They primarily eat two types of bamboo:
1. Shoots: These are the young, tender shoots of bamboo plants, which are high in nutrients and easy to digest.
2. Leaves: As pandas mature, they consume more mature leaves, which are tougher and less nutritious.
While bamboo makes up the majority of their diet, they have been known to occasionally supplement with other foods, such as:
3. Small mammals: While rare, giant pandas may occasionally catch and eat small mammals, such as rodents.
It's important to note that giant pandas are herbivores and their digestive system is not well-suited for a varied diet. Their primary food source remains bamboo.