UBB.threads PHP Forum Software 7.7.3. I have a mare that had serious attitude problem. Can Deer Eat Horse Sweet Feed? Deer also like sweet feed, which may include horse feed. Additionally, the presence of certain nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, can also draw deer to the feed. Will Deer Eat Horse Feed - HORSERAY In conclusion, deer should not eat horse feed because it does not contain the proper nutrients for deer to maintain a healthy diet. Using only corn or other fermentable carbohydrates as a primary deer food can be dangerous. Youll probably find that the majority of people dont use it because a bag of whole corn costs so much less and works just as well. Despite their delicious flavor, horses cannot eat potatoes because they are poisonous to equines, as are any other vegetable from the nightshade family. This typically consists of: Grasses:Deer should have access to a variety of grasses, as this is their primary food source. The answer is yes! Allowing them to graze on grasses is another great option. Acidic pH creates a more hostile environment for the beneficial or good bacteria and a good environment for the pathogenic or bad bacteria. Corn is extremely bad for deer, and you should never feed it to them. Your email address will not be published. In order to stay healthy, deer need a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein. However, it is not recommended to feed deer horse feed as it does not provide the appropriate nutrition for them. Naturally, they enjoy it. They only really get it when it falls to the ground. Copyright 2023, 2012 - 2022 All rights reserved |. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dont make the common mistake of supplementing your deer feed with corn. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In some cases, improper nutrition from horse feed can even lead to problems like urinary calculi and founder in deer. Goat Feed for Deer: Will Goat Feed Grow Monster Deer (2023) Yes, to put it simply, if provided in the proper quantities, horse feed is healthy for deer. Poisoning:Some ingredients used in horse feed, such as certain types of mold, can be toxic to deer and can lead to poisoning. Therefore, its best to explore other alternatives to feeding deer. You could also use hay or clover, which is another less expensive option. When the rut really kicks in, I resume feeding them the sweet feed. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Finally, you need to consider how much you put in your deer feeders. To prevent deer from eating your horses feed, consider investing in a deer-proof feeder or adopt a practice of bringing your horses feed inside at night. When it comes to sweet food, deer often like to savor things like apples and sweet potatoes. August 19, 2022 by David Miller. While its true that deer can eat horse feed, its not the most ideal choice for them. Will Deer Eat Horse Feed - HuntingHit Deer are known to be browsers, meaning they will eat a variety of plants and foliage. This added heat can impair the horses ability to dissipate heat. Corn is what most wildlife lovers offer deer, and even if its labeled deer corn, feeding corn to deer is about the worst thing you can do. Also, deer feed should not be fed to horses as it can contain molds and other toxins. Horses, on the other hand, are omnivores. A deficiency in copper and protein will affect the health and growth of deer. Are You Feeding Your Deer To Death? is one example. However, they enjoy horse grain with molasses the most. can horses eat deer corn | Find Out Here | All Animals Guide In this article, we will discuss the reasons why deer should not be fed horse feed and what they should be eating instead. In general, horses find the corn palatable, first eating the kernels and later chewing on the cob. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Horse feed is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can help deer to thrive. Will horse cattle and goat feed work for deer? - YouTube Goat feed is also low in protein. Cornstalk consumption by horses can lead to equine health problems such as colic and laminitis, which are caused by excess mold and grain consumption. Horse feed is designed to meet the needs of horses and is higher in soluble carbohydrates and lower in protein. Availability of other food sources: If there are plenty of other plants or grains for deer to eat, they may be less likely to try horse feed. To feed deer and attract them to your area, you will need to provide them with a reliable food source. Is horse feed good for deer? Deer and horses are both majestic and beloved animals, but they have vastly different dietary needs. In the wild, fruit is the equivalent of a rare treat. Deer arent picky animals. When it comes to feeding deer, many people wonder if they can provide them with horse feed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Whats the secret to growing world-class tomatoes? After all, while deer and horses are both grazing animals, deer and horses have different dietary needs. By providing them with the right types of food, you can help to ensure that they stay healthy and happy. Also, be sure not to feed it in large amounts because it can become contaminated with molds and mycotoxins, which can be fatal to horses. Therefore, while sweet feed is a type of stock, it is significantly different from most other types of stock. Lastly, the taste of the feed may also be an important factor, as deer may be more inclined to eat something if it tastes good to them. Some possible options include: One way to prevent deer from accessing horse feed is to install a fence around the area where the feed is stored. 23 Things Deer Like To Eat Most (Diet, Care & Feeding Tips) In conclusion, deer can consume horse feed in a pinch, but it is not a preferred food source for them. Horse sweet feed is usually made up of grains such as oats, corn, barley, and/or wheat. Your email address will not be published. MYTH #4: Corn is bad for horses Whole corn contains somewhere around 65% starch which, if consumed in large quantities, could overwhelm the digestive tract of the horse. Just keep in mind that feeding them isnt a good idea; if you do, create a trough to keep the meal off the ground and away from their wastes and urine. If deer eat sweet feed, they may experience digestive issues or become obese. Sweet feed pellets are designed with an attractive mix of ingredients such as corn, oats, molasses and other flavorings that make them appealing to deer. However, due to the risk of moldy corn, corn should only make up 20% or less of the horses diet. It is not . If I send my neighbors a text and ask them to give me feedback on my lawn and plant rye into a giant dong pattern, I'm probably going to get some less than positive feedback. