Deer munching on ripe watermelons in your backyard can be an amusing sight. With their innate curiosity, deer may nibble on watermelon rinds left after you’ve enjoyed the sweet, juicy red flesh inside. But is this actually safe for deer to eat? Let’s take a closer look.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Yes, deer can safely eat watermelon rinds in moderation. The thick, green rind contains nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, too much can cause digestive upset.
An Overview of Deer Diet
Herbivorous Diet
Deer are ruminant herbivores, meaning they only eat plant matter such as grass, buds, twigs, leaves, berries, and bark (QDMA). Their diet consists of woody browse (twigs/buds) and forbs (broad-leaf herbaceous plants) depending on the season.
In spring and summer, deer prefer forbs while they switch to woody browse in fall and winter. Deer also consume farm crops like soybeans, wheat, corn, alfalfa, vegetables, and fruit (Penn State Extension).
Seasonal Variations
Deer diets change according to seasonal availability. In spring, emerging greens, grasses, forbs, clover, and farm crops like winter wheat and alfalfa attract deer. Summer offers more greens, forbs like ragweed, grasses, fruits like apples and berries, acorns, farm crops, foliage, twigs, etc.
In fall, acorns become a vital part of their diet along with leftover farm crops, twigs, fruits, etc. In winter, evergreen shrubs/trees, buds of woody browse, twigs, fruits, dropped autumn acorns/beechnuts, and haystacks constitute their diet (UMaine).
The nutritional content of deer food also varies. Spring vegetation has high moisture and protein but less fiber. Summer brings high fiber with lower moisture and protein. Fall sees more sugars via hard mast (nuts/acorns) while retaining protein.
Winter brings lower nutrients overall but woody browse helps meet needs (TPWD).
Supplemental Feeding
Natural food satisfies a deer’s nutritional needs most seasons. But hunters, wildlife agencies, and landowners provide supplemental feed when the natural supply runs low. Common feeds are corn, protein pellets, hay, fruits, pumpkins, etc. Feeding helps counter starvation and maintain herd health.
It also congregates deer for hunting and viewing opportunities (Penn State). However, improper feeding risks disease transmission via crowding. Sites must stay clean and avoid parasites/infection.
Nutritional Value of Watermelon Rinds
Vitamins and Minerals
Watermelon rinds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals that can benefit deer health. Some of the key nutrients include:
- Vitamin C – Watermelon rinds are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing about 12% of the deer’s daily needs per 100g. Vitamin C helps support immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
- Vitamin A – Watermelon rinds contain decent amounts of pro-vitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene. When converted to vitamin A, these compounds support vision, growth, and immune function.
- Potassium – With 152mg of potassium per 100g, watermelon rinds can help regulate fluid balance and nerve transmission.
- Magnesium – This mineral plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the deer body. Watermelon rinds provide around 10% of the deer’s daily magnesium needs.
These vitamins and minerals can help optimize many aspects of deer health and development when consumed in moderation.
Antioxidants
In addition to vitamins and minerals, watermelon rinds are rich in antioxidant compounds like lycopene and citrulline. These function to neutralize free radicals and lower oxidative stress in the body.
Lycopene, which gives watermelon flesh its red color, is found in high amounts in the rind as well. This powerful antioxidant has been linked to benefits like improved heart health, anti-cancer effects, and lower inflammation.
Meanwhile, citrulline helps enhance nitric oxide production in the body, which in turn helps improve blood flow and lower blood pressure levels. It may also help reduce muscle soreness in deer after strenuous activity.
By providing these protective antioxidants, watermelon rind can support overall deer health and immunity.
Fiber
Lastly, watermelon rinds contain a substantial amount of fiber, providing around 4g per 100g serving. This non-digestible form of carbohydrate can promote digestive and gut health in a number of ways.
Specifically, the fiber in watermelon rind acts as a prebiotic. This means it helps nourish and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the deer’s digestive system. In turn, this improves nutrient absorption and supports the immune system.
Fiber also helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Given their tough, fibrous texture, watermelon rinds are an especially great source of fiber.
The high nutrient density and fiber content of watermelon rinds means they can provide excellent complementary nutrition for deer. By consuming the rinds along with the sweet, juicy flesh, deer can make the most of watermelons for their health.
Potential Benefits of Watermelon Rinds for Deer
Hydration
Watermelon rinds can be an excellent source of hydration for deer, especially during the hot summer months. The juicy red flesh of watermelons contains over 90% water, providing deer with much-needed fluids.
While the rind itself contains less free water than the flesh, it still has a high moisture content that can help keep deer hydrated (1).
Deer need access to fresh water sources daily, and providing fruit like watermelons can be a tasty way to supplement their water intake. This is particularly helpful during drought conditions when natural water sources may be scarce.
The high water content in the rinds can help deer stay hydrated and avoid potentially dangerous health issues like dehydration or heat stroke (2).
