Imagine seeing a magnificent buck with impressive antlers, or a doe leading her healthy fawns through your woods. What makes these deer thrive? A big part of it is the food they eat! But for hunters and landowners who want to help deer grow strong, picking the best protein feed can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
There are so many different kinds of deer feed out there. Some promise bigger antlers, others promise healthier deer. It can be confusing to know what’s actually good for your local deer population. You want to give them what they need, but you don’t want to waste money or choose something that doesn’t work. That’s where understanding protein feed becomes really important.
In this post, we’ll break down why protein is so crucial for deer. We’ll look at what makes a good protein feed and what to watch out for. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in choosing the right food to support healthy, strong deer on your land. Let’s dive in and discover how to give our deer the best possible nutrition!
Our Top 5 Protein Feed For Deer Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Big Tine Fortified Deer Blend | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Purina | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Buck Bourbon Cotton Smash Protein Rich Deer Feed | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage 5 lb bag | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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WILDGAME INNOVATIONS Apple Crushed 5lb Deer Attractant | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Protein Feed For Deer Detailed Reviews
1. Big Tine Fortified Deer Blend
Rating: 9.4/10
Attract and nourish your deer herd with Big Tine Fortified Deer Blend in the irresistible Cherry Rush flavor. This 10 lb bag is packed with everything your deer need to thrive, from strong antlers to overall health. It’s a complete, year-round feeding solution designed for maximum appeal and nutritional benefit.
What We Like:
- The enhanced formula uses whole grains for a textured, nutrient-rich feed.
- It’s fortified with Big Tine’s Nitro mineral & vitamin supplement for essential nutrients.
- Premium ingredients like whole corn and black oil sunflower seeds offer a well-rounded diet.
- The Cherry Rush flavor is incredibly appealing to deer, drawing them in.
- It provides year-round nutrition, supporting growth, fawning, and winter survival.
- This blend is designed to attract, develop, and grow a healthier deer herd.
- Feeding is versatile, working with gravity feeders, trough feeders, or even spread on the ground.
- The long-lasting scent keeps deer interested.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10 lb bag size might be small for larger herds or extended feeding periods, requiring frequent replenishment.
- While the Cherry Rush flavor is a pro, some hunters might prefer a variety of scent options for different hunting situations.
This Big Tine Fortified Deer Blend is a smart choice for any serious deer manager. It offers a powerful combination of nutrition and attractant to help you achieve your herd growth goals.
2. Purina
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your deer herd the best with Purina Antler Advantage Deer 20 ARS Deer Feed. This 50-pound bag offers a complete and balanced diet designed to support their overall health and antler growth. It’s packed with essential nutrients and features a special system to keep their digestive systems happy.
What We Like:
- The Purina Advanced Rumen Support System helps keep their stomachs healthy.
- It contains seaweed-derived calcium to manage rumen pH, which is important for digestion.
- A prebiotic is included to help good bacteria grow in their stomachs for better nutrient absorption.
- This feed provides a powerful mix of protein and energy.
- It has the right amounts of vitamins and minerals for healthy deer.
- The feed is nutritionally balanced, meaning deer get everything they need from one source.
- Strong molasses and apple flavors attract deer, ensuring they eat consistently and get the full benefits of the balanced diet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 50-pound bag can be heavy to carry and store for some users.
- While the flavors are attractive, some might prefer a less sweet option if available.
Purina Antler Advantage Deer 20 ARS Deer Feed is a top-notch choice for serious deer managers. It provides the complete nutrition needed for healthy deer and impressive antlers.
3. Buck Bourbon Cotton Smash Protein Rich Deer Feed
Rating: 9.3/10
The Buck Bourbon Cotton Smash Protein Rich Deer Feed is a powerful attractant for deer. This 40 lb bag is packed with protein to help deer grow strong. It’s made with 110 proof infused cottonseed, offering a unique scent that deer can’t resist. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA.
What We Like:
- The 110 proof infused cottonseed creates a strong scent that really draws deer in.
- It’s a protein-rich formula, which is great for supporting healthy deer growth.
- Knowing it’s made right here in the USA gives us confidence in its quality.
- The 40 lb bag provides a good amount of feed for multiple uses.
- It’s easy to spread and use in your favorite hunting spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Buck Bourbon” name might not appeal to everyone, though the deer don’t seem to mind!
- While effective, the price point might be a consideration for some hunters.
This feed is a fantastic tool for any hunter looking to improve their chances. Its strong attracting power and protein-rich formula make it a valuable addition to your hunting strategy.
4. Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage 5 lb bag
Rating: 8.8/10
The Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage 5 lb bag is a powerful deer attractant that uses the natural allure of acorns to draw deer to your hunting spot. This blend is packed with nutrients that deer need for healthy antler growth and overall well-being.
What We Like:
- It’s a super effective deer attractant because it smells and tastes like real acorns.
- Deer love it! They’ll eat it all up, getting the fat and protein they need.
- It’s made with 100% real crushed acorns and roasted soybeans, which deer can’t resist.
- The blend includes chestnuts, minerals, and proteins for great nutrition.
- It has a high protein (17%) and fat (11%) content, helping deer get big and healthy.
- The Airborne Technology helps the scent spread far and wide, attracting deer from a distance.
- It works all year round to bring deer to your location.
- The scent is strong and covers long distances quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb bag might not be enough for very large hunting areas or if you have a lot of deer.
- While effective, it’s one of many attractants, so results can vary depending on local deer preferences.
This Acorn Rage blend is a fantastic way to bring deer in and support their health. It’s a smart choice for hunters looking to enhance their experience.
