* Large mammals: They hunted large herbivores like bison, horses, mammoths, mastodons, and giant sloths.
* Smaller prey: They also likely preyed on smaller animals like deer, antelope, and even birds, depending on availability.
* Carrion: Some species may have scavenged on carcasses, particularly during times of food scarcity.
Their long, curved canines were ideal for piercing the thick hides of their prey and delivering a fatal bite to the throat. The teeth also helped them to tear off chunks of flesh.
It's important to note that sabre-toothed cats are not a single species, but a group of extinct felids with similar characteristics. Different species likely had different dietary preferences based on their size, adaptations, and geographic range.