Foxes are small to medium sized canids that are found in a wide range of habitats across the globe. They are omnivorous animals meaning that they consume both plant and animal matter. While the majority of their diet consists of small prey such as rodents birds and reptiles they will also eat fruit berries and insects. In some cases foxes have been known to scavenge on carrion (dead animals).
The exact ratio of plant to animal matter consumed by foxes varies depending on the season and the availability of prey. In general foxes consume more animal matter in the spring and summer months when prey is more plentiful and more plant matter in the fall and winter when prey is scarce.
While foxes are not true carnivores they are considered to be mesocarnivores which means that their diet consists of a relatively high proportion of animal matter. This is in contrast to true carnivores which almost exclusively eat animal flesh and herbivores which primarily consume plant material.
Are foxes carnivores?
While foxes are technically considered carnivores they are actually omnivores.
This means that they primarily eat meat but will occasionally eat fruits vegetables and other plant-based foods.
How much of a fox’s diet is made up of meat?
While the exact percentage varies depending on the individual fox on average about 60-70% of a fox’s diet is made up of meat.
What types of meat do foxes eat?
Foxes typically eat small mammals such as rodents rabbits and birds.
However they will also eat larger prey if it is available.
Do foxes only eat fresh meat?
No foxes will also eat carrion (dead animals).
What other types of food do foxes eat?
As mentioned before foxes are technically omnivores.
This means that they will also eat fruits vegetables and other plant-based foods.
What is the primary reason foxes eat fruits and vegetables?
The primary reason foxes eat fruits and vegetables is for the nutrients and vitamins they provide.
Meat alone does not provide all of the nutrients a fox needs to stay healthy.
Do all foxes eat the same types of fruits and vegetables?
No foxes will typically eat whatever fruits and vegetables are available in their area.
How much of a fox’s diet is made up of fruits and vegetables?
The exact percentage varies depending on the individual fox but on average about 10-30% of a fox’s diet is made up of fruits and vegetables.
Do foxes ever eat insects?
Yes foxes will occasionally eat insects.
Do all foxes eat insects?
No some foxes seem to prefer not to eat insects while others will eat them on occasion.
Why do some foxes eat insects while others do not?
The reason for this is not fully understood but it is thought that it may simply be a matter of preference.
How do foxes typically obtain their food?
Foxes typically hunt for their food alone or in pairs.
However they will also scavenge for food when necessary.
Do foxes always hunt alone or in pairs?
No foxes will also hunt in groups if the opportunity presents itself.
How often do foxes eat?
Foxes typically eat 1-5 times per day depending on how much food is available.
What is the maximum number of meals a fox will eat in a day?
If food is plentiful a fox may eat up to 10 times in a single day.
