When you picture kangaroos, you probably imagine them hopping across the open fields of Australia. But what exactly do these animals eat to stay strong and full of energy? Simple terms so you can understand their diet and how they survive in the wild.
Kangaroo Diet
| Mostly Eat (Main Food) | Sometimes Eat | Rarely Eat |
|---|---|---|
| Grass (different types) | Shrubs & bushes | Fruits (wild berries, figs) |
| Leaves from trees | Flowers & buds | Seeds |
| Herbs | Bark from small trees | Mushrooms |
| Fresh shoots | Ferns | Farm crops (if near humans) |
Kangaroos Are Herbivores
Kangaroos are herbivores, which means they eat plants, not meat. Their main food source comes from grass and leaves, and they are specially built to digest tough plant fibers.
Main Foods Kangaroos Eat
Here’s what makes up most of a kangaroo’s diet:
- Grasses – This is their number one food. Just like cows, kangaroos graze for hours on fresh grass.
- Leaves – Especially from shrubs and small trees, when grass isn’t enough.
- Flowers and buds – Kangaroos sometimes nibble on wildflowers and new plant shoots.
- Fruits and seeds – Rarely, if they can find them in the wild.
Kangaroo Diet Explained: Foods They Eat Mostly and Rarely
| Food Type | Mostly Eaten Foods | Rarely Eaten Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Grasses | Kangaroo grass, Couch grass, Mitchell grass | Reed grass, Saltbush grass |
| Leaves | Eucalyptus leaves, Acacia leaves | Ferns, Rare shrubs |
| Herbs & Plants | Native herbs, Clover | Introduced weeds |
| Fruits | Wild berries, Native fruits | Cultivated fruits |
| Bark & Stems | Young stems of bushes | Tree bark |
| Flowers | Certain wildflowers | Ornamental flowers |
| Seeds | Native grass seeds | Non-native seeds |
| Fungi & Mushrooms | Some native mushrooms | Toxic mushrooms |
| Water Plants | Water grasses, Pond plants | Algae |
How Kangaroos Digest Food
Kangaroos have a stomach similar to cows. They chew their food twice – first they swallow, then bring it back up to chew again. This helps them break down tough plant fibers and get the most energy from their food.
Eating Habits by Species
Not all kangaroos eat the same way:
- Red Kangaroos – Mostly grass eaters.
- Eastern Grey Kangaroos – Prefer grass but will eat herbs and leaves.
- Western Grey Kangaroos – Mix of grass, shrubs, and leaves.
Tree Kangaroos – Live in rainforests and eat more leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Do Kangaroos Drink Water?
Yes, but not as much as you think. Kangaroos can survive long dry periods by getting moisture from the plants they eat. They only drink when water is available.
Quick Facts
- Kangaroos eat mostly at night (they’re nocturnal grazers).
- They can go without water for weeks.
- Their diet changes based on the season and what plants are growing.
FAQs
1. What do kangaroos eat the most?
Kangaroos eat grass the most. It makes up the bulk of their diet.
2. Do kangaroos eat meat?
No, kangaroos are strict herbivores and never eat meat.
3. What do kangaroos eat in the desert?
They eat tough grasses, shrubs, and dry leaves that survive in arid areas.
4. Do kangaroos eat fruits?
Sometimes, if wild fruits are available, but it’s rare.
5. What do baby kangaroos (joeys) eat?
Joeys drink milk from their mother’s pouch until they are old enough to graze on grass.
6. Do kangaroos eat crops?
Yes, when they live near farms, they may nibble on wheat, corn, or vegetables.
7. What do kangaroos eat in the zoo?
Zoos usually feed them hay, fresh grass, and leafy vegetables.
8. Do kangaroos eat flowers?
Yes, they sometimes eat flowers and soft buds when available.
9. How often do kangaroos eat?
They graze for many hours, mostly at night, because they are nocturnal.
10. Do kangaroos need to drink water every day?
Not always. They get most of their water from plants and can survive weeks without drinking.
Final Thoughts
Kangaroos survive by eating what’s around them – mainly grass, leaves, and shrubs. Their strong teeth and special stomachs make them perfect for life in Australia’s dry environment.