Rhinos are herbivores that eat mainly vegetation. They spend most of their time browsing and grazing through their natural habitat in search of plants and grasses to eat. The specific types of food that each of the species eats depend upon their habitat and location. Rhinos are one of the few remaining megaherbivores, which are plant-eaters that weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

In terms of dietary habits, rhino species fall into one of two categories. Grazers keep their heads down and primarily feed on grasses with a preference for shorter grasses. Indian and white rhinos are both classified as grazers. Black, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos all fall into the category of browsers. Rather than feed on grasses, they instead focus their attention on food that’s above eye level — with preferences including twigs, fruit, and leaves.

Despite the variety of their diets, rhinos do have taste preferences — and a sweet tooth in particular — a fact that’s evidenced by the fact that they’ve been known to destroy farmland in pursuit of fruits. Browsers will graze and vice versa when necessary, and most species will resort to eating roots and bark when opportunities are scarce. Roots also offer hydration during dry seasons and droughts.

In the wild, rhinos primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits. However, their diet can vary depending on the species and food availability in their habitat. For example, white rhinos have evolved to have square lips, ideal for feeding on long, soft grasses. Black rhinos have a pointy upper lip that makes it easy for them to tear leaves, fruit, and branches from trees, and also pick them up from the ground. The time of year is another important factor in a rhino’s diet. During the rainy season, when greenery is abundant, rhinos might eat more than they would during the dry season.

Rhinos are considered grazers because they will eat constantly throughout the day, rather than having set meals. White rhinos can go up to five days without drinking, because they get some moisture from the grass they eat. Rhinos in zoos are fed a diet that consists mainly of soy and alfalfa. Although they can digest both of these, they prefer to eat hay and grass.

In summary, rhinos eat a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, twigs, fruits, and bark. The specific types of food that each species eats depend on their habitat and location. Grazers primarily feed on grasses, while browsers focus on food that’s above eye level. Rhinos are considered grazers because they eat constantly throughout the day, rather than having set meals.