Deer Protein Feed for Antler Growth (2025)

Antler growth is super important for deer. If you want deer to have bigger and stronger antlers, you need to give them the right food. Deer, especially whitetail deer, need a lot of protein in their diet. Protein helps their antlers grow bigger and healthier.

To grow antlers exponentially, 15-20% protein-formulated feed with calcium and phosphorus as main components is great for your hunting land. Hunting land owners often use feeders (I prefer spin feeder) to distribute various feeds equally.

Let’s learn more about what to feed deer for antler growth and when to do it!

Why Protein is Important for Antler Growth

Deer need protein because their antlers are made mostly of it. Antlers start growing in spring and keep growing until late summer. During this time, deer need extra protein to help their antlers grow fast and strong. Their antlers can be smaller and weaker if they don’t get enough protein.

What is the Best Food for Deer Antlers?

The best food for deer antler growth should have at least 16-20% protein. Some great protein options include:

• Protein Pellets: These are small food pieces made from soybeans, corn, and oats. Deer love them, and they provide lots of protein.
• Soybean Meal: This is a powder made from soybeans and has a lot of protein. It can be prepared with other feed or given alone.
• Alfalfa: Alfalfa can be given as hay or in pellet form. It has lots of protein and is healthy for deer.

What to Feed Deer for Bigger Antlers?

To help deer grow bigger antlers, feed them protein-rich foods and add minerals like calcium and phosphorus for antler growth. Make sure they always have enough water, too.

Best Time to Feed Deer Protein for Antler Growth

Start feeding deer protein in late winter. Continue feeding them until early fall. This time is when their antlers are growing the most. You’ll help them grow bigger and healthier antlers by giving them protein throughout this period. The ideal time for hunting antlers is after the rut.

What Should You Feed Whitetail Deer for Antler Growth?

Whitetail deer need a mix of protein and natural foods like clover and chicory. You can add protein pellets, soybean meal, and alfalfa to their diet. Don’t forget to give them some minerals like calcium, which helps build strong antlers.

What is the Best Thing to Feed Deer for Antler Growth?

The best thing to feed deer for antler growth is a mix of protein pellets and natural plants. Protein pellets are easy to use and have the right nutrients. You can also add other grains like oats and corn. Make sure they get these foods daily, so their antlers grow strong.

Conclusion

Feeding deer the right food helps them grow big, strong antlers. Meanwhile, knowing how and when deer shed antlers and time to start feeding them is necessary. Start by giving them protein pellets, soybean meal, or alfalfa. Feed them every day from late winter through early fall. This will help their antlers grow to be bigger and healthier. With the right food and good care, you’ll see deer with beautiful antlers in no time!