Animals That Eat Grass (Pictures + Fun Facts)

“Animals That Eat Grass” are a diverse group of species that rely on this abundant plant as a source of nourishment. These animals range from domesticated livestock to wild game and play a crucial role in the food chain and ecosystem. They help maintain the balance of their habitats by consuming grass and converting it into energy and nutrients.

From cows, sheep, and horses to deer, rabbits, and even giraffes, the list of animals that eat grass is extensive and fascinating. Whether they are roaming in grasslands or foraging in forests, these animals serve as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.

The diet and eating habits of animals can vary considerably depending on the season and availability of food.

However, most animal species fall into one of three dietary categories. Carnivore, herbivore or herbivore.

We’ll discuss herbivorous animals today. More specifically, about herbivorous animals that eat grass. Generally referred to as “grazing animals” or “grazers.”

Many different animals eat grass, but not all eat grass as their only diet.

Some of the animals we will cover in this article do not strictly eat grass. Instead, they eat a variety of plant foods, including grasses.

Let’s begin!

Animals That Eat Grass

Hippos

Hippos are large semi-aquatic animals that eat grass as a large part of their diet.

During the day, hippos prefer to stay in the water to cool off, but after sunset, these giants emerge to graze on grass.

Hippos can consume up to 150 pounds of grass in just four to six hours of grazing each night.

However, like the majority of herbivores, hippos will eat other plants if presented with them. In zoos, their diet consists of lettuce, fruits and mixed vegetables.

Interestingly, some hippos also eat meat on rare occasions, although they are primarily grazers.

Fun Fact: Hippos are extremely territorial animals, but only in the water!

Read Also: Do Hippos Like Chocolate?

Cows

Cows are grazers animals, and most of their diet comes from grass. In fact, more than 60 percent of the total food intake is grass.

Cows are part of ruminant browsing mammals. These animals, usually large ungulates, have specialized digestive systems that can use hard-to-digest plants as food.

In the market, meat from grass-fed cows is healthier and more valuable than meat from grain-fed cows. To maintain a healthy diet, cows consume about 2 percent of their total body weight in food per day.

However, in addition to grass, cows also eat other plant-based foods, including corn stalks, leaves, and grains, depending on availability.

Fun fact: Cows chew their partially digested food for about 8 hours a day!

Read Also: Animals That Eat Plants

Rabbit

Rabbit is another animal that eats grass. These ruminants graze mainly at dawn and dusk.

In addition to grass, rabbits also eat leafy grasses and shrubs. However, most wild rabbits feed primarily on grass and only occasionally on other vegetation found near the ground.

If you have a rabbit as a pet, and you’re not sure what grass to feed it, try timothy or oat grass.

Fun fact: Rabbits consume their own feces in order to digest a lot of cellulose!

Deer

Another browsing animal that made the list is the deer. Deer food choices can vary depending on the season, but most species feed primarily on grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs.

Deer’s stomachs, however, are not as well developed as those of other ruminant animals like sheep or cows. Consequently, they prefer easily digestible food, such as young leaves and fresh grass.

Despite being strictly vegetarian, some deer individuals have been observed eating mice and other small animals, a very unusual and inexplicable behavior, even for zoologists.

Fun fact: All deer species shed their antlers and regrow them in late summer!

Camels

It is well known that camels struggle to get food and live in tough conditions. As a result, camels have become very adaptable animals.

Both types of camel will eat grass, oats, grains and wheat. Sometimes they will spend days looking for something nutritious.

Grown camels typically eat no more than 9 pounds of food per day. However, if they have a supply of water, camels can survive for about 10 days without eating.

Fun fact: Camels are equipped with three eyelids and two eyelids, mainly to protect their eyes from the sand!

Kangaroos

When we talk about animals that eat grass, we must not forget the kangaroo. These large marsupials are found in forests, savannas, shrubs, grasslands and other habitats.

The typical diet of the average kangaroo consists of grass, leaves, flowers and fruits. Among all species, the eastern gray kangaroo is primarily a grazer.

