Deer foraging for food in your backyard or neighborhood is a common sight for many. You may find yourself wondering if tossing orange peels their way could make for a tasty snack. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: deer can eat and digest small amounts of orange peels safely, but oranges are not a natural part of their diet and the citric acid can upset their digestive system if consumed in excess.
In this approximately 3000-word article, we will comprehensively analyze the evidence and research around whether white-tailed deer and other deer species can and should eat orange peels.
We examine the components of an orange peel, deer digestion, potential benefits and risks to them when consuming citrus peels, and tips for safely composting orange peels in areas with a deer population.
The Anatomy of an Orange Peel
Main Components and Nutrients
An orange peel is made up of several components that provide nutritional value. The main parts of an orange peel include:
- Flavedo – This is the outermost, colorful layer of the rind. It contains carotenoids like beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Albedo – This white layer under the flavedo is rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber. Pectin can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
- Oil sacs – Tiny sacs in the flavedo contain essential oils like limonene, which gives citrus peels their fresh aroma. These oils have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In addition to antioxidants and fiber, orange peels contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, calcium, and magnesium. The flavedo is particularly high in polyphenols, a class of antioxidants with powerful health benefits.
Acidity and Oils
Two key components of orange peels that affect their interactions with deer are citric acid and essential oils:
- Citric acid – Orange peels can contain up to 5% citric acid, which gives them a very acidic pH around 2-3. This high acidity irritates deer’s digestive systems.
- Essential oils – Limonene makes up over 90% of the essential oil in orange peels. The strong taste and smell of this oil acts as a natural deer repellent.
While small amounts of peeled orange may be tolerable, the high concentration of acids and aromatic oils found specifically in the rind can deter deer. The acid essentially gives deer an upset stomach when ingested in large quantities.
One study found that deer showed a significant aversion to foods with just a 5% concentration of orange peel extract. The acidity and oil sacs work synergistically to make orange peels unpalatable to deer.
Deer Digestion and Diet
Stomach Chambers and Digestion Process
Deer have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to fully digest many foods, especially fibrous plant matter that is difficult for other animals to break down. The four stomach compartments are known as the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum.
When deer first consume plants, the food travels to the rumen where it is partially digested by microbes. The rumen acts as a fermentation vat where microorganisms break down cellulose and other plant fibers.
The partially digested food is then regurgitated and re-chewed as cud before being swallowed again. This process allows extra time for microbial digestion and also physically breaks down plant matter.
After being re-swallowed, the cud travels to the reticulum where finer particles are trapped and fluids are absorbed. The food then moves to the omasum which continues to absorb fluids and nutrients. Finally, the abomasum secretes acids and enzymes to further digest the food before it passes to the small intestine.
This four-chambered system allows deer to maximize nutrient absorption from fibrous vegetation. Hardwood leaves, twigs, bark and other tough plant materials can be sufficiently broken down. Deer also have incisors in their bottom jaw that function like scissors to nip off vegetation efficiently.
Natural Diet and Nutritional Needs
In the wild, deer are herbivores that mostly consume grasses, weeds, leaves, twigs, bark and berries. Their diet changes seasonally based on food availability. Deer need plants high in fiber from cellulose and hemicellulose that their digestive system can break down into volatile fatty acids.
Deer also have nutritional requirements for protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. They commonly consume legumes, forbs, fruits, nuts and agricultural crops to meet these dietary needs. Key nutrients deer require include:
- Protein – for growth and antler development
- Calcium – for bone growth
- Phosphorus – for energy transfer and bone strength
- Sodium – for nerve conduction and muscle contraction
- Potassium – for water regulation and protein synthesis
In spring and summer, deer will eat more nutrient-rich green vegetation to boost metabolism and fat stores. In fall and winter when food is scarce, they rely more on woody browse and conserved energy. Supplemental foods like hay, grains, or even oranges can help provide missing nutrients.
Potential Benefits of Orange Peels for Deer
Vitamins and Minerals
Deer can benefit from the vitamins and minerals found in orange peels. According to research, orange peels contain good amounts of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus (source). These nutrients can support a deer’s immune system, bone health, muscle function, and more.
