The holiday season is a magical time filled with brightly lit trees, festive decorations, and for many, visions of flying reindeer pulling a certain red-suited man’s sleigh. Naturally around this time of year many people wonder – do Santa’s reindeer like candy canes as much as we do?
If you’re short on time, the quick answer is: Experts say reindeer likely enjoy the sweet taste of candy canes, but the hard texture may not appeal to them as much as softer treats. Candy canes also pose a choking hazard for reindeer.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how reindeers’ biology and natural diets shape their taste preferences, how candy canes could impact reindeer health, firsthand accounts of reindeer enjoying candy canes, and creative ways you might safely share this iconic holiday treat with reindeer.
Reindeer Biology and Dietary Needs
Molars and Premolars Adapted for Grinding Tough Vegetation
Reindeer have specialized teeth that allow them to grind and break down tough arctic vegetation (Live Science). Their molars and premolars are wide and flat, perfect for grinding fibrous tundra plants.
This adaptation enables reindeer to extract nutrients from food sources that would be indigestible for other animals. Pretty awesome!
A Nose for Nutrient-Dense Foods
A reindeer’s sense of smell is key to finding scattered patches of nutrient-rich vegetation (Functional Ecology). Their nostrils can heat and cool incoming air to enhance odor detection. This helps reindeer locate rare yet calorie-dense foods hidden beneath the snow. 👃
Seasonal Shift of Diet to Meet Caloric Needs
Reindeer diet changes with the seasons to meet varying energy demands (Journal of Mammalogy). In winter, reindeer rely more on lichens and mature shrubs which are lower in protein but provide carbs for warmth.
In summer, reindeer shift to eating more grasses, herbs and newly sprouted greenery which offer more protein to support antler growth and lactation. This seasonal flexibility allows reindeer to thrive year-round!
How a Candy Cane’s Texture and Taste Appeal to a Reindeer Palate
The Crunch May Be Off-Putting Compared to Tender Greens
Reindeer are herbivores that typically graze on lichen, leaves, and tender green vegetation. The hard, crunchy texture of a candy cane is likely quite different from their usual diet. When they chomp down on a candy cane, the sudden crunch and crack may startle them at first.
However, reindeer do sometimes eat twigs, bark, and other hard foods in winter when greenery is scarce. So they are capable of chewing and digesting crunchy foods. It just takes more effort from their strong jaws and teeth compared to soft greens.
The texture contrast of a candy cane could be intriguing to a reindeer. After an initial cautious nibble, they may continue crunching to explore the new mouthfeel. The hooked shape also provides built-in entertainment as they turn it around in their mouths.
But the Sweetness May Intrigue Their Tastebuds
Reindeer enjoy high-carbohydrate foods like grains and maple leaves to build fat for winter. So the sugar content of a candy cane is likely very appealing.
In fact, reindeer have been observed licking salt licks. This suggests they crave mineral sources of sodium, which enhances sweetness. The combination of sugar and peppermint oil in candy canes probably tastes heavenly to a reindeer!
Peppermint oil stimulates cold-sensing nerves in the mouth for a cooling effect. This fresh tingle intrigues tastebuds. Reindeer may become fascinated with candy canes as the peppermint aroma and cooling sensation tease their senses.
We cannot ask reindeer whether they find candy canes tasty. But based on their natural diets and behaviors, both the texture and flavor probably fascinate them. After one lick, a reindeer would likely come back for more!
Health Impacts: The Benefits and Risks of Feeding Candy Canes to Reindeer
Sugary Treats Should be Fed in Strict Moderation
While candy canes may seem like a festive and fun treat to share with reindeer, pet owners should exercise caution when offering sugary snacks. Just like humans, too much sugar can have adverse health effects for reindeer.
According to veterinarians, the average reindeer should only consume about 2 tsp of added sugars per day. Candy canes are nearly 100% sugar, with a large cane containing around 20 tsp of sugar. Gorging on even a few candy canes could easily surpass a reindeer’s recommended daily sugar intake.
Consuming excessive sugar may lead to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes in reindeer. Additionally, the high glycemic index of candy canes causes a rapid spike and crash of blood glucose. This can negatively impact energy levels and mood.
While the occasional small candy cane in moderation is unlikely to cause harm, owners should refrain from making it a regular treat. Consider healthier snack alternatives for reindeer such as carrots, apples, leafy greens, or reindeer-formulated treats.
