While predation risk is known to influence prey behavior, few studies have examined the trade-off between large carnivore avoidance and foraging by resource acquisition. Our study incorporates food quality into anti-predator responses and addresses a critical gap by examining how large carnivore hunting mode interacts with habitat characteristics to shape prey behavior. We experimentally examined the trade-off between forage quality and perceived predation risk of an ambush (Eurasian lynx; Lynx lynx) and cursorial predator (wolf; Canis lupus) on red deer (Cervus elaphus) in semi-natural grasslands and forest. We predicted a priori that red deer would (i) reduce visitation frequency and duration, but increase vigilance on plots with large carnivore cues, with (ii) stronger responses to wolf in open areas farther from forest edges and to lynx in forests regardless of distance, and (iii) more pronounced responses with lower forage quality. We tested this using one camera trap on each of 76 plots, placed at varying distances from forest edges (0 to 60 m) within forested (n = 40) and open areas (n = 36) in the Grafenwöhr military training area, Germany. Each plot received one of 3 scent treatments—wolf, lynx, or horse (control)—across 3 trials. Forage quality was assessed via crude protein concentration. Red deer avoided forest edges with wolf cues in open areas and, in forests, reduced visits and increased vigilance in response to lynx cues. Red deer visitation frequency remained low in high-quality areas in the presence of wolf scent, suggesting that perceived predation risk can outweigh nutritional benefits.