I know this is a bit different from my usual day out reviews and posts, but this really is something close to my heart.

It is now popular for festive events and days out to include reindeer food making, however one we went to this year sadly included glitter.

If you search for reindeer food recipes online too, many contain glitter, as often do pre-made bags.

I’d like to thank the amazing Ria at Button & Squirt for helping me with this post with these beautiful illustrations.

Why is it bad to use glitter in reindeer food?

Glitter is essentially tiny bits of plastic. Mix that with animal food and sprinkle it outside, and you’re essentially feeding all the reindeer, birds and other wildlife tiny bits of plastic with their dinner. It can make them really poorly.

It may look pretty and magical, but so would your Christmas dinner if you sprinkled glitter on it – it just isn’t edible!

How about edible glitter?

Even edible glitter isn’t good for animals – they’re filled with colourings that wildlife shouldn’t be eating.

What can we make reindeer food with instead?

There are plenty of lovely ideas for making reindeer food that will help Santa’s reindeer have plenty of nutrition and energy for flying around the world, as well as be healthy for any wildlife who may be picking up any leftovers too.

The ideas above are perfect, such as bird seed, meal worms, rolled oats, grated cheese and dried cranberries.

The RSPCA says that if you have a dog, please don’t use grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants as these can be poisonous for them.

More information and ideas

We love this page from the RSPCA with more information and recipe ideas, including reindeer cookie recipes, videos and a downloaded recipe sheet.

The RSPB also has more information here.

If you would like further ideas on supporting animals and wildlife from all over the world, as well as gift ideas and fun educational resources, Button & Squirt is definitely our favourite – we really have learnt so much from her.

I do know we have so far to go as a family to make us more environmentally friendly, but it is all about learning too. If you are at an event with glitter, speak to the team – drop them an email afterwards or ask to speak to management to suggest alternatives.

We’ve been at some lovely events which don’t include glitter with this activity and it really does make a difference to help educate families about protecting the environment.

Looking for eco-friendly small businesses this Christmas? Check out our favourites here.