When it comes to their herbivorous diet, groundhogs have a strong preference for leafy greens and grasses. These plants provide important nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Some of the leafy greens that groundhogs love include:
- Lettuce – Romaine, iceberg, and leaf lettuce are favorites. The tender leaves and high-water content appeal to groundhogs.
- Kale – Both curly and dinosaur kale are eaten. The leaves provide antioxidants like vitamins A and C.
- Spinach – Packed with calcium, iron, and vitamin K, spinach is a nutritious choice.
- Clover – The leaves and flowers of white and red clover are a tasty choice in fields.
- Alfalfa – These small purple flowers and leaves are rich in protein.
Grasses are another staple in a groundhog’s diet. They’ll readily eat different species, including:
- Timothy – A sweet, nutritious grass found in meadows and pastures.
- Crabgrass – A course, hardy grass common in lawns and parks.
- Bluegrass – A thin-leaf grass frequently found in pastures.
- Bentgrass – Grows well in cooler climates and is common in higher elevations.
The vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in leafy greens and grasses provide groundhogs with energy and nutrition. They contain antioxidants, vitamins C and K, calcium, potassium, and more. Eating these plants allows groundhogs to maintain healthy growth and bone strength.
In addition to leafy greens, groundhogs have a taste for garden vegetables and will feast on any they can find. Their jaws pack a powerful bite that allows them to easily chew through some of the toughest vegetables.
Some of the popular vegetable groundhogs are known to eat include:
- Carrots – They nibble on both the greens and taproots of carrot plants. The high beta-carotene content helps vision.
- Potatoes – Groundhogs dig underground tubers out of gardens and fields. Potatoes provide lots of carbohydrates.
- Beans – When found, green beans, wax beans, and snap peas are devoured. Beans have protein and fiber.
- Peas – Both the pods and peas are consumed. Peas are rich in manganese and vitamin K.
- Squash – Groundhogs will eat summer and winter squash varieties for the sweet taste. Squash contains vitamin C and magnesium.
- Radishes – The roots and spicy greens are savored. Radishes have vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Turnips – The bulbous roots and greens are dug up and eaten. Turnip greens have calcium, carotenoids, and folate.
Groundhogs cause frustration to gardeners due to their love of vegetables. When food is bountiful, groundhogs go on feeding frenzies and can destroy gardens. They will climb over and burrow under fences to reach their favorite veggies.
