What Do Giraffes Eat?

Giraffes, as browsers, primarily feed on new, tender shoots and leaves of trees, with a particular fondness for the thorny acacia tree. They use their long necks to browse foliage that is as high as 6 meters (20 feet) off the ground. This ability to reach tall branches gives them access to food sources that are unavailable to other herbivores, reducing competition for food. Their long neck and legs make it difficult to graze, although they might eat grass occasionally. Female giraffes tend to favor a high-nutrient, low-fiber diet.

These animals are prodigious eaters, and a large male consumes about 65 kg (145 pounds) of food per day. The tongue and inside of the mouth are coated with tough tissue as protection. The giraffe grasps leaves with its prehensile lips or tongue (which can be almost half a meter long) and pulls them into the mouth. This adaptation is particularly useful when dealing with thorny branches, as it allows giraffes to navigate around the thorns and access the nutritious leaves. If the foliage is not thorny, the giraffe “combs” leaves from the stem by pulling it across the lower canine and incisor teeth.

Giraffes obtain most water from their food, though in the dry season they drink at least every three days. They must spread their forelegs apart to lower their head to the ground. The ability to derive water from their diet is crucial for survival in their often arid habitats, where water sources can be scarce.