The fact that kangaroos are so muscular considering they are vegetarians is intriguing. And in particular the red kangaroos.

Fun fact: Almost all kangaroos are left-handed!

Read Also: Animals With Pouches

Bison

Bison are large hoofed mammals that live primarily in grasslands, scrub, and sagebrush.

Not long ago, it was thought that bison ate only grass and seeds. However, these ruminants will feed on various woody plants as well as herbaceous eudicots.

It seems strange that animals that eat only grass can grow so large.

The secret is that bison feed on grass-fed single-celled organisms, also known as protozoans. These single-celled organisms are extremely important when it comes to building muscle and protein for bison.

Fun fact: In North America, the American bison is the biggest living mammal.

Zebra

Zebras are predatory animals that live in different parts of Africa, such as grasslands, savannas, forests, and grasslands. If their favorite food is lacking, (grass) zebras feed on leaves, buds, fruits, roots and bark.

These are animals that spend most of their day foraging or eating grass. In fact, these striped animals have been known to eat grass for more than 18 hours a day.

Fun fact: Zebras have specially adapted teeth for grazing purposes!

Sheep

One of the most prevalent ruminant livestock animals is the sheep. They enjoy eating leaves and seeds, but their diet is grass.

These wild lawnmowers are specialist grass eaters, just like zebras. Sheep eat grass without rooting it, instead, they chew it slowly.

Sheep usually consume no more than 3% of their body weight in hay, while garden hay is considered the most nutritious for them.

Fun fact: A sheep’s wool will continue to grow throughout its life!

Elephants

Elephants are the largest animals that eat grass on earth. All three species of elephants eat grass as part of their diet.

While eating, elephants use their strong trunks to pluck grass or tree leaves from the ground.

African elephants are not picky when it comes to vegetable-based food, and will eat anything. Asian elephants, on the other hand, are grazers, and a large part of their diet will be grass.

Fun fact: Elephants can swim completely underwater, keeping only their trunks above water!

Read Also: Animals With Big Feet

Alpacas

Alpacas are herbivores that can only survive on grass. However, for a fully optimized diet, they need hay.

As a general rule of thumb, alpacas should eat no more than 2 pounds of body weight per day.

Pasture hay is a highly recommended type of hay because it is rich in protein, especially in the spring.

Fun fact: Alpacas can occasionally spit projectiles of saliva!

Goats

The goat is one of the oldest domesticated breeds, and there are over 300 different breeds.

Most goats will eat anything of plant origin. They also eat grass, but they prefer to eat shrubs, leaves or vines.

Goats do not have upper teeth like cows and therefore do not destroy the pasture while eating grass.

Fun fact: If you give a goat a special name, he will remember it and when called!

Rhinoceros

Rhinos are large mammals identified by their horns. Five different species of rhinoceros are found in Africa and Asia.

These large animals eat large amounts of grass. Rhinos eat about 120 pounds of grass each day to sustain themselves.

In addition to grass (which makes up about 40 percent of their diet), rhinos eat leaves, branches, twigs, fruits, and shrubs.

Fun fact: Rhino horns are made from keratin, a protein found in nails and hair!

Read Also: Evil Animals in The World

Wallabies

Other marsupials besides kangaroos also consume grass. Their twin relatives, the wallabies, also eat primarily grass. Wallabies sometimes eat vegetables and fruits depending on the season.

Because they live in rural areas, wallabies have to travel long distances in search of water and food.

These bipedal herbivores sometimes gather in small groups while grazing, although they are usually solitary.

Fun fact: A wallaby’s tail is as long as its entire body!

Last Words On Animals That Eat Grass

In conclusion, “Animals That Eat Grass” play a vital role in their respective ecosystems and are an essential part of the food chain. They help keep grasslands and other habitats healthy by consuming grass and promoting its growth. These animals also provide a valuable source of food for predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature. Whether they are domesticated livestock or wild game, their importance cannot be overstated, and they serve as a reminder of the intricate relationships that exist within the natural world.