Are Sunflower Seeds Good for Deer?

Sunflower seeds can supplement a deer's winter diet.
••• Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Sunflowers can be a healthy addition to deer feed, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you put out for wild deer to eat. Sunflower seeds provide many of the same nutrients as acorns and other nuts that deer eat in the wild.

Types of Sunflower Seeds

There are two types of sunflower seeds that deer prefer: black oil and striped. Black oil sunflower seeds feature a thinner shell and larger nutmeat than the striped variety. Deer will often invade bird feeders that contain sunflower seeds to get to the tasty snacks.

Nutrients

Sunflower seeds contain oil and fat that help keep the deer warm in the winter months. Sunflower seeds are also high in fiber. Other nutrients found in sunflower seeds include zinc, thiamin, choline, biotin and vitamin E.

Deer Feed Fortifier

Buy sunflower seeds to mix in with other deer food, such as cracked corn or manufactured deer pellets. Other common options to fortify deer feed are soybean meal and alfalfa.

Feeding Wild Deer

Check with your local wildlife division about any regulations on feeding wild deer, because artificial food sources can lead to increased disease, reduced migration patterns and aggressive behavior in deer.

Related Articles

Homemade Apple Deer Licks
Are Poppy Seeds Bad for Birds?
What Animals Eat Potatoes?
How to Feed Wild Birds and Doves
What Does a Partridge Eat?
Can You Feed Roasted Sunflower Seeds to Birds?
What Do Owls Eat?
What Kind of Vegetables Do Deer Eat?
What Foods Do Animals Eat in the Tundra?
What to Feed Wild Deer
How to Make Hummingbird Nectar
How to Make Squirrel Food
What Animals Eat Clover?
What Is the Difference Between Figs & Plums?
How to Get Iron Out of Breakfast Cereal for a Science...
How Do Birds React to Sesame Seeds?
Common Russian Plants & Animals
How to Make Sugar Water for Bees
Birds That Eat Pine Cone Seeds
About Chipmunks

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!