Bears instinctively choose healthier diets than humans provide in captivity

A new study reveals that bears are omnivores, much like humans, despite often being fed high-protein diets in captivity. Researchers found that these animals instinctively choose foods that best support their health and survival. Giant pandas naturally prefer carbohydrate-rich bamboo stalks over protein-dense leaves. This aligns with their low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. Sloth bears, on the other hand, opt for fat-rich foods like avocados when given unlimited access, reflecting their low-protein, high-fat needs.

Grizzly bears thrive on a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, zoos often feed polar bears, brown bears, and sloth bears high-protein diets, which may harm them. Sloth bears in human care have been observed to die up to 20 years earlier than those in the wild, possibly due to excessive protein intake.

Professor Charles Robbins noted that bears seem to understand their dietary needs better than humans do. The study confirms that bears are not true carnivores, despite common assumptions. The findings suggest that current feeding practices in captivity may not align with the natural dietary preferences of bears. Adjusting diets to match their instinctive choices could improve their health and longevity in human care.