Why Wild Venison Deserves a Place on Your Plate
When you choose wild meat, you’re choosing flavour, seasonality, and sustainability. But did you know that venison is also a nutritional powerhouse? A recent study by researchers in Serbia has taken a close look at three species of wild-harvested deer — fallow deer, red deer, and roe deer — to understand better exactly what makes their meat so nutritious. If you’ve been considering wild game meat, or already enjoy it, the findings are very encouraging. Here’s a summary of what the study uncovered — and what it means for you.
Packed with Protein
All three types of venison studied were rich in protein, making them excellent for supporting muscle health, energy, and recovery. Unlike some farmed meats, venison is naturally lean, giving you the benefits of protein without excess fat.
A Source of Essential Minerals
The study highlighted that wild venison contains valuable minerals many of us don’t get enough of, including:
- Iron – vital for healthy blood and energy.
- Zinc – supports immunity and skin health.
- Magnesium & Phosphorus – important for bone strength and nerve function.
This makes venison a smart choice for anyone looking to boost their nutrient intake naturally.
Healthy Fats, Better Balance
Venison is naturally lower in saturated fat than many red meats, while offering a great balance of “good fats”. Researchers found that all three deer species had:
- Favourable levels of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) – linked to heart health.
- A healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio – which helps the body manage inflammation.
Roe deer, in particular, came out on top for its overall fat profile, but all three species offered benefits.
Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Health
Proteins are made up of amino acids, and wild venison delivers all the essentials your body can’t make for itself. This means it supports everything from muscle repair to hormone production, giving you a well-rounded nutritional boost.
Why Choose Wild?
Beyond nutrition, wild venison is:
- Sustainable – harvested seasonally from free-ranging deer that live naturally.
- Flavourful – rich, distinctive, and versatile in recipes.
- Local & Traceable – a food choice that supports countryside management.
Whether you enjoy a slow-cooked venison stew, a roast haunch, or a quick venison steak, you’re not just treating yourself to delicious flavour — you’re also nourishing your body with a meat that’s lean, mineral-rich, and balanced in healthy fats.Next time you’re planning a meal, why not put wild venison on the menu?
You can read the full report here – Sciendo