Many people assume that small animals and critters live off of plants, nuts, and seeds. It’s true that many of them will eat these things as well, but you might be interested to learn that their diets will also include a little bit of meat. While some of these animals are well-known as both meat-eaters and foragers, other more docile creatures have eating habits that might surprise you. Let’s take a look at a few animals that are commonly considered omnivores.
1. Dogs
One of the better-known animals on this list is the dog. They have been bred based on their physical abilities for guarding and hunting. While they are more common now as household pets, they are capable and still used for other tasks from time to time. They have existed for thousands of years and come in many forms and sizes due to selective breeding. They closely resemble wolfs because they come from the grey wolf genome. Not a lot of people understand that dogs are actually omnivores and can eat a lot of things including vegetables and fruits, so feeding it a balanced diet filled with nutritious meats and vegetables will help keep the animal healthy and agile.
2. Mice
Rodents like mice are found almost anywhere and are very small. They have a decent amount of fur on their bodies, which can vary depending upon the species. They have a small tail that is usually brown in color and have small eyes. They love to explore in the night due to their nocturnal nature and live in small holes or any tight spaces they can find. Since they are so commonly found where humans are living, their diet adapts to their environment, and as a result, they have been classified as omnivores. They feed on anything it can lay their small hands on, like grains, insects, earthworms, small plants, etc.
3. Raccoons
Raccoons are animals that are mostly found in the continents of North America and South America. They are medium-sized animals, with small legs and have a striking resemblance to a panda with dark circles around their eyes which also make them look like bandits, and have multiple black furs in the shape of rings around its tail. Like the mice, they can adapt to their surroundings and also live in areas highly populated by humans. Raccoons are omnivores, as they consume small insects, nuts, fruits, eggs, etc., and are mostly found foraging around in garbage cans looking for things to eat, as a result, they have been known to be a nuisance.
4. Skunks
Skunks are a well-known species largely located throughout North America. They are very furry and small in size with a visible white stripe going across their back. They’re adorable, but don’t be fooled by their harmless appearance. They defend themselves by having a smelly liquid spray at their disposal if they are threatened in any way. Skunks like to live in small spaces like burrowed holes in forests, deserts, rocks, etc., and they’re omnivores as their diets consist of various small insects, fruit, worms, and various aquatic animals like fish.
5. Pigs
Pigs are widely known for being domestic farm animals that are either raised for meat or as pets. But there are also wild pigs like boars. Pigs mostly existed in Europe, Asian, and African countries until they were brought in to the western hemisphere. They have an odd, circular-shaped nose and long erect ears. While domesticated pigs possess small hairs on their body, wild boars have larger hairs and are packed with fat. Pigs are very much omnivores and are known to feed on various things like small animals, fruits, corn, leaves, etc.
6. Squirrels
Squirrels are very small animals that mostly live in trees, which is where they build their nests. There are many kinds of squirrels, and they’re found all over the world. They have a fur coat wrapped around their tiny body and very small feet and hands. But they have incredibly sharp teeth to chew through hard substances. Contrary to popular belief, they are omnivorous and have been seen feeding on fungi, insects, nuts, eggs, and fruits.
