Capybaras are herbivores whose diet primarily consists of grasses and aquatic plants. An adult capybara can eat about 6 to 8 pounds (approximately 3 kg) of grass per day
. They also consume sedges, leaves, and other vegetation found near water sources. During the dry season, when fresh grasses and aquatic plants are scarce, capybaras switch to eating more reeds, grains, melons, squashes, and a greater variety of plants
. In addition to grasses, capybaras eat some fruits (like melons and oranges) and vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and pumpkin), but these should be given sparingly as their digestive systems are not adapted to high sugar intake from fruits
. They also practice coprophagy, meaning they eat their own feces to re-digest food and extract maximum nutrients, especially protein and vitamins
. Capybaras have strong teeth that grow continuously, enabling them to chew tough plant material like bark and grasses. Their diet is generally low in protein and high in fiber
. In captivity, their diet should include plenty of fresh grass or hay, supplemented with vitamin C since they cannot synthesize it naturally
. In summary, capybaras eat:
- Mainly grasses and aquatic plants
- Sedges and reeds (especially in dry seasons)
- Some fruits and vegetables (in moderation)
- Occasionally grains, melons, and squashes
- Their own feces for nutrient absorption
They avoid salty, spicy, sweetened, or high-fat foods, and should never be fed meat or chocolate
. This diet supports their herbivorous lifestyle and digestive needs in both wild and captive environments.
