What Do Reindeer Eat? How Standlee Helps Fuel Festival of Lights Reindeer

December 18, 2025

On Friday, December 5, 2025, Downtown Twin Falls, Idaho transformed into a glowing holiday wonderland as thousands gathered for the annual Festival of Lights Parade. Main Street sparkled beneath twinkling strands of lights, holiday music echoed between buildings, and families bundled in coats lined the sidewalks in anticipation.

And right in the center of the celebration?

Two stunning reindeer, Standlee’s newest (and furriest) holiday guests.

Standlee proudly served as the official Deluxe Reindeer Sponsor, bringing even more Christmas magic to one of Southern Idaho’s most cherished traditions. As the reindeer float made its way down Main Street - with garland wrapped around the fencing, antlers glistening beneath the lights, and Standlee banners proudly displayed - the crowd erupted with excitement.

Many attendees shared that it was their very first time seeing a real reindeer.

After the parade, the reindeer traveled to The Commons, where families gathered for photos and a close-up glimpse of the animals. From 4-8 p.m., the reindeer drew steady crowds, and one question came up again and again: What do reindeer actually eat?

Thanks to our partnership with Sawtooth Reindeer, we had the real answers.

What Do Reindeer Actually Eat? A Real Look at Reindeer Nutrition

Reindeer diets are surprisingly specific - and very different from horses, goats, or cattle. To prepare for their visit to Twin Falls, Standlee worked closely with Shaylin, co-owner of Sawtooth Reindeer, to understand exactly what these animals require.

Here’s what we learned:

Shredded Beet Pulp & Alfalfa Hay: Reindeer Staples for Managed Care

Sawtooth Reindeer shared that their animals thrive on a simple, consistent diet centered around:

Beet Pulp Shreds

A highly digestible, fiber-rich staple that provides steady calories without excess starch.

Alfalfa

Reindeer love alfalfa! They love leafy, and tender morsels and often refuse lower-quality lots entirely. Offering fresh, leafy alfalfa is essential for maintaining intake and comfort, especially during travel.

They are Very Picky

We also learned that reindeer are very particular about texture and feel, because of this they prefer forage like the Standlee Alfalfa Compressed Bales.

They Require a Custom Mineral Program

Reindeer have unique nutritional needs that cannot be met with generic livestock minerals. Instead of standard livestock minerals, reindeer at Sawtooth receive a custom loose mineral pellet formulated in Washington.

This specialized blend supports:

• Immune strength
• Antler growth
• Coat condition
• Electrolyte balance
• Overall health

Their Favorite Treats Are... Surprising

For treats, Sawtooth shared that reindeer typically enjoy:

• Moss
• Oatmeal

When we introduced them to Standlee Alfalfa Forage Bites, they were excited to try them as a healthier alternative to sugary snacks. We’re happy to report that they were a hit!

A Critical Health Note: Reindeer Are Highly Disease-Sensitive

One of the most important things we learned is that reindeer are extremely vulnerable to certain viruses carried by sheep and goats. A person who recently handled sheep or goats could unknowingly transfer a virus that may be fatal to a reindeer within 48 hours. Because of this, visitors were not permitted to touch the reindeer at the Festival of Lights. This precaution implemented by Sawtooth Reindeer protects their animals during public events.

Feeding Santa’s Reindeer: A Night of Community Magic

To ensure our visiting reindeer were healthy, comfortable, and well-fed during their stay in Twin Falls, Standlee provided a selection of the high-quality forage they needed, including field-fresh Alfalfa Compressed Bales, Smart Beet Shreds, and an assortment of Alfalfa Forage Bites.

As the Deluxe Reindeer Sponsor, Standlee helped bring an unforgettable spark of holiday wonder to the Festival of Lights Parade in Twin Falls, Idaho. The reindeer quickly became a community favorite - drawing thousands of excited families, curious kids, and visitors from across the state. With tons of people lining Main Street and gathering at The Commons afterward, the evening felt like a true celebration of the season.

For Standlee, the experience was far more meaningful than a sponsorship. As a company proudly rooted in Idaho agriculture, supporting one of Southern Idaho’s most cherished holiday traditions reflects our commitment to family values, community connection, and giving back to the people who have supported us for generations.

The 2025 Festival of Lights Parade showcased everything we love about Idaho - its welcoming spirit, small-town charm, agricultural heritage, and the joy of coming together. We were honored to help bring the reindeer magic to life, whether they were gently nibbling alfalfa, resting beneath twinkling lights, or turning heads as they made their way down Main Street.