Small, Broken-Up Pieces Lessen Choking Risk
The straight, hard shape of candy canes also introduces a choking hazard – especially for young reindeer with small throats or older reindeer with poor dental health. According to American Veterinary Medical Association, candy canes account for a large percentage of holiday-related choking incidents for domestic reindeer.
If owners do opt to share candy canes, the canes should be broken into very small, manageable pieces first. Chunks no larger than 1/4 inch square are recommended. Carefully supervise reindeer while they are consuming candy cane pieces.
Signs of choking include obvious distress, pawing at the mouth, gagging, wheezing, coughing, or loss of consciousness. If choking is suspected, safely sweep the airway clear or rush to emergency veterinary care. Fast first aid response is critical when airway blockages occur.
By demonstratting caution, moderation, and smart preparation when feeding candy canes, owners can reduce the risks and help ensure reindeer safety.
Firsthand Accounts of Reindeer Enjoying Candy Canes
Zoos Often Use Candy Canes as Enrichment Treats
Reindeer in captivity are often given candy canes as enrichment treats by zookeepers. The sugar rush from the candy gives them a boost of energy and satisfies their craving for sweets. According to the San Diego Zoo, candy canes are an excellent way to engage reindeer’s natural foraging instincts.
The zoo staff will hang the peppermint treats from branches or hide them in piles of hay to provide mental stimulation. Seeing a reindeer eagerly nibble on a candy cane is an adorable sight for visitors.
For example, the reindeer at the Denver Zoo are big fans of candy canes. Each winter, the zookeepers surprise them with the striped minty treats. An article on the zoo’s website describes how the reindeer get extremely excited, with their tails wagging eagerly when they receive the candy canes.
They nimbly pick up the canes with their mouths and nibble on them contentedly. Some zoos even give guests the chance to hand-feed candy canes to the reindeer, creating a magical holiday experience.
Some Owners Report Captivated Reindeer Excitedly Snatching Candy Canes
People who keep reindeer as pets or livestock also observe the enchantment these animals have with candy canes. There are amusing anecdotes of reindeer trying to steal unattended candy canes meant as Christmas decorations. Their powerful sense of smell draws them to the minty scent irresistibly.
According to reindeer owner Maggie H., “One time I turned my back for a minute, and Prancer had swiped a whole bundle of candy canes off the table! He was merrily chomping away with canes sticking out of his mouth in every direction.”
Other owners note how reindeer will lick candy canes right out of their hands in their eagerness to consume them. For instance, Abe L. recounts “I was walking Pepper and let him sniff a candy cane I was holding.
Before I knew it, his big tongue darted out and he slurped that cane right out of my hand! I couldn’t help but laugh.” Moments like these demonstrate just how motivated reindeer are to get their hooves on these striped peppermint treats.
Tips for Safely Giving Candy Canes to Reindeer
Break Into Tiny Bite-Sized Pieces Beforehand
Reindeer have relatively small mouths compared to their large bodies. A whole candy cane is a choking hazard for most reindeer. Before feeding, use clean hands or gloves to break the candy into tiny, bite-sized pieces no larger than 1⁄4 inch square.
This makes the holiday treat easier to chew and swallow.
Scatter Pieces on the Ground to Prevent Choking
Rather than hand-feeding reindeer, lightly toss small candy pieces on the ground over a wide area. This reduces the risk of reindeer fighting over the candy and gulping it down too quickly. Let them forage for the candy naturally, which promotes slower nibbling.
Scattering also allows weaker, less aggressive reindeer to get their fair share. Dominant reindeer may chase others away from handouts.
Consider Healthier Alternatives Like Apples or Carrots
While candy canes make a festive treat, reindeer health should come first. Candy contains little nutritional value and the high sugar content can cause stomach upset. For a healthier option, chop up sweet fruits like apples or plant snacks like baby carrots.
| Snack | Calories | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Candy cane (1 oz) | 110 | 27g |
| Apple, chopped (1 oz) | 15 | 12g |
| Baby carrots (1 oz) | 20 | 4g |
As shown, chopping candy significantly increases the sugar per ounce compared to fruit or veggie alternatives. For more healthy treat ideas, refer to reindeer care sites like ReindeerEssentials.com.
Conclusion
While reindeer likely appreciate candy canes in small doses, their biology draws them more strongly to nutrient-dense foraged greens, lichens, fungi, and mosses. As with any treat, candy canes should only comprise a tiny portion of a reindeer’s balanced diet.
By taking basic precautions like breaking candy canes into bite-size bits before scattering on the ground, we can safely indulge reindeers’ curiosity for new, sweet flavors during the holidays.
