Carnivores vs. Omnivores: Fun Facts and the Best Food for Your Dog!
- FureverWell
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered why some animals eat only meat while others eat both plants and animals? Animals are classified into two main groups based on their diet: carnivores and omnivores. Carnivores love meat, while omnivores enjoy a mix of meat and plants. But what about dogs? Are they meat-lovers like wolves, or do they need more variety? Let's dive into the fun world of animal diets and figure out what's best for your furry friend!
What Are Carnivores and Omnivores?
Carnivores – The Meat Lovers
Carnivores are animals that mostly eat meat. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws help them bite, tear, and chew their food easily. They also have short stomachs because meat is easy to digest.
Examples of Carnivores:
Lions – The kings of the jungle love to hunt zebras and antelopes.
Tigers – These big cats sneak up on their prey in the wild.
Polar Bears – They mostly eat seals to stay warm in freezing temperatures.
Wolves – Wild cousins of dogs, they hunt in packs to catch bigger animals.
Omnivores – The Mix-It-Up Eaters
Omnivores can eat both meat and plants, which means they have more food choices! Their teeth are a mix of sharp ones (for chewing meat) and flat ones (for grinding plants).
Examples of Omnivores:
Bears – They love fish, berries, and honey!
Raccoons – These little scavengers eat almost anything they can find.
Humans – Yep! We enjoy burgers, veggies, and everything in between.
Dogs – Surprise! Dogs are actually omnivores, not just meat-eaters!
Are Dogs Carnivores or Omnivores?
Many people think dogs are just like wolves and need only meat. But scientists have discovered that dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and plants! Unlike wolves, dogs have a special enzyme in their stomach called "Amylase" that helps them digest plant-based foods like rice, carrots, and even sweet potatoes. Dogs thrive best with a balanced diet of meat, veggies, and more. Keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and full of energy by filling nutritional gaps with Oömph!—the tasty, expert-formulated blend that supports digestion, immunity, and lifelong vitality.
Cool Science Discovery: Squirrels Eating Meat?!
Did you know that some animals can change what they eat based on what’s available?
Scientists from the University of California, Davis, discovered that some squirrels, which are usually herbivores (plant-eaters), started hunting and eating voles (small rodents)!
This shows how animals can adapt their diet when food is scarce (The Guardian).
This is a lot like how dogs have adapted to eat both meat and plants over thousands of years of living with humans!
The Best Food for Your Dog
Since dogs are omnivores, they need a mix of nutrients to stay happy and healthy. Scientists from Cornell University have studied what makes a dog’s diet balanced and nutritious. Here are their top tips:
Balance is Key – Dogs need a mix of proteins, carbs, and fats. If you make homemade dog food, make sure to ask a vet for the best recipe! Some raw foods can have harmful bacteria.
Watch Their Weight – Just like people, dogs can gain too much weight if they eat too many treats. Try giving them crunchy veggies like carrots instead of extra dog biscuits .
Special Diets for Special Pups – Some dogs have health conditions, like diabetes, and need special meal plans. Always ask a vet if your dog needs a different diet to stay healthy.
Consider the Importance of Probiotics – Add a Broad Spectrum Nutritional Blend- like Oömph! -- filling in the gaps left by most dog food blends, can be simple and cost effective. Carefully sourced and high quality, all natural ingredients make this an easy decision.
"A major area of concern for immune health is your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The whole lining of the GI tract is open to the outside world, and it acts to stop any pathogenic bacteria from getting access to your dog’s organs and bloodstream.
Scientists estimate that approximately 70-90% of the immune system resides in the gut. The use of probiotics can help a dog with a weak immune system gain protection (and some veterinarians suggest using a probiotic routinely).
Probiotics increase the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut, such as lactic acid and acetic acid. Those fatty acids discourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria. They may include cultures of beneficial bacteria. These factors increase “good bacteria” and prevent the overgrowth of “bad bacteria.”
These dynamics shape a system referred to as the gut microbiome.
Probiotics are very safe, so they are one of the most frequently recommended supplements. They can help a dog who has a temporary case of diarrhea, ease a dog through stressful periods (such as a move to a new home), and they can provide relief to a dog undergoing chemotherapy (when their immune system has been weakened by treatment).
However, it is important to stick to canine probiotics. Human probiotics are geared toward different gut bacteria. Most veterinarians will recommend a product with a variety of helpful bacteria included in it, instead of just one strain.”(Cornell University).
Why Do Carnivores and Omnivores Matter?
Carnivores and omnivores are important for nature!
Carnivores help control prey populations so animals don’t overpopulate and eat all the plants.
Omnivores help spread seeds by eating fruits and leaving seeds behind, helping plants grow in new places.
The squirrel study shows how even animals we thought were herbivores can surprise us!
Final Thoughts
Now that you've learned dogs are omnivores needing a balanced mix of nutrients for optimal health, it's important to choose their diet thoughtfully. Just like us, dogs thrive best with a well-rounded menu that supports digestion, immunity, and overall vitality. Experts agree—a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbs, fats, probiotics, and digestive enzymes is essential for your pup's lifelong happiness and well-being.
Boost Your Dog’s Health with Oömph!
Oömph! is carefully crafted with digestive enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, and premium ingredients that fill nutritional gaps left by regular dog food. Designed by experts to promote superior digestion, strengthen immunity, and enhance vitality, Oömph! ensures your furry friend gets everything they need for a healthier, happier, and more energetic life.
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