Deer roaming through your vegetable garden can be both a charming sight and a frustrating nuisance. If they’ve caught sight of your potato patch, you may be wondering – can deer eat potatoes? The short answer is yes, deer can and do eat potatoes when given access.
However, potatoes should only make up a small part of a balanced deer diet.
In this nearly 3,000 word guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the potato’s nutritional value for deer, any potential risks or downsides, how to discourage deer from eating prized potato crops, and more.
Are Potatoes Safe for Deer to Eat?
Potatoes offer carbohydrates but lack other key nutrients that deer need. While potatoes provide deer with an energy source, they do not provide a balanced diet. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and risks of feeding potatoes to deer.
Potatoes Offer Carbohydrates But Lack Other Key Nutrients
Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates for both humans and deer. Carbs provide energy that helps deer stay active and maintain body heat. One medium baked potato with skin contains 26 grams of carbohydrates.
However, potatoes are lacking in protein, vitamins and minerals that deer require. Deer need a balanced diet with 2-4% protein. But potatoes contain only about 2 grams of protein per serving. Deer also require calcium for bone growth, vitamin E for reproduction, and selenium that supports a healthy immune system.
Potatoes do not provide meaningful amounts of these and other vital nutrients.
Risk of Poisoning from Potato Greens
The green parts of potatoes, including sprouts, vines and leaves, contain solanine. This is a natural pesticide that protects the potato plant but can be toxic to humans and animals when eaten in excess. Cooking does not destroy solanine.
While a deer would need to eat several pounds of greens to get sick, it’s best not to let them develop a taste for potato foliage.
In small amounts, potatoes make an enjoyable snack for deer. But they lack essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids needed for a well-balanced diet. Potatoes should only be fed sparingly as a supplemental treat.
For sound nutrition, deer are better off grazing on natural forage, high-quality hay, deer-specific feeds or pelleted rations.
How Much is Too Much?
Potatoes as an Occasional Treat
Potatoes make an excellent occasional treat for deer. In moderation, potatoes provide deer with an extra source of carbohydrates and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. However, potatoes should only comprise a very small part of a deer’s diet.
Veterinarians typically recommend limiting a deer’s potato intake to no more than 10% of their daily food intake. This equates to about 1-2 small potatoes per day for an adult deer. Any more than that on a regular basis can lead to health issues over time.
Some deer owners find that giving their deer the occasional baked potato, sweet potato, or small portion of potato chips or fries is a nice way to bond with them. Just be sure to account for the extra calories from these tasty treats in their normal feeding routine.
Dangers of Excess Potatoes
While the odd potato now and thenwon’t harm deer, feeding them too many potatoes can cause problems over time. Here are some of the main risks:
- Weight gain – Potatoes are very starchy and high in carbohydrates. Too many potatoes could lead to obesity in deer.
- Nutritional imbalance – An excess of potatoes would crowd out room for healthier foods like hay, greens, and vegetables in a deer’s diet.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Too much starch and sugar from potatoes could potentially cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea in some deer.
- Toxicity – Green potatoes or potatoes with sprouts can contain higher levels of solanine and chaconine, two natural toxins. In large doses these chemicals can cause illness.
To keep your deer happy and healthy, use the “10% rule” for potatoes and monitor them closely for any adverse reactions like tummy troubles or abrupt weight gain. Better yet, try healthier human foods like carrots, apples, leafy greens or squash for the occasional treat instead.
How to Keep Deer Out of Your Potatoes
Fencing and Deer Netting Solutions
Installing a tall fence around your vegetable garden is one of the most effective ways to deter deer. An 8-foot-tall woven wire or plastic deer fence anchored firmly to the ground can prevent deer from jumping into your potato patch (extension.psu.edu).
You can also use 5-7 foot tall plastic mesh deer netting secured around garden frames or poles. Just ensure there are no gaps along the bottom for deer to crawl under.
Deer Repellents for Vegetable Gardens
There are several commercial deer repellent sprays and granules made from rotten eggs, soap, garlic, and other natural ingredients that can deter deer through smell and taste. Apply these regularly around the perimeter of your garden.
Some options like Bobbex Deer Repellent can stick to plants even after rain and be effective for up to 3 months (bobbex.com).
Scarecrows, Sprinklers and Other Deterrents
Scarecrows and decoys like fake coyotes, dogs or flashing lights can frighten deer initially but they get used to them. However, regularly moving their location keeps deer guessing. Motion activated sprinklers are quite effective as deer dislike sudden movement and water spurts.
Also hang old CDS, aluminum pie pans or wind chimes around your veggie patch for noise and reflection deterrence when deer approach.
A combination of tactics like fencing, repellents and scare devices provides the best protection. Be vigilant and inspect regularly for any breaches. Persistence is key to safeguarding your potato crop from curious deer in your backyard!
Conclusion
As we’ve covered, wild deer can safely snack on potatoes as part of a varied diet. However, potatoes should only make up a small supplement due to nutrition concerns. Overindulging could lead to health issues for deer over time.
If your potato crop is being decimated by deer, take proactive steps like installing fences and spraying commercial repellent. With some clever tricks and barrier methods, you can harvest potatoes while still allowing deer safe occasional access.
