Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) eat a changing mixture of lichens, grasses, sedges, browse, herbs, fungi and mosses. The seven groups below are a practical way to understand that variety, not a universal menu or a ranked list: the available forage changes with season, habitat and whether the animals are wild or domesticated.
Lichens are usually the key winter food. In summer, reindeer switch toward fresh green plants such as grasses, sedges, shrubs and forbs, with mushrooms becoming locally important in late summer or autumn.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The seven main food groups in a reindeer’s diet
Official wildlife and veterinary summaries describe reindeer as flexible foragers. They select whatever naturally available plants and lichens provide usable energy in a particular range. “Essential” therefore means commonly important categories, not seven items that every animal eats in equal amounts.
Recommended Free Tools
| Food group | Typical importance | Examples or forms | When or where it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lichens | Usually the dominant winter forage | Ground lichens such as “reindeer moss”; tree-growing lichens in forests | Winter; tundra and alpine ranges use mostly terrestrial forms, while boreal animals rely more on arboreal forms |
| Grasses | Green forage in summer and a smaller winter component | Fresh grasses and dried stems | Especially summer and snow-free periods |
| Sedges | Important grass-like forage across seasons | Green sedges and dried sedges | Summer and the autumn transition; also included among winter foods |
| Shrubs and tree browse | Leaves and shoots supplement both seasonal diets | Willow and birch leaves or shoots | Where shrubs and trees are accessible, particularly during the growing season |
| Herbs and forbs | Part of the diverse summer plant supply | Small flowering plants, herbs and ferns | Summer, when green vascular plants are available |
| Fungi and mushrooms | Locally important, often seasonal | Wild mushrooms gathered from the range | Late summer and autumn in some regions |
| Mosses | Documented but generally a minor or variable component | True mosses found among other ground forage | Where available; importance differs by range |
1. Lichens
Lichens are the signature reindeer food in winter. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that they make up the majority of the winter diet in most areas. On alpine and Arctic tundra, reindeer and caribou mainly crop terrestrial lichens from the ground. In southern or boreal forests, animals depend more heavily on lichens growing on trees.
#1 Best Overall
- Lifelike Reindeer Detail: True-to-life styling, appealing color, prominent antlers, and an active pose create a recognizable Arctic animal for imaginative play, classroom activities, projects, and display.
- Dimensions: Measures 3.75 inches overall for hands-on animal play, classroom activities, school projects, Arctic dioramas, crafts, party favors, seasonal scenes, collections, and display.
- Active Wildlife Pose: Carefully detailed styling gives this Reindeer a lively, recognizable appearance for storytelling, animal identification, classroom study, dioramas, and wildlife-themed projects.
- Play And Projects: Use this Reindeer for imaginative Arctic stories, classroom lessons, school assignments, habitat scenes, dioramas, crafts, cake toppers, seasonal arrangements, collections, and display.
- Ages 3 And Up: Designed for Ages 3+, this Reindeer works naturally for creative play, education projects, dioramas, crafts, party favors, and display and includes a 5-language educational hang tag.
The common name “reindeer moss” causes confusion. It refers to several terrestrial lichens, not to a true moss. A lichen is a partnership involving a fungus and a photosynthetic organism such as an alga. The name describes appearance and association with reindeer, not botanical identity.
2. Grasses
Grasses supply green, digestible forage during the growing season. They also appear in winter diets, although USGS groups grasses and sedges as a lesser component compared with lichens in many snowy ranges. Dried grass can remain available after plants stop growing, particularly where wind or shallow snow leaves it exposed.
3. Sedges
Sedges resemble grasses but belong to a different plant family. They are repeatedly listed in reindeer diet accounts because they grow in wetlands, tundra and open meadows. An Alaska Department of Fish and Game seasonal profile identifies green sedges in summer and dried sedges during the fall transition; USGS also includes sedges among winter forage.
4. Shrubs and tree shoots or leaves
Reindeer browse growing shrubs and the leaves or young shoots of trees. Willow and birch are the best-known examples in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s summary. Browse is distinct from arboreal lichen: a reindeer feeding on lichen attached to a branch is eating the lichen, while a reindeer stripping a willow shoot is eating plant tissue.
Rank #2
- SO REALISTIC, THEY MIGHT JUST MOVE - From feathers to fur, claws to paws - every schleich WILD LIFE figurine is crafted with precise details to spark curiosity and inspire play
- HEALTHY IMAGINATIVE PLAY. The White-Tailed Buck from Schleich is carefully designed to inspire safe and creative pretend play for children as both a single toy or part of a larger collection.
