The Best of Both Worlds: Deer-Proof and Dog-Friendly
Finding plants that satisfy both requirements — deer won't eat them AND they're safe for dogs — narrows the field considerably, but 158 excellent options remain. This combination is especially valuable for suburban and rural gardens where deer pressure is high and dogs roam freely.
All plants on this page are rated as deer-resistant in most conditions and are not listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA. Use our personalized plant advisor to filter further by zone, sun exposure, and height.
Featured Deer-Resistant & Dog-Safe Plants
Agastache
Agastache foeniculum
Zones 4–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Ajuga
Ajuga reptans
Zones 3–10
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🐝 Pollinators
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Apache Plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Zones 5–10
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Armeria Sea Thrift
Armeria maritima
Zones 4–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🐝 Pollinators
Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Zones 3–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Astilbe
Astilbe x arendsii
Zones 4–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🐝 Pollinators
Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Zones 3–7
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Zones 6–10
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
Zones 4–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
Zones 4–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia aristata
Zones 3–10
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
Zones 4–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†
Blue Grama Grass
Bouteloua gracilis
Zones 3–10
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native
Blue Oat Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Zones 4–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†
Boltonia
Boltonia asteroides
Zones 4–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Bottlebrush Grass
Elymus hystrix
Zones 3–8
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native
Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Zones 8–11
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Buffalo Grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native
Buffalo Grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
Zones 3–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Zones 5–9
🦌 Deer-Resistant🐕 Dog†🐱 Cat†🌎 Native🐝 Pollinators
Wildlife Resistance Note: No plant is 100% deer-proof. Deer behavior varies by region, season, and food availability. These plants are consistently rated as low-preference by deer in most conditions, but hungry deer may browse any plant.
Pet Safety Note†: “Dog safe” means not listed as toxic by the ASPCA — it does not guarantee zero reaction if consumed in large quantities. If your dog ingests any plant and shows symptoms, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.