Reindeer's Favorite Foods
What Do Reindeer Eat?
Ho ho ho, curious kids! Have you ever wondered what Rudolph and Santa's other reindeer munch on? Let's discover what reindeer eat and learn how to prepare the perfect Christmas Eve snacks for them!
What Do Reindeer Eat in the Wild?
Reindeer are herbivores, which means they only eat plants! Here are their favorite natural foods:
Lichen (Reindeer Moss)
Their favorite food! It grows under the snow and reindeer dig it up with their hooves.
Grass & Leaves
In warmer months, reindeer love munching on fresh green grass and leafy plants.
Mushrooms
Reindeer are crazy about mushrooms! They search for them in the forest.
Berries
Sweet berries are a special treat, especially in summer and fall.
Bark & Twigs
When food is scarce in winter, they nibble on tree bark and twigs.
What Do Santa's Reindeer Eat at the North Pole?
At Santa's magical North Pole, the reindeer get extra special treatment! The elves help prepare their meals, and they have some amazing foods:
Magic Oats
Special oats that give them the power to fly!
Giant Carrots
The biggest, crunchiest carrots you've ever seen!
Starlight Hay
Hay that sparkles and keeps them warm in the cold.
Snowflake Treats
Special holiday treats Mrs. Claus makes for them!
The elves make sure every reindeer is well-fed and ready for Christmas Eve! 🧝♂️
🎄 What to Leave for Reindeer on Christmas Eve
Just like we leave cookies for Santa, we should leave snacks for his hard-working reindeer! Here are the best foods to leave out:
Carrots
Best!The classic choice! Crunchy carrots give reindeer energy for their long flight.
Oats
Best!Rolled oats are healthy and easy for reindeer to eat quickly.
Apples
Sliced apples are a sweet treat reindeer love!
Celery
A crunchy, healthy snack perfect for flying reindeer.
Lettuce
Leafy greens remind them of their North Pole meadows.
How to Prepare Reindeer Snacks
Follow these simple steps to make sure Santa's reindeer get a wonderful treat on Christmas Eve!
Choose your snacks
Pick 2-3 reindeer-friendly foods like carrots, oats, or apples.
Prepare the food
Cut carrots into sticks, slice apples, and put oats in a small bowl.
Find the perfect spot
Place the food outside near where Santa will land – by the front door or near the chimney!
Add some magic
Sprinkle a little glitter or sugar to help the reindeer find it in the dark!
Leave a note
Write a little note to Rudolph and the team to make it extra special!
🦌 Ask Santa About His Reindeer!
Want to know more about Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, and the rest of the team? Video call Santa and ask him all about his amazing reindeer!
Ask Santa About His Reindeer!🧠 Reindeer Food Quiz
Test your knowledge about what reindeer eat!
1. What is a reindeer's favorite natural food?
2. What vegetable do people traditionally leave for reindeer on Christmas Eve?
3. How do reindeer find lichen under the snow?
4. Where should you leave food for Santa's reindeer?
5. What can you sprinkle on reindeer food to help them find it?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Santa's reindeer eat?
Santa's reindeer eat a variety of foods! Their natural diet includes lichen (reindeer moss), grass, leaves, mushrooms, berries, and even tree bark. On Christmas Eve, they love the carrots, oats, and apples that children leave out for them!
Why do we leave carrots for reindeer?
Carrots are the traditional snack for Santa's reindeer because they're crunchy, nutritious, and give the reindeer energy for their long Christmas Eve journey around the world. Plus, they're easy to find in most kitchens!
Do reindeer really eat the food we leave out?
Absolutely! Santa's magical reindeer are always hungry after flying to millions of homes. They especially appreciate the carrots, oats, and other snacks children thoughtfully leave out for them.
What's the best food to leave for reindeer on Christmas Eve?
The best foods are carrots (their favorite!), rolled oats, apple slices, and celery. Avoid anything sugary or processed – reindeer prefer natural, healthy foods just like they eat at the North Pole.
Where should I put the reindeer food?
Place the food outside your home, near where Santa would land – by the front door, near the chimney, or on the lawn. You can also put it on a plate on the porch or sprinkle oats in the grass!
Don't Forget the Reindeer This Christmas! 🦌🥕
Now you know exactly what to leave for Santa's hardworking reindeer. They'll be so happy to find your treats waiting for them! And remember, you can always ask Santa himself about his reindeer with a video call.
Book a Call With Santa