Protocarnivores

Protocarnivores are a category of animals whose diet consists primarily of meat but also includes some non-meat food sources. This term is distinct from obligate carnivores, which rely almost exclusively on meat, and carnivores in general, which simply means meat-eater. Protocarnivores exhibit a flexibility in their diet that allows them to supplement their meat intake with other items like insects, eggs, fruits, or vegetation when meat is scarce or less accessible.

This dietary strategy can be advantageous in environments where the availability of prey fluctuates. By being able to consume other food types, protocarnivores have a broader range of survival options. Examples of protocarnivores can be found across various animal groups. For instance, some species of canids, such as foxes, are often considered protocarnivorous due to their opportunistic feeding habits which include berries and insects alongside small animals. Similarly, certain felids, like the domestic cat, can also exhibit protocarnivorous tendencies by eating grass or drinking milk, though their primary diet remains meat. The classification is based on the proportion of meat in their diet and their ability to digest and utilize other food sources.