Dingoes are wild dogs found mainly in Australia. They are smart hunters, great survivors, and play an important role in keeping nature balanced. If you’ve ever wondered what do dingoes eat (or what do dingos eat), the answer is that their diet is varied, depending on where they live and what food is available.
What Do Dingoes Eat?
| Food Type | Mostly Eat (Common) | Rarely Eat (Occasional) |
|---|---|---|
| Large Animals | Kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares | Farm animals (sheep, goats, poultry) |
| Small Animals | Rodents, lizards, birds | Cats, small dogs |
| Other Foods | Insects (grasshoppers, beetles, termites), fish, crabs | Fruits, berries, grasse |
Dingoes Are Opportunistic Hunters
Dingoes are not picky eaters. They are carnivores, which means most of their diet comes from meat, but they’ll eat other things if food is scarce. Dingoes hunt alone or in packs, depending on the prey.
Main Foods Dingoes Eat
Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually on a dingo’s menu:
- Kangaroos and wallabies – their favorite larger prey.
- Rabbits and hares – easy to catch and common in Australia.
- Rodents – mice and rats are a big part of their diet.
- Birds and reptiles – including lizards, snakes, and ground-nesting birds.
- Insects – grasshoppers, beetles, and termites when bigger prey is scarce.
- Fish and crabs – in coastal areas, dingoes may catch marine life.
- Fruits and plants – wild figs, berries, and grasses when meat is harder to find.
What Do Dingoes Eat in Different Habitats?
| Habitat | What Dingoes Eat Most Often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outback | Kangaroos, rabbits, reptiles, small mammals | Dingoes rely on hunting and scavenging |
| Forests | Possums, wallabies, birds, insects | More plant material included |
| Coastal areas | Fish, crabs, seabirds, small mammals | Dingoes dig and scavenge along beaches |
| Near farms | Sheep, goats, poultry (if unprotected) | Brings dingoes into conflict with farmers |
Do Dingoes Eat Plants Too?
Yes, while dingoes are mainly meat-eaters, they sometimes eat fruit, berries, and grasses. This helps with digestion and fills gaps when meat is hard to find.
Dingoes and Human Food
Wild dingoes may scavenge from campsites or garbage if they’re near human areas. This can be dangerous for both dingoes and people, which is why feeding wild dingoes is strongly discouraged.
FAQ
1. Do dingoes eat humans?
No, dingoes do not naturally hunt humans. However, they can be dangerous if people feed them or if they feel threatened.
2. Do dingoes eat snakes?
Yes. Dingoes will eat snakes, especially smaller ones, as part of their diet.
3. Do dingoes eat kangaroos?
Yes, kangaroos are one of their main prey animals, especially for dingoes living in the outback.
4. Do dingoes eat fruit?
Sometimes. Wild figs, berries, and grasses are eaten when meat is scarce.
5. Do dingoes eat farm animals?
Yes, if they live near farms, dingoes may attack sheep, goats, or poultry, which often causes conflict with farmers.
6. Do dingoes eat insects?
Yes, insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and termites are part of their diet, especially in dry seasons.
7. Do dingoes eat fish?
In coastal areas, dingoes catch fish, crabs, and even seabirds along the shore.
8. Do dingoes eat cats and dogs?
Yes, dingoes may prey on feral cats and small dogs if the opportunity arises.
Final Thoughts
So, what do dingoes eat? Mostly meat—ranging from kangaroos to rabbits—but also insects, reptiles, and some fruit. They adapt to what’s available, which is why they’ve survived in Australia for thousands of years.