Advice for Feeding Reindeer
Reindeer are generating a lot of questions at the North Pole right now, according to the North Pole Post Office. A lot of those questions center on what to feed Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
I reached out to the Reindeer Operations Department and spoke with Elf Dr. Valerie Shum, a reindeer nutritionist charged with managing the dietary needs of Santa’s reindeer.
“Here at the North Pole we have a very regimented schedule and structured dietary plan for the reindeer” Elf Valerie said. “Of course, our goal is to keep them in top condition and healthy for Santa’s flight. Christmas Eve, as they travel the world with Santa, is a time where they can stray a little bit from their usual diet. But Santa is careful to see they don’t eat too much and don’t eat things that will cause them to get sick”.
Elf Valerie says it is important to keep the following items away from the Reindeer on Christmas Eve:
• Candy canes or anything including peppermint
• Christmas fudge
• Eggnog
• Cookies
Elf Valerie says to pretty much avoid anything with too much sugar or mint. Both of those ingredients can upset reindeer tummies.
Here are things the reindeer like, which are treats for them:
• Oats, whole wheat or other natural grains
• Apples (not Granny Smith)
• Bananas
• Berries
Elf Valerie says water is the most important thing to leave out for the reindeer. Even if you leave just a few bottles of water that Santa can quickly open and share with the reindeer, that would be good.
For more information about feeding Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve, please listen to the North Pole Radio news report in the player above.
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Thank you, Eld Harold! It’s very important information. On Christmas Eve, I’ll prepare water and fruits for the reindeer. I’ll buy Apples (Fuji), too! Thank you, Elf Crash. Wow, I’m surprised what Rudolph likes! It’s fun to know their favorite food. Elf Frank, I don’t want the freeze-dried food, either! But does Elf Crash need it? I hope Santa will give it to him! Merry Christmas! XD