Nutrient Sources
In addition to hydration, watermelon rinds contain some key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit deer nutrition (3):
- Vitamin C – supports immune function and tissue growth
- Vitamin A – important for vision, bone growth, and reproduction
- Magnesium – aids bone health and metabolism
- Potassium – helps regulate fluids and heart function
- Lycopene – a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation
While watermelon flesh contains more nutrients than the rind, the rind still offers a decent nutritional boost for deer. The combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can complement the nutrition deer obtain from grazing and browsing.
This is especially important during winter when natural food sources are scarce (4).
Some studies have also found compounds like citrulline in watermelon rinds that may provide added health benefits like improved cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure (5). More research is still needed, but evidence suggests watermelon rinds can be a nutritious supplement for deer herds.
Watermelon Flesh | Watermelon Rind |
---|---|
Higher water content | Lower moisture than flesh but still hydrating |
Rich in vitamins and minerals | Contains some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants |
Higher sugar content | Lower in sugars |
By offering both the flesh and rinds of watermelons to deer, they can obtain the full spectrum of nutritional benefits. The sweet and juicy flesh provides hydration and quick energy from natural sugars, while the rind delivers some added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (6).
Together, they make a nutritious, refreshing summer treat for your local deer herd.
References
- https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80400525/Articles/EBB1_Watermelons.pdf
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diseases/chronic_wasting/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4373582/
- https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/fsa-9118.pdf
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/citrulline
- https://extension.psu.edu/watermelons-for-wildlife
Risks and Precautions
Choking Hazard
Deer feeding on watermelon rinds does come with some risks that need to be considered. One of the main hazards is the possibility of choking. Watermelon rinds have a tough, rubbery texture that could become lodged in a deer’s throat if large pieces are swallowed.
To reduce this risk, it’s best to slice watermelon rinds into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding them to deer. Smaller chunks are easier for deer to chew and swallow properly.
Digestive Upset
Sudden changes in diet can also lead to gastrointestinal issues in deer like diarrhea, gas, or bloating. To avoid digestive upset, introduce watermelon rinds gradually rather than all at once. Start with just a few small slices at first to allow the deer’s system to adjust.
Slowly increase the amount over a period of days or weeks. Also, be sure the rinds are fresh. Rotten or fermented fruit could make deer sick.
Pesticides
There is also some concern over pesticide exposure when feeding watermelon rinds to deer. Many commercially grown watermelons may have pesticide residue on the outer rind. While minimal, exposure over time could potentially cause health issues.
To reduce this risk, try to select organically grown watermelons when possible. Or, consider growing your own watermelons without pesticides specifically to use the rinds to feed local deer.
By being aware of these potential risks and taking some simple precautions, deer can safely enjoy watermelon rinds as an occasional treat. Properly preparing the rinds by cutting them into bite-size pieces reduces choking danger. Introducing the new food slowly prevents digestive issues.
And choosing organic when possible limits pesticide exposure. With a little care and planning, letting deer indulge in these scrap fruit rinds can be done without negative consequences.
Alternatives and Supplements
Other Fruit Scraps
Besides watermelon rind, there are other fruit scraps that make nutritious treats for deer (QDMA). Apple cores, orange peels, and spoiled fruit contain sugars and nutrients deer crave. Offering a variety of fruit scraps provides diverse nutrients and antioxidants for better health.
Fruit scraps also supply moisture. This helps deer meet water needs, especially in hot, dry weather.
According to wildlife surveys, over 80% of deer enjoy munching on fruit discards (Bear.org). Along with fruit skins and peels, deer gladly devour bruised or blemished whole fruits. Providing an assortment gives free choice. Deer nibble based on individual preferences and nutritional requirements.
Commercial Deer Feed
Specially formulated deer feeds are a more balanced dietary option. These feeds are designed by wildlife biologists for supplemental nutrition. Commercial feeds contain vegetables, fruits, grains, minerals, and vitamins tailored to deer.
Studies by state wildlife agencies found supplemental feeding benefits deer health. Well-fed deer have higher body weights and reproductive success (TPWD). Feeders allow controlled access to quality food instead of deer overgrazing natural vegetation.
Strategically placed feeders also distribute deer herd impacts.
Deer Feed Type | Primary Nutrients |
---|---|
Grains | Carbohydrates for energy |
Fruits and Vegetables | Vitamins and minerals |
Pelleted Feeds | Balanced protein, fat, fiber |
When using commercial feeds, it’s important to provide feed specifically formulated for deer rather than other livestock. This ensures proper nutrition and digestive health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, watermelon rinds can be a safe, natural treat for deer in moderation. While nutritious, too much may cause digestive issues. Consider smaller portions, especially earlier in season when deer are adjusting to new foods.
Offer alternative fruit scraps or quality deer feed to supplement their diverse, seasonal diet.