Deer Meat Nutritional Information

Deer meat is a low-fat source of protein, vitamins and minerals. One serving (3 oz.) of deer meat provides over 20 percent of many essential vitamins and minerals. Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) percentages are for adults under age 50. Percentages may vary for children, teens and older adults.

Calories

One serving of deer meat contains 134 calories. Like most meats, deer meat contains no carbohydrates or fiber.

Fat

One 3 oz. serving of deer meat contains only 2.7 grams of fat, which is less than the amount contained in most cuts of pork, lamb and beef. Only 1 gram of this fat is saturated fat, while the rest is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. One serving also contains 95 mg of cholesterol, which is 32 percent of the maximum recommended daily amount.

Protein

One serving of deer meat contains 26 grams of protein. This is over 50 percent of the DRI of protein for women and close to 50 percent of the DRI for men. This protein is composed of 17 different amino acids, including over 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of threonine, leucine and lysine.

Minerals

Deer meat contains many essential minerals, with 3 oz. providing 28 percent of the DRI for copper, 27 percent for phosphorus and 20 percent for selenium. One serving also provides significantly more iron than a New York strip steak, which provides only 18 percent of the DRI for men. A 3-oz. serving of deer meat, on the other hand, provides 48 percent of the DRI of iron for men and 21 percent for women. Deer meat is considered a source of heme iron, which is an iron source that comes from an animal product. The DRI for computed with the assumption that 75 percent of the iron intake will come from heme sources such as deer meat, as the body more easily absorbs it.

Vitamins

Deer meat is also a rich source of some B vitamins, particularly riboflavin. One serving contains over 40 percent of the DRI for riboflavin. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism, oxygen utilization and cell growth. One 3-oz. serving of deer meat also contains 41 percent of the DRI of niacin for women and 37 percent for men. Niacin is used for energy metabolism. One serving provides over 10 percent of the DRI for thiamin as well.