Do Foxes Eat Grass? (Benefits & Risks)

Foxes are known to be omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. However, foxes do not graze on grass the way cows or other herbivores do. In this article, we will answer the question, “Do foxes eat grass?”

Anatomy Of Foxes

Before we dive into whether foxes eat grass or not, let’s first take a look at the anatomy of foxes. Foxes are small to medium-sized mammals that belong to the Canidae family. They have sharp teeth and strong jaws that are well-adapted to eating meat. Foxes also have a short digestive tract, which means they cannot digest plant material efficiently.

The Diet Of Foxes

They eat whatever food is available to them. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. Foxes are also known to eat insects, fruits, and berries.

Grass In The Diet Of Foxes

While grass is not a significant part of the diet of foxes, they may eat it occasionally. People often assume canids eat grass to make themselves vomit. In dogs, the fox’s close relatives, less than 25% vomit after eating grass, and only about 10% seem ill beforehand.

Why Do Foxes Eat Grass?

Grass eating in wild canids is considered normal behavior. Stool samples show that 11% to 47% of wolves eat grass, so foxes nibbling it is no surprise.

Leading ideas are that grass adds fiber, that it is a leftover habit from eating whole prey with plant matter in the stomach, and that it may help move intestinal worms along.

Do Foxes Need To Eat Grass?

Foxes do not need to eat grass as they can obtain all the nutrients they need from their regular diet. However, eating grass in small quantities can help them with their digestion.

Benefits Of Eating Grass For Foxes

Improved Digestion

One of the primary benefits of eating grass for foxes is improved digestion. Grass adds fiber, which can help move undigested food, fur and other debris through the digestive system.

Parasite Control

One theory, based on wild canids, is that undigested grass may help push intestinal worms out of the gut. This idea has not been proven in foxes.

Hydration

Grass contains some water, but foxes get most of their moisture from prey, fruit and drinking water. Grass is not an important water source for them.

Nutrient Absorption

Grass contains some vitamins and minerals, but foxes can’t digest it well, so they get little nutrition from it.

Risks Of Eating Grass For Foxes

Digestive Issues

One of the primary risks associated with foxes eating grass is digestive issues. While grass may seem like a harmless snack, it can actually cause a number of problems for foxes. For one, grass is difficult for foxes to digest, which can lead to bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. In addition, grass can also contain harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can further exacerbate these issues.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Another risk associated with foxes eating grass is nutritional deficiencies. While grass may provide some nutritional value, it is not a complete source of nutrition for foxes. If foxes are consuming too much grass, they may not be getting the proper nutrients they need to stay healthy. This can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, anemia, and weakened immune systems.

Parasites

Another risk associated with foxes eating grass is the potential for parasites. Grass contaminated by animal droppings can carry the eggs of intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. If foxes eat that grass, they can become infected. This can lead to a range of health problems, including skin irritations, infections, and even more serious diseases.

Poisoning

Perhaps the most serious risk associated with foxes eating grass is the potential for poisoning. As mentioned earlier, grass can contain harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can be toxic to foxes. In addition, foxes may also consume grass that has been treated with these chemicals, which can be even more dangerous. If a fox consumes enough of these toxins, it can lead to serious illness or even death.

Can Grass Be Harmful To Foxes?

While grass is not harmful to foxes, they may ingest herbicides or pesticides present on the grass, which can be toxic to them. Foxes may also ingest other non-food items while eating grass, which can cause blockages or injuries to their digestive system.

Conclusion

Foxes are not herbivores, and grass is not a significant part of their diet. While they may eat grass occasionally, it is not a crucial part of their nutrition. Eating grass can help foxes with their digestion, but it can also be harmful if they ingest toxins or non-food items.

FAQs

Can foxes survive without meat?

No, foxes cannot survive without meat as it provides essential nutrients and energy that they need to survive.

What is the average lifespan of a fox?

The average lifespan of a red fox in the wild is about three years, while foxes in captivity often live 10 to 12 years.

Is wild grass a part of a fox’s diet?

Yes, in small amounts. Foxes are omnivores and they eat a variety of food, including insects, fruits, vegetables, and small animals. Grass provides some roughage and fiber, but foxes do not need it.

Do foxes eat grass for nutritional purposes?

Probably not mainly. Grass contains some vitamins and minerals, but foxes digest it poorly. Fiber and gut health are more likely reasons than nutrition.

How does eating grass benefit foxes?

Eating grass may aid digestion by adding fiber, especially when foxes eat fur, feathers or bones that are hard to digest. It may also help move intestinal worms along.

Can foxes eat all types of wild grass?

Foxes can eat most types of wild grass that are available in their habitat. However, they may avoid certain types of grass that have sharp edges or are difficult to digest.

Is grass the only plant material that foxes eat?

No, grass is not the only plant material that foxes eat. Foxes may also eat fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetables that are available in their habitat. Grass provides some fiber, but it is a minor part of their diet.

Sources

• Why Dogs Eat Grass, VCA Animal Hospitals
• Vulpes vulpes (red fox), Animal Diversity Web
• Red Fox, Connecticut DEEP