Nutritional Value Of Deer And Beef Hamburgers

A cookout that includes burgers is a regular rite of summer for most Americans. But you don't always have to make your burgers of ground beef. Instead, make burgers out of deer meat, which is called venison. Venison provides a different taste option, and it is higher in protein and iron than regular beef burgers.

Calories and Fat

A beef burger is lower in fat and calories, as long as you choose 95 percent lean ground beef; higher-fat ground beef is also higher in calories. A burger made from a 1/4 lb of 95 percent lean ground beef has 146 calories and 6 g of fat. A burger made from the same quantity of deer meat has 210 calories and 8 g of fat. The fat and calorie content of either burger also depends on what you put on the burger and the kind of bun you use to serve it.

Protein

Deer burgers are an excellent source of protein; one burger has 32 g of protein, which is a major part of the 46 g to 56 g of protein you require daily. A beef burger has 22 g of protein. The protein in either burger encourages the growth of muscles and repair of tissues.

Iron

Iron helps your body carry oxygen to all parts of your body, including your muscles. Both beef and deer burgers have iron, but deer meat delivers a bit more. One deer burger contains 21 percent of your daily recommended intake of iron, while a beef burger contains only 13 percent.

Calcium

You get up to 1 percent of the daily suggested intake of calcium in both beef and deer burgers. This is only a small amount of calcium, but even small amounts contribute to the amount you need each day for strong bones and teeth. You can boost the calcium content of either burger by adding a slice of cheese, though that also increases the fat and calorie content.