Lions eat quite an amount in terms of quantity and being selective cats, they also have their preferences but it’s fair to say that they can survive on a range of options.
Various sources claim that lions spend 50 minutes of their day eating and a whooping 20 hours sleeping. Considering a hunting success rate of just 20% in the wild, lions also feed on scavenged remains and sometimes even hyenas. Known for being docile with most time spent sleeping and about 4 hours a day on the lookout for food and socializing lions mainly feed on large mammals such as hoofed animals, antelopes, zebras, and wildebeest.
50 minutes of eating makes sense when you consider that they hunt large mammals. But is 50 minutes enough? They are, surprisingly. So, what do they eat exactly?
Lions are obligate carnivores and hypercarnivores:
Lions are hypercarnivores meaning they rely almost exclusively on meat. This means that as part of their diet, Lions eat large ungulates such as antelope, deer and wildebeest. They also consume smaller prey such as hares, birds and fish.
Lions, as obligate carnivores, rely on meat for their survival. They consume animal flesh for over 70% of their diet because their bodies do not naturally produce the necessary amino acids to sustain themselves. By consuming meat, lions are able to fulfill their daily nutritional requirements.
Without meat, their bodies would not be able to survive. The protein and essential fatty acids in meat is crucial for their survival and they are vital for maintaining their strength, energy levels and overall health.
Let’s talk quantity now.
How much food do lions eat?
Lions are not perpetually hungry creatures. They hunt when necessary and otherwise remain at rest. However, adult lionesses require an average of 5 kg of meat per day, while adult lions typically need around 7 kg.
According to additional online sources, male lions consume an average of 7 kilograms of food per day, while lionesses consume around 4.5 kilograms. Astonishingly, both genders can devour up to 15% of their own body weight in a single meal. To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to devouring a staggering 70 cans of cat food for a male lion!
This is not to say that lions are always gluttonous. There is a distinction between necessity and greed. However, during a single season, lions have been known to consume up to 30 kg of meat due to their voracious appetites. If a lion cannot finish such a feast, it takes a nap for a few hours, then returns to finish the meal. Nevertheless, a significant amount of energy is required during the hunting and killing of prey. It can be said that the thrill of the hunt ignites a lion’s appetite, which is why they are often observed as hungrier after a successful hunt.
Below is a typical ingredient composition of a lion from a 2014 Study;
The same study came up with the below typical feeding schedule for a week;
Ungulates are Lions’ Favorites to Eat:
Ungulates are the largest and most common prey for Lions. These animals consist of hoofed mammals, such as antelope, deer, wildebeest and zebra. The size and strength of these ungulates makes them ideal hunting targets for the lions.
Moreover, they are able to provide more than enough nutrition to sustain a pride. The nutrition they offer is higher in protein and essential fatty acids, which helps Lions to maintain their strength and energy levels.
Moreover, prey such as wildebeest are dense with nutrient-rich blood, making them a great source of sustenance for the lions. In addition to this, antelopes provide an essential source of vitamin B12, which is necessary for the lions’ metabolic processes.
As shown in the chart below that I got from another study, buffalos are by far the most preferred kill for lions;
What lions eat in the Wild:
In the study “Prey preferences of the lion (Panthera leo)” by Hayward et al., it was found that lions have a preference for the following animals as their prey:
- Zebra
- Buffalo
- Wildebeest
- Gemsbuck/Oryx
- Giraffe
- Warthog
This research sheds light on the dietary choices of lions and provides valuable insights into their natural hunting behavior.
Mountain lions on the other hand, typically feed on small mammals such as mice and birds. They can also catch fish in rivers if they’re lucky. Most of the lions found in Africa feed on antelope and zebra, but they are also known to hunt larger mammals such as buffalo. In Asia, Lions are often found eating gazelle, wild cattle and deer.
Do Lions eat Humans?
Contrary to popular belief, attacks on humans by lions are very rare. Lions prefer to hunt much larger prey than humans as they require a large amount of energy to sustain themselves. Human flesh is very low in calories and nutrition compared to the other animals that lions can hunt. Therefore, it is not in their best interest to hunt humans for food.
Studies on man-eating lions suggest that African lions consume humans as a supplementary food source, rather than as a last resort. In 2018, a South African news website reported a harrowing incident at Sibuya Game Reserve in Eastern Cape province, South Africa, where three rhino poachers were viciously attacked and devoured by lions.
In Kenya, there were cases of man-eating lions in Tsavo in late 1800s but there hasn’t been any cases of lions eating or hunting humans since.
Do lions eat grass?
Lions do not primarily consume grass as it lacks the necessary nutrition to sustain them. Grass is low in calories and protein, which are vital for their daily energy requirements. However, lions often nibble on grass to aid in digesting their food and to stay cool during hot summers. It may also serve as a source of additional fiber or minerals that are lacking in their primary diet. Moreover, lions may use grass as a means to induce vomiting and rid their bodies of toxins or indigestible substances.
How do Lions eat?
Lions typically kill their prey by biting the neck or throat and suffocating them. The other method of killing is to pounce on the prey, pinning it down with its weight and claws, then proceed to bite on the back of the head. After killing their prey, lions will begin eating from the hindquarters first. They often consume flesh for long periods of time, sometimes taking breaks for a few hours. Lions will typically consume all parts of the animal, including organs and bones.
What Lions do not eat:
Despite their substantial size, lions do not consume the following animals:
- Adult elephants
- Rhinoceroses
- Hippopotamus
Additionally, lions steer clear of small-bodied creatures such as:
- Dik-diks
- Hyrax or dassies
- Hares
- Monkeys
- Porcupines
- Small reptiles
What do lions hunt?
