Hippopotamus dietary management in zoos requires attention to the species specialized herbivore digestive physiology that differs from most other large zoo mammals.
Hippo dietary welfare in zoo settings reflects the challenge of providing grass-based nutrition in facilities that may not grow sufficient grass for large animals. High-fruit and vegetable diets cause digestive upset and obesity in animals whose digestive systems evolved for high-fiber grass fermentation. Best practice feeds primarily grass hay with controlled fruit enrichment, avoiding the enrichment trap where treats provided for behavioral benefit compromise nutritional welfare. Regular dental monitoring detects wear abnormalities before they cause feeding difficulty and chronic pain.