Ostrich Diet Explained: What Ostriches Eat in Wild & Captivity

Ostriches are omnivorous birds with a primarily plant-based diet. In the wild, they consume grasses, seeds, shrubs, flowers, and occasionally insects or small reptiles. Captive ostriches typically eat specialized pellets supplemented with fresh vegetation, grains, and necessary minerals.

Ever wondered what sustains the world's largest bird through the harsh African savannas? Understanding what food does an ostrich eat reveals fascinating adaptations that allow these flightless giants to thrive where other animals struggle. This comprehensive guide delivers scientifically accurate information about ostrich feeding habits, digestive capabilities, and nutritional requirements—whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, potential ostrich farmer, or simply curious about these remarkable birds.

How Ostriches Eat Without Teeth: A Digestive Marvel

Unlike most animals, ostriches lack teeth entirely. Instead, they've evolved an extraordinary digestive system perfectly adapted to their environment. When foraging, ostriches swallow small stones called gastroliths that accumulate in their muscular gizzard. These stones act like natural millstones, grinding tough plant material into digestible particles.

This adaptation allows ostriches to process fibrous vegetation that would be indigestible to many other species. Their digestive tract is exceptionally long—nearly 14 meters—providing ample time to extract maximum nutrients from sparse food sources. This efficiency explains how ostriches survive in arid regions where water and food can be scarce for extended periods.

Wild Ostrich Diet: Nature's Perfect Balance

In their natural habitat across African grasslands and savannas, ostriches maintain a diverse, seasonally-adjusted diet that includes:

• Grasses and forbs - Making up 60-80% of their diet, especially during rainy seasons
• Seeds and grains - Critical protein source during dry periods
• Flowers and shrubs - Provide essential vitamins and moisture
• Insects and small reptiles - Occasional protein supplements (5-10% of diet)
• Mineral-rich soil - Consumed to obtain necessary trace elements

Remarkably, ostriches can survive weeks without drinking water, obtaining necessary moisture from the plants they consume. Their specialized kidneys concentrate urine efficiently, conserving precious water resources—a crucial adaptation for life in arid environments.

Captive Ostrich Nutrition: Meeting Farm Requirements

Commercial ostrich farms follow strict nutritional protocols to ensure optimal health and growth. The USDA Agricultural Research Service recommends:

Life Stage	Protein Requirement	Primary Feed Components	Special Considerations
Chicks (0-3 months)	22-24%	Specialized starter pellets, chopped greens	Requires higher calcium for bone development
Growers (3-10 months)	18-20%	Growth pellets, fresh vegetation	Needs increased fiber for digestive development
Adults (10+ months)	14-16%	Finisher pellets, hay, mineral supplements	Requires consistent access to gastroliths

Commercial ostrich feed typically contains:

• Base grains (corn, wheat, barley)
• Protein supplements (soybean meal, alfalfa)
• Vitamin and mineral premixes
• Digestive aids (probiotics, enzymes)

Key Nutritional Requirements for Optimal Health

Research from the Smithsonian National Zoo reveals that ostriches require specific nutrients that differ significantly from other poultry:

• Vitamin A - Critical for vision and immune function; obtained from dark leafy greens
• Calcium - Essential for eggshell formation; requires 2-3 times more than chickens
• Selenium - Vital antioxidant; naturally scarce in many commercial feeds
• Gastroliths - Must be provided continuously for proper digestion

Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to serious health issues including weak eggshells, poor growth rates, and compromised immune systems. Many commercial ostrich operations supplement standard feed with fresh vegetation, particularly during breeding season when nutritional demands increase.

Common Misconceptions About Ostrich Diets

Several myths persist about ostrich feeding habits that deserve clarification:

• "Ostriches eat anything, including metal" - While they do swallow stones for digestion, they don't intentionally consume metal objects
• "Ostriches bury their heads in sand to eat" - They lower heads to check ground temperature or forage, not to "bury" them
• "Ostriches need constant water access" - They can survive weeks without drinking, obtaining moisture from plants
• "Ostriches are strictly herbivores" - They occasionally consume insects and small animals for protein

Practical Feeding Guidelines for Ostrich Caretakers

Whether managing a conservation project or commercial farm, these evidence-based practices ensure proper ostrich nutrition:

• Provide continuous access to appropriate-sized gastroliths (pebble-sized stones)
• Rotate feeding areas to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup
• Supplement commercial feed with fresh greens during breeding season
• Monitor body condition regularly; adjust feed based on activity level and climate
• Ensure clean water is available, even though they can survive without it for extended periods

Remember that ostrich nutritional needs change dramatically throughout their lifecycle. Chicks require significantly higher protein levels than adults, while breeding females need increased calcium. Seasonal variations also affect dietary requirements—during dry seasons, supplemental feeding becomes critical as natural vegetation diminishes.

Environmental Impact on Ostrich Feeding Behavior

The International Union for Conservation of Nature notes that ostrich feeding patterns directly correlate with environmental conditions:

• In arid regions, ostriches travel farther daily to find sufficient food and water
• During rainy seasons, they consume more fresh grasses and flowers
• In drought conditions, they increase consumption of seeds and dry vegetation
• Temperature extremes affect metabolic rate and thus food requirements

This environmental adaptability explains why ostriches thrive across diverse African ecosystems—from the Kalahari Desert to East African savannas. Their flexible feeding strategy serves as a model for sustainable land use, as they help disperse seeds through their droppings while maintaining grassland health through controlled grazing.

What vegetables can ostriches eat?

Ostriches can safely consume leafy greens like spinach and kale, root vegetables including carrots and beets, and various squash varieties. However, avoid feeding them avocado, onion, or garlic, which can be toxic. Commercial ostrich operations typically provide a controlled mix of fresh vegetables as dietary supplements, particularly during breeding season when additional nutrients are required.

How much food does an adult ostrich eat daily?

An adult ostrich typically consumes 3-5 pounds (1.4-2.3 kg) of food daily. This amount varies based on age, reproductive status, and environmental conditions. During breeding season or in colder climates, their intake may increase by 20-30% to meet higher energy demands. Commercial farms carefully monitor feed consumption to ensure optimal growth rates and health.

Do ostriches need water every day?

No, ostriches can survive weeks without drinking water by obtaining moisture from the plants they consume. However, when water is available, they'll drink regularly. In captivity, providing consistent access to clean water supports optimal digestion and overall health, even though they don't require daily consumption like many other animals.

Can ostriches eat meat?

While primarily herbivorous, ostriches occasionally consume insects, small reptiles, and other protein sources in the wild, making them technically omnivores. However, they don't actively hunt or require meat in their diet. In captivity, they thrive on plant-based diets supplemented with appropriate protein sources in their commercial feed.

Why do ostriches swallow stones?

Ostriches swallow small stones called gastroliths to aid digestion since they lack teeth. These stones accumulate in their muscular gizzard and help grind tough plant material into digestible particles. They continuously replace these stones as they become worn down, ensuring efficient mechanical digestion of fibrous vegetation that forms the bulk of their diet.