The primary source of food for lions is wild ungulates such as antelope, deer, wildebeest and zebra. Lions also hunt smaller prey such as rodents and birds. In addition, they may scavenge on carrion or dead animals from other predators.
In areas where resources are scarce, lions have been observed attacking livestock, such as sheep and goats, in order to survive. This is often the last resort for hungry lions as it puts them at risk of being killed by human farmers or ranchers. Therefore, most lions prefer to hunt wild animals rather than livestock.
To ensure their survival and continued success in hunting, Lions use strategies such as teamwork and stealth tactics when pursuing prey. Lions often use cooperative hunting techniques and can be heard communicating with each other through their roars. They use a combination of strategy, strength and speed to outwit their prey.
How do lions hunt?
Lions hunt in a variety of ways, but the main strategies involve ambush and stalking. During an ambush tactic, lions commonly stay hidden until their prey is within range. They will then pounce on the unsuspecting animal and either kill it with one swift bite or by suffocation. Lions also use stalking techniques to catch their prey, such as slowly creeping up and surrounding their prey or waiting until the animal is distracted before making a move.
In addition, Lions take advantage of terrain to hide themselves and ambush their prey. They also use various vocal signals to communicate with each other during a hunt such as roaring, growling and purring.
Learn more about Marsh Lion Pride
Do lions hunt in groups?
Research has demonstrated that lions exhibit greater hunting success when they cooperate in groups rather than hunting individually. Detailed observations of female lions during foraging activities have revealed that, in times of limited prey availability, two group sizes maximize foraging success: one comprising a single female and the other consisting of five or six females.
However, when prey is abundant, the size of the group does not significantly affect foraging success. Female lions form social units called prides, characterized by fission-fusion dynamics, and exclusively forage with other members of their own pride. If the primary driver of lion grouping patterns were related solely to feeding efficiency based on group size, it would be expected that females in prides with less than five individuals would forage alone during periods of prey scarcity. Conversely, females in larger prides would either forage alone or in groups of five or six.
FAQs
Q: what eats lion cubs?
A: Lions are usually at the top of the food chain, but they do have predators. The main threats to lion cubs are other lions, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs. These animals often attack and kill lion cubs when given the opportunity. To protect their young from these predators, female lions will move their cubs to more secure locations or hide them away while they hunt for food. Female lions are extremely protective of their cubs and will fight off any potential threats to keep them safe.
Q: what do lions eat in the zoo?
A: In zoos, lions are fed a variety of animal proteins such as beef, chicken and fish. They may also be offered fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and squash. Additionally, they receive supplements such as vitamins and minerals to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health. To provide enrichment, zoo keepers often hide food around their habitat to keep them active and foraging.
Q: what animal do lions eat the most?
A: The wild ungulates that lions primarily hunt are antelope, deer, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. These animals make up the majority of their diets in the wild. Additionally, they may also consume smaller prey such as rodents and birds when available. In one study mentioned above, buffalos appear to be the most frequent prey of lions in some of Africa’s National Parks.
Q: What do lions eat besides meat?
A: Lions are obligate carnivores, meaning they primarily hunt and consume the flesh of other animals. However, they may occasionally snack on fruits and vegetables to supplement their diets. In addition, lions can also drink up to 10 liters of water a day. This helps them stay hydrated and provides essential nutrients for their bodies.
Q: what do lions eat for breakfast?
A: Lions do not have a set breakfast time or menu. In the wild, they feed when prey is available and hunt accordingly. When food is scarce, lions may go for days without eating and instead drink from water sources to stay hydrated. In captivity, zoo keepers typically feed lions at regular intervals throughout the day with pre-prepared meals of animal proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Q: How often do lions eat?
A: Lions typically consume food every few days, although this frequency may vary depending on the availability of prey. During times of scarcity, they can endure several days without eating and instead rely on water sources to stay hydrated. In captive environments, zoo keepers adhere to a schedule of providing lions with pre-prepared meals consisting of animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables throughout the day. It is believed that lions generally feed every three or four days, consuming an average of 5kg to 7kg of meat daily. However, they are capable of fasting for over a week and then devouring prey, consuming up to 50kg of meat in a single feeding session – an amount equivalent to almost a quarter of their own body weight.
Q: Do lions eat carcasses?
A: Yes, lions are scavengers and will often consume carcases left by other predators such as cheetahs or hyenas. Lions also take advantage of the opportunity to obtain free meals from carcases left behind by humans, although this is not a common occurrence in most parts of their range. In addition, they may occasionally hunt for smaller prey such as rodents and birds, which can provide another source of food.
Q: what do lions cubs eat?
A: Lion cubs typically start consuming meat when they reach the age of 5 to 7 months. Prior to that, their diet consists of milk from their mother and regurgitated food from other pride members. During this stage, they also supplement their diet with insects and small mammals for additional protein. As they mature, they gradually incorporate larger animals like antelope and deer into their diet until they are capable of hunting independently. Young cubs derive nourishment from their mother’s teats, which aids in their rapid growth. At around two to three months old, they also begin to consume meat using their small milk teeth, often referred to as their ‘baby teeth’.
Q: What animals eat lion carcasses?
A: Lions are at the top of the food chain, and it is rare for other animals to attempt to consume a lion’s carcass. However, in times of desperation, hyenas, leopards, vultures and jackals may be willing to feed on a dead lion. In some cases, scavenging wild dogs may even hunt small cubs when they are unable to find other sources of food. Additionally, in areas where humans hunt for bushmeat, lion carcasses may be harvested as a valuable source of protein. As scavengers, these animals also help keep the ecosystem balanced by consuming dead animal matter and providing essential nutrients back into the environment.