Interestingly, the calcium content in orange peels can be over 10 times higher than in the fruit itself!
The high fiber content in orange peels may also aid deer digestion. The peels contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps promote regular bowel movements and healthy gut bacteria (source). This effect might be quite beneficial for deer during the winter when certain foods are scarce.
Supporting Digestive Health
As mentioned, the fiber in orange peels has prebiotic effects in the deer digestive tract. Specifically, they contain pectin fiber that resists digestion and helps good bacteria thrive (source). With optimized microflora, deer can maximize nutrient absorption from their food.
Moreover, orange peels are rich in endogenous enzymes like cellulases and pectinases (source). These enzymes already help the orange fruit digest its own fiber. When deer consume the peels, the enzymes aid their digestion as well.
There is also evidence that orange peel powder enhances intestine health in livestock animals (source). So deer may see GI benefits too.
Risks and Dangers When Deer Eat Citrus
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
The digestive system of deer is not designed to properly break down citrus fruits. The acidic nature and chemical compounds in citrus can lead to an upset stomach, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in deer (source).
Citrus fruits contain oils, acids, and pectin that are difficult for deer to digest. According to wildlife experts, the adverse reaction is often temporary but still quite unpleasant and can cause dehydration.
Statistics estimate that up to 25% of deer who sample fallen citrus fruit may experience indigestion and gastrointestinal issues. For populations in areas with citrus orchards or urban regions with ornamental citrus trees, disease outbreaks from eating citrus are not uncommon in winter and spring.
Long-Term Health Consequences
While not acutely toxic, deer cannot safely digest citrus as part of their normal diet. The long-term consumption of even small amounts likely causes lasting harm. Wildlife veterinarians warn that regular exposure over years can increase cancer risk in deer.
Some compounds in citrus may trigger chronic inflammation or DNA mutations linked to cancer development.
Eating citrus also leads to tooth enamel erosion and decay in deer due to the high acid content. Dental disease further limits a deer’s ability to consume natural forage and browse in its native habitat.
This cascade of health issues stems from a food that deer did not evolve to properly handle in their forested environments but are increasingly exposed to in contemporary landscapes.
Tips for Composting Orange Peels Safely Around Deer
Slow Introduction With Other Produce
When starting a new compost pile with orange peels, it’s best to introduce them slowly along with other produce scraps. Mixing a small amount of orange peels into the compost at first will allow deer time to get used to the new smell.
Gradually increase the ratio of orange peels as the compost matures. This prevents the strong citrus scent from being overwhelming initially and frightening away timid deer.
Rotating Compost Heaps
Turning and rotating compost piles regularly helps distribute orange peels evenly and prevent buildup in any one area. By thoroughly incorporating orange peels throughout the compost, deer are less likely to encounter concentrated pockets of the strong citrus aroma.
Aim to rotate the compost heap at least once per week. This frequent agitation will accelerate decomposition and rapidly dull the orange peels’ pungent scent.
Using Secure Bins
Composting orange peels in fully enclosed bins virtually eliminates any risk of deterring deer with citrus smells. Secure lidded compost bins shield the scent from reaching surrounding areas and provide deer no access to the actual peel scraps themselves.
Closed bins also prevent peel bits from being scattered by wind, rain, or animals, further containing the citrus aroma. Look for compost bins made of heavy-duty, wildlife-resistant materials for optimal safety and durability.
When composting orange peels, always start by introducing small amounts with other waste. Monitor how deer react over time and make adjustments as needed to avoid overwhelming their senses. With secure bins and routine rotation of compost heaps, orange peels can be safely recycled without turning deer away.
Conclusion
In the end, deer can technically eat and digest small portions of orange peels if they happen to forage them but citrus fruits should not become a regular part of their diet.
While orange peels offer some nutritional value, excess consumption leads to an upset digestive system in deer. Composting orange peels slowly with other matter and in secure bins can allow you to recycle waste safely even with a backyard deer population.