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help to rebalance the fatty acid profile toward that of a natural grazing diet. deer love apples and oats. What Not to Feed Deer | Purina Animal Nutrition However, it is important to remember that deer are wild animals and should not be fed by hand. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. So, you have to take the same precautions that you would have to with apples. Well, the answer is not so simple as it depends on the type of horse and its specific needs. While it may vary based on where you live and the time of year, you can catch many animals around your home by using corn, including: songbirds, hawks, crows, quail, squirrels, opossum, rabbits, raccoon, foxes, turkey and deer. Access to water:Deer should always have access to clean, fresh water. Your attempt at helping your local deer population can end up hurting it far more. Is Horse Feed Good For Deer? - Deer Hunting Life Corn fed to horses is usually cracked, steam flaked or rolled. To protect your horses feed from deer, there are a few tips and strategies you can use. You may want to provide apples, pears or other fruits, however such foods may attract creatures like crows and raccoons that could harm the deer. If youre looking for something to feed your deer instead of corn, you have plenty of options. However, they enjoy horse grain with molasses the most. Food thats rich in carbohydrates and low in fiber will cause the same problems that corn does, and youll damage your local deer population. See also Can Deer Eat Raw Potatoes This can include items such as apples, acorns, berries, oats, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-coalitionbrewing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Feeding deer these itemsor anything else outside of their natural dietis not just unhealthy, but it is also illegal in many areas. The types of plants they eat vary by season and region but tend to include plants found in many yards, such as oaks, apples, hickory nuts, and sumac. Eating a large amount of corn can affect the deer digestive process and cause a flush of lactic acid in their stomach. I also give them sweet feed during the winter months when its snowing, which is much less expensive than deer food, and they adore it. The Midwest drought is causing an increase in commodities prices that translates to higher costs for most Texas deer hunters. It is also important to provide them with a variety of different types of plants, as this will help to meet their nutritional needs. It is molasses-coated grain. Its a commonly asked question, and the answer is both yes and no. Bananas are best used as an occasional treat for your local deer herd. But Ive learned that if you go to your neighborhood supermarket and buy in quantity, you can get horse feed for a reasonable price. Thats not a problem in all states, though. Deer love horse feed and it's safe for you to use it. Additionally, deer can become overly reliant and will sometimes follow people home to request more food. The ingredients in the two are remarkably similar, which is why our neighborhood feed merchants occasionally favor selling horse grain over deer feed. They are like candy to a child tasty but of little value in providing a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Everything changes this time of year. So read the labels carefully! Deer generally prefer grasses, shrubs, and other plants, so it is best to provide them with a variety of natural foods. The size of the seed also influences whether deer will select beans over corn. It is molasses-coated grain. The question of whether deer can eat horse feed has been heavily debated among animal lovers and veterinarians alike. Because of their high fiber content and low energy value, whole oats have traditionally been a relatively safe feed for horses when compared to other cereal grains such as corn. I used to work at a grain elevator in college and I would scoop the bottom of the leg and take old wet corn out and put in front of a cam. It ferments and is feed to the dairy cattle. There is no evidence to suggest that horse feed can be used as a deer repellent. It's candy to them. However, it is important to choose a repellent that is safe and appropriate for use around horses. Corn is however, an energy-dense ingredient, making it a highly available and desirable ingredient to provide energy in a feed ration. While deer will certainly nibble on hay and other grains that are used to feed horses, their true dietary needs are much different. The cheapest thing to feed deer would be various seeds and grains, such as corn, wheat or oats. Cracked corn is a common feed for horses, and it is often an ingredient in textured and pelleted feeds. This includes providing them with a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein. Finally, feeding your horse at regular times can help keep the deer away, as they learn when to expect a meal. It is not uncommon for deer to find and consume horse sweet feed, as it contains many ingredients that can be beneficial to the deers health. They keep at it till the end of the season. Availability of other food sources is a primary factor, as deer are more likely to consume horse feed if their preferred food sources are not readily available. At this point, you know that corn is one of the worst things that you can put in your deer feeders. While both omega-3 and omega-6 fats are necessary for the well-being of the horse, the dietary ratio is critical, and it is in their best interest to emulate the natural diet as much as possible. You may assume that deer are only interested in their natural diet of grass, berries, and nuts, but the truth is that deer will happily munch on horse feed if it is offered to them.

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