Daily:
* In the wild: A tiger needs about 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg) of meat per day. This can vary depending on their size, age, and activity level.
* In captivity: Zoos provide a more controlled diet, but tigers still need a substantial amount of meat. They typically eat about 5-7 pounds (2.2-3.2 kg) per day.
Types of Food:
* Wild prey: Tigers primarily hunt large ungulates (hoofed animals) like deer, wild pigs, buffalo, and sometimes even young elephants.
* Captive diet: Captive tigers are typically fed a mix of meat, including beef, horse meat, chicken, and sometimes organ meats.
Factors Affecting Food Needs:
* Size and Age: Larger and older tigers need more food.
* Activity Level: More active tigers need to consume more calories.
* Pregnancy and Lactation: Pregnant and lactating tigers require significantly more food to support their offspring.
Important Note: Tigers are carnivores and cannot survive on a vegetarian diet. Their bodies are designed to digest meat and obtain the essential nutrients they need from animal protein.