How to Choose Food for an Ostrich

Animal experts are still studying ostriches to determine the best diet for them, but there are certain nutrients that we know ostriches need. In addition, commercially prepared foods are now available to take some of the guesswork out of feeding an ostrich.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercially prepared ostrich food, grass or alfalfa pellets, sand or grit.
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Buy commercial ostrich feed. Such feed is available from a number of dealers in major cities or online. This type of food will supply an ostrich most of its nutritional needs.

    • 2

      In the wild, ostriches eat both plants and animals. To supplement the commercially prepared ostrich feed, provide your ostrich with the opportunity to eat grass, seeds or tree leaves or, alternatively, offer him or her alfalfa pellets. Ostriches enjoy eating small animals such as lizards. They also enjoy insects such as grasshoppers and locusts.

    • 3

      Ostriches need grit (sand or gravel) to help them grind up food in their gizzard. You can find commercial grit preparations provided on a free access basis.

    • 4

      Ostriches do not need to drink water because they absorb it from the food they eat, but they will drink water if you provide it for them.