No, hippos are not carnivores. They are herbivores that mainly eat grass. While they’ve occasionally been seen eating meat, it’s extremely rare and not typical of their natural diet. Hippos don’t hunt, and their bodies aren’t built for digesting animal flesh.
So, What Do Hippos Usually Eat?
Hippos feed almost exclusively on short grasses, grazing at night for several hours. An adult hippo can eat up to 35 kg (77 lb) of vegetation in one night. They may also nibble on leaves or fallen fruit, but grass is by far their primary source of food.
Their digestive system is designed for processing plant matter, and their large molars are perfect for grinding it down.
Why Do Some People Think Hippos Are Carnivores?
It’s easy to see why. Hippos have:
- Huge, tusk-like teeth
- Extremely powerful jaws
- A reputation for aggression
But those features aren’t for eating meat—they’re used for defense and fighting, especially between males.
Do Hippos Ever Eat Meat?
Yes, but it’s very rare. Hippos have been observed eating dead animals—sometimes even other hippos. These cases are unusual and may happen due to:
- Severe drought or food scarcity
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Stress or confusion in disrupted habitats
Importantly, hippos don’t hunt other animals, and they can’t digest meat efficiently. Scientists believe this behavior is opportunistic, not predatory.
Are Hippos Omnivores Then?
Still no. Despite rare instances of meat-eating, hippos are not classified as omnivores. Their teeth, stomach, and overall biology are all adapted for a plant-based diet.
This is similar to how cows or deer might occasionally chew on a bone or carcass, but they’re still considered herbivores.
Final Thoughts
While hippos may act like predators in how they defend their territory or behave aggressively, they don’t eat meat as a rule. Their diet is almost entirely plant-based, and that’s how they’ve evolved to survive.
✅ Bottom line:
Hippos are herbivores, not carnivores. Rare cases of meat-eating do not change their classification.
