Umm, how is a dog an omnivore compared to a fox?

Neko14 September 28, 2025 12:33 am

Umm, how is a dog an omnivore compared to a fox?

Responses
    Winter Marie September 28, 2025 3:32 am

    Because foxes rely solely on a meat based diet, but dogs (being domesticated for thousands of years by humans) require varying amounts of meat in their diet depending on breed and job. There are some breeds of dog who actually require a diet that's more plant heavy with some meat and protein included because that's just how that breed evolved over time with humans. That's a simple version because I didn't want to long rant at you, but I hope that helped!

    Niko13 September 30, 2025 10:43 am
    Because foxes rely solely on a meat based diet, but dogs (being domesticated for thousands of years by humans) require varying amounts of meat in their diet depending on breed and job. There are some breeds of ... Winter Marie

    Interestingly, we’re actually finding that categorically “carnivore” is not really helpful when it comes to classifying most species. Large cats certainly, but not canidae. Wolves and foxes, especially in the wild, regularly eat berries and nuts. Whether this is supplemental when animal protein is scarce or a regular and necessary part of their diet has yet to be determined given how little research has been devoted to such predators until recently (the last few decades) but just thought I’d add to your excellent explanation.

    Winter Marie September 30, 2025 7:03 pm
    Interestingly, we’re actually finding that categorically “carnivore” is not really helpful when it comes to classifying most species. Large cats certainly, but not canidae. Wolves and foxes, especially in... Niko13

    Actually didn't know that, thank you!

    Niko13 September 30, 2025 8:40 pm
    Actually didn't know that, thank you! Winter Marie

    No, no, no! Your comment was one of the most interesting I’ve read on this site. Thank you!

    Any.v October 10, 2025 12:56 am
    Interestingly, we’re actually finding that categorically “carnivore” is not really helpful when it comes to classifying most species. Large cats certainly, but not canidae. Wolves and foxes, especially in... Niko13

    A fun addition: there are actually very few animals that are considered true herbivores and even those animals eat some kind of meat or animal protein when they get it!! Horses, deer and cows are some animals that are considered true herbivores but have been shown to occasionally eat small birds or even young! Even small herbivores eat other small mammals, insects or small birds if they can!