5. WILDGAME INNOVATIONS Apple Crushed 5lb Deer Attractant
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to bring the orchard to your hunting spot with WILDGAME INNOVATIONS Apple Crushed 5lb Deer Attractant. This powerful deer feed is packed with the sweet, ripe apple smell and taste that deer can’t resist. It’s designed to draw them in from far away and keep them coming back for more.
What We Like:
- The irresistible sweet apple scent and taste of real, crushed apples.
- Its Airborne Extreme Scent Dispersion technology, which spreads scent 600% more than regular feed.
- The high protein (17%) and fat (12.5%) content, which helps deer health and growth.
- It’s super easy to use right out of the bag for hunting, tracking, and game management.
- Works great with trail cameras to help you monitor deer activity.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5lb bag might run out quickly during busy hunting seasons.
- While versatile, some hunters might prefer a larger bulk option.
This attractant is a game-changer for hunters and game managers looking to draw in deer effectively. Its potent formula and real apple flavor make it a top choice for your next hunting adventure.
Choosing the Best Protein Feed for Your Deer
Feeding deer can be a rewarding experience. It helps support local wildlife and can even improve the health of your deer population. But not all deer feed is created equal. This guide will help you pick the right protein feed to keep your deer healthy and strong.
1. Key Features to Look For
High Protein Content
This is the most important feature. Deer, especially during certain times of the year like antler growth or when they are raising fawns, need a lot of protein. Look for feeds that have at least 18% to 20% protein. Higher is often better, but make sure it’s balanced with other nutrients.
Balanced Nutrition
Protein is key, but deer also need carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. A good feed includes these in the right amounts. This helps them grow strong bones, healthy coats, and good eyesight. Check the label for a comprehensive list of ingredients.
Palatability
Deer have to want to eat the feed! If it doesn’t taste good to them, they won’t eat enough to get the benefits. Many good feeds use tasty ingredients like corn, oats, or molasses to make them more appealing.
Digestibility
Even if the feed has good ingredients, deer need to be able to digest it easily. This means the ingredients should be broken down well in their stomachs. Look for feeds that are made with easily digestible grains and fibers.
2. Important Materials
- Corn: A great source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Soybean Meal: A common and excellent source of protein.
- Oats: Provide carbohydrates and fiber for digestion.
- Alfalfa Meal: Adds protein and fiber, and is very palatable.
- Minerals and Vitamins: Essential for overall health. Common ones include calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin E.
- Molasses: Often added to make the feed sweeter and more appealing to deer.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Freshness: Older feed can lose nutrients and become less appealing. Buy from reputable sources that have a good turnover.
- Proper Storage: Keep the feed in a dry, cool place away from pests. Moisture can cause mold, which is bad for deer.
- Ingredient Sourcing: High-quality ingredients make for a high-quality feed. Look for brands that are transparent about where they get their ingredients.
Reducing Quality
- Low Protein Percentage: Feeds with less than 18% protein might not meet the deer’s needs.
- Filler Ingredients: Some feeds use cheap ingredients that don’t offer much nutritional value.
- Poor Storage: Damp or infested feed is unsafe and unappetizing.
- Artificial Additives: While not always bad, some deer may be sensitive to certain artificial flavors or colors.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
People use protein feed for deer in several ways. Some people feed it year-round to support general health and antler growth. Others use it during specific seasons, like the fall to help deer build up reserves for winter or the spring when bucks are growing antlers and does are nursing fawns. Many hunters use it to attract deer to their hunting areas and improve the overall health of the local deer herd. Landowners often use it to enhance the appearance of deer on their property.
A good user experience means the feed is easy to handle, store, and dispense. The deer eat it readily, and you see positive results like better antler development and healthier-looking animals. Conversely, a bad experience might involve the deer ignoring the feed, or the feed spoiling quickly. Reading reviews from other users can give you a good idea of how a particular feed performs in real-world situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Protein Feed
Q: How much protein do deer actually need?
A: Deer need a lot of protein, especially growing fawns and bucks during antler development. A good feed usually has 18% to 20% protein or more.
Q: Can I feed deer just any kind of feed?
A: No, it’s best to use feed specifically made for deer. Regular livestock feed might not have the right balance of nutrients or could contain ingredients that are harmful to deer.
Q: When is the best time to feed protein to deer?
A: You can feed protein year-round. However, it’s especially beneficial during spring and summer when bucks are growing antlers and does are nursing, and in the fall to help them prepare for winter.
Q: Will feeding deer protein make them less wild?
A: While deer will get used to a food source, it doesn’t typically make them tame or dependent in a negative way. They still remain wild animals.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy deer?
A: Healthy deer have a good body weight, a shiny coat, clear eyes, and good antler growth (for bucks). Protein feed helps achieve these signs.
Q: Can I mix protein feed with other things?
A: Some people mix protein feed with corn or other grains, but it’s usually best to feed a high-quality protein blend on its own to ensure a balanced diet.
Q: How should I store deer protein feed?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container or bag to keep it fresh and protected from moisture and pests.
Q: Is it legal to feed deer where I live?
A: Laws about feeding wildlife vary by state and local area. Always check your local regulations before feeding deer.
Q: What is “deer corn”?
A: Deer corn is usually just whole kernel corn, which is a good energy source but lacks the high protein needed for optimal deer health. Protein feed is more complete.
Q: How can I tell if a protein feed is good quality?
A: Look for a high protein percentage (18-20%+), a good list of digestible ingredients, and positive reviews from other users.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!