Reindeer are an interesting animal in the world of Christmas. They are the main mode of transportation for Santa, and they also play a huge part in many holiday traditions. One question that people often ask is “What do Reindeer eat?” There are so many different theories out there about what these magical creatures might enjoy to nibble on during their time off from work. Many think that they only eat cookies and milk, but this is not true! We will go over some interesting facts about reindeer eating habits, as well as how you can help to feed them this winter season!

Reindeer are herbivores, which means that they only eat plants. What reindeer enjoy to munch on is actually very similar to what you or I might like in our Thanksgiving stuffing! Reindeer feed on leaves, berries, grasses and other vegetation when the seasons change. During winter time it can be harder for them to find food, so they will often eat lichen. What is that? Lichens are formed by a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi, which means the nutrients from either organism help support both of them!

What Do Reindeer Eat?

Reindeer eat leaves, moss, herbs, grasses and the stems of trees. They also eat lichen in winter to scrape snow away with their hooves.

• Leaves
• Moss
• Herbs
• Grasses
• Stems of Trees

Isn’t it common knowledge that you leave carrots or apples for reindeer? Sure, those are wonderful goodies for reindeer, but they shouldn’t consume too many of them because the same as people. If you want to assist Reindeer with their most essential job for Santa, give them a full load of nutrients in the form they would

In the summer, reindeer like a range of grasses, plants, herbs, ferns, leaves, mosses and mushrooms.

Arctic creatures have developed in a variety of ways to survive in such an inhospitable climate. Ruminant animals that eat vegetation might struggle to find food during the winter because vegetation is scarce. Their digestive systems adapted so that they can utilize nutrients from lichens to prevent starvation. They feed on Reindeer Lichen.

What Does Santa Feed his Reindeer?

The reindeer live with Santa so they can eat better, fresher greens in the winter, when there is also hay. Swiss Chard, Beet Greens, Kale, Collard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Turnip Greens and Spinach may all be left for them. Yes, Reindeer adore salads!

On Christmas Eve, providing complete, natural food to Reindeer will provide them with plenty of energy and endurance, and you’ll assist keep Rudolph’s nose bright red.

Reindeer can be seen eating all year long if given access to enough vegetation or hay during their time off work. What is important to note about reindeer eating habits, though, is that they are not always very good at finding their food. What this means for you and I is that we can help them out by feeding them some of our extra vegetables or fruits! They will love the snacks just as much as we do during the holiday season!

Can you Feed a Reindeer?

Yes here is a video of how and what to feed reindeer at the petting zoo.

Typical deer feeders work.

Is a Reindeer the Same as a Caribou?

Reindeer and caribou are both deer which is different then Elk, belonging to the family Cervidae. They are known as reindeer in Europe and Canada. Caribou in North America are known as reindeer if they are wild, while domesticated reindeer have been given the name caribou.

Reindeer move, feed, and sleep in groups of ten to a few hundred throughout the day. In the spring, they may join forces with hundreds of thousands of animals to form giant herds. When food becomes scarce during the winter, they usually follow food sources and relocate up to 1,000 miles south.

Reindeer are the only deer species to be fully tamed. They’re used as pack animals and farmed for their milk, meat, and hides.