- PART OF A GROWING PLAY WORLD. The White-Tailed Buck is part of the Wild Life collection of figurines and playsets from Schleich. Great for gifting, this figurine can stand alone or fit into a larger, modular play world.
- STEP INTO THE WILD SIDE OF WILD LIFE - Adventure awaits! Swing through the jungle with the monkeys, spot the lions on safari, hear the howl of the wolf through the trees. Our Wild Life play sets include grassland, woodland, forest creatures and more.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITATION - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring every story to life. We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come.
5. Herbs and forbs
Summer brings a wider selection of green vascular plants, including small forbs (flowering plants other than grasses), herbs and ferns. The exact species depend on the range, altitude and soil. These plants help explain why a reindeer’s warm-season diet cannot be reduced to a single “favorite” food.
6. Fungi and mushrooms
Mushrooms are a real but geographically variable part of the diet. USGS describes them as locally important in late summer. A traditional-knowledge study involving four Sami herding districts in northern Sweden records mushrooms being selected mainly in August and September, while informants described lichens as primarily winter forage. That evidence is regional knowledge, not a universal feeding schedule for every reindeer population.
7. Mosses
Broad food summaries, including an FDA list, mention mosses. A historical Food and Agriculture Organization compendium also places mosses among minor winter forage components alongside twigs and dead grass. Their presence in a list does not mean mosses are one of the principal foods everywhere, and “reindeer moss” should still be understood as a lichen common name.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What do reindeer eat in winter?
Winter changes both the plants available and the effort required to reach them. In most regions, lichens become the central forage, with shrubs and grasses or sedges making up the remainder. Reindeer use their hooves to uncover vegetation beneath snow and can exploit exposed patches created by wind, thaw or shallow cover.
Rank #3
- 【Realistic Emulational Details】This safari animal figures set are made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.
- 【Awesome Birthday Gift】Such cute & different varieties of animal figures are worth to be collected, decorating children's bookcase, desk and room. It's an awesome birthday gift or prize for kids, also it would be a good idea to use them as the cake toppers and make a animal-themed cake for your children. They would love that so much.
- 【Educational Animals Playset】These are great for education purposes, creative play, party favors, school projects, baby shower and crafts. Parents can tell the children stories about the information of the animals or the happy life of the animal family, it will improve the parent-child relationship.
- 【Develop Dexterity and Spark the Imagination】We encourage your kids to use their imagination to create their own magical kingdom. The toys will help to develop their skills while enjoying imaginative play.
- 【Safe Materials】Animal Figures Playset made by high quality durable ABS plastic, Non-Toxic Paint and Odorless. All by safety materials for kids, all farm figures are solid.
Habitat determines which lichens are reachable. Tundra and alpine animals usually find crustose or fruticose terrestrial lichens on the ground. In boreal forest, tree trunks and branches support arboreal lichens, so the same species has access to a different physical food source. This is why “winter diet” cannot be represented by one plant species worldwide.
What do reindeer eat in summer and autumn?
As snow retreats and plants begin growing, the diet broadens. USGS describes summer forage as a mixture of grasses or sedges, growing shrubs and small flowering plants. Leaves, shoots, herbs and forbs become easier to reach than in winter, and the animal can select among many green species rather than relying on exposed lichen beds.
Autumn is a transition rather than a sharp switch. Green plants may persist, dried sedges become available, and mushrooms can be important in places where fruiting fungi are abundant. The Sami account from northern Sweden places mushroom selection mainly in August and September, a useful regional example rather than a rule for all herds.
How habitat changes the menu
| Setting | Likely dominant forage form | What changes the balance |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic or alpine tundra | Ground-growing lichens in winter; green sedges, grasses, shrubs and forbs in summer | Snow depth, wind exposure, plant growth and access to lichen mats |
| Boreal or southern forest | Tree-growing lichens can dominate winter forage | Availability of lichen-bearing trees and the height of browse |
| Wet meadows and lowlands | Sedges, grasses and herbs | Water levels, seasonal drying and snow cover |
| Managed domestic ranges | A mixture of local plants and lichens, varying by pasture | Herd movement, grazing pressure and local husbandry |
These comparisons describe broad patterns, not identical diets. The USGS overview concerns North American caribou foraging; the Sami study records traditional ecological knowledge from four Swedish herding districts; and the detailed historical FAO account concerns domesticated reindeer. Their observations should not be treated as measurements from one population.
Rank #4
- REALISTIC DETAILS BRING HOLIDAY MAGIC TO LIFE – This shimmering gold reindeer features a Rudolph-red nose and candy cane–striped antlers in red and gold—crafted with stunning detail for festive play or holiday display
- THE STAR OF YOUR HOLIDAY COLLECTION – With shimmering gold fur, a Rudolph red nose, and candy cane antlers, this limited-edition reindeer steals the spotlight - and maybe your whole festive holiday decoration display!
- A PERFECT PRESENT OR STOCKING STUFFER – This golden reindeer is wrapped in festive charm, making it a standout holiday gift, collectible surprise, or magical stocking stuffer for animal lovers and schleich fans
- GET READY FOR FUN IN FARM WORLD - What did the cow say to the pig? You're hogging all the grass! In this world of farm animals and barnyard buddies, sheep can be friends with ducks while horses race across the ranch.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITS - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring stories to life. We value sustainability which is why we created worlds of durable toys that can be treasured for generations to come
How much vegetation does an adult reindeer eat?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that an average adult reindeer eats 9 to 18 pounds of vegetation per day. That figure is an FDA estimate and should not be applied as a fixed allowance to every animal: body size, season, forage quality, pregnancy, lactation, weather and population all affect intake.
The same FDA summary states: “Reindeer eat mosses, herbs, ferns, grasses, and the shoots and leaves of shrubs and trees, especially willow and birch.” This sentence is a broad description of food types, not a promise that each category appears in equal quantities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are reindeer and caribou eating the same foods?
Yes. Reindeer and caribou are the same species, Rangifer tarandus. In common North American usage, “caribou” usually refers to wild animals and “reindeer” to domesticated or semi-domesticated animals, but the distinction is not a separate species with a separate digestive system. Local range and management explain most dietary differences.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Why a fixed list of seven foods can mislead
- There is no universal ranking. Lichens may dominate winter forage in one range, while browse or sedges are more prominent in another.
- Food names are broad categories. “Forbs,” “herbs” and “mosses” include many species with different availability and nutritional value.
- Season matters. A plant that is abundant and green in July may be buried, dormant or dried by January.
- Access matters as much as presence. Deep, crusted or icy snow can make otherwise abundant ground forage difficult to reach.
- Wild and domestic contexts differ. Herd movement, pasture use and supplemental management can change what domesticated animals encounter.
Common misconceptions about reindeer food
“Reindeer moss” is ordinary moss
It is not. The common name usually refers to a terrestrial lichen. Calling it moss is understandable in everyday language, but it is botanically inaccurate.
Best Value
- Non toxic and safe: Made of high quality PVC, durable and washable, drop-resistant and non toxic, thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health
- Natural appearance: Each white tailed deer figure is finely sculpted and hand painted by experts, highly detailed for a realistic appearance
- Great addition: With true-to-life details, active poses, these woodland animal figures suitable for cake topper, landscape scenes, educational toy, home desktop decoration
- Great gift: These model toys are designed for children to learn animal characters, they also are perfect for cake decoration, animal theme party supplies, ideal gift for teachers, children and baking lovers
- Package includes: Buck*2 Doe*2 Fawn*2 Please refer to the picture for the size
Every reindeer eats mushrooms
Mushrooms are documented and can be locally important, especially in late summer and autumn, but the evidence does not support treating them as a major food for every herd or every season.
All seven categories are equally important
The categories are an organizing tool. Winter lichen dominance and summer plant diversity are the more consistent pattern; the relative contribution of the other groups changes with range and weather.
A historical species count is a universal rule
A historical FAO-hosted account says reindeer eat about 400 plant species, but its original publication year and full study context are not established in the available page. It is safer to use it as an indication of dietary breadth, not as a current, universal count for every population.
What the diet reveals about reindeer ecology
Seasonal flexibility lets reindeer occupy environments that are highly different in summer and winter. Lichen mats and tree lichens provide a dependable cold-season base when many green plants are dormant. The summer expansion into grasses, sedges, browse and forbs allows animals to take advantage of a short growing season. Local mushroom use adds another pulse of food when fungi fruit.
The result is best understood as a moving menu governed by snow, vegetation and habitat. Asking “What do reindeer eat?” has a short answer—mostly lichens in winter and a broad range of green plants in summer—but a useful answer must include where and when the feeding occurs.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply