Foxes readily consume cheese if it is accessible, a behavior rooted in their highly adaptable feeding strategy. These wild canids are classified as opportunistic omnivores, meaning they exploit any available food source to survive, especially near human habitation. While they may eat cheese, dairy products are not a natural part of their diet and pose distinct health risks.
Foxes as Opportunistic Eaters
Foxes naturally possess a broad and flexible diet that changes based on location and season. In wild environments, their diet consists primarily of small mammals such as mice, voles, and rabbits, which provide the necessary protein for their metabolism. They supplement this with invertebrates like insects and earthworms, along with seasonal fruits and berries.
This omnivorous nature allows them to thrive in diverse settings, including urban areas where natural prey may be less abundant. The urban fox adapts by incorporating household leftovers and discarded food scraps into its foraging routine. Their survival hinges on their ability to scavenge and consume anything they can successfully acquire.
Why Cheese Attracts Foxes
Cheese is particularly appealing to a fox due to its dense nutritional profile and strong olfactory signature. The high-fat content makes it a concentrated source of calories, which is highly desirable for any wild animal seeking energy efficiency. Scavengers are naturally drawn to calorie-rich foods that require minimal energy expenditure.
The fermentation and aging process in many cheeses creates volatile compounds, resulting in a potent aroma that their acute sense of smell easily detects. This strong scent makes discarded cheese an obvious target when a fox is rummaging through waste bins or compost heaps. Consequently, any accessible cheese is likely to be consumed by a foraging fox.
The Health Risks of Dairy for Foxes
Despite their willingness to eat it, cheese and other dairy products present several specific health concerns for foxes. Like most adult mammals, foxes are lactose intolerant because they lack sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose. Consuming cheese can therefore lead to significant digestive upset, including abdominal pain and severe diarrhea.
Furthermore, the high salt content commonly found in human-grade cheese is unsuitable for wildlife, whose diets are naturally low in sodium. Excessive salt intake can contribute to dehydration and potentially stress their renal system. The dense concentration of fat in cheese also provides unnecessary calories that can lead to obesity and other long-term health issues.
Preventing Foxes from Eating Human Food
The most effective way to protect a fox’s health is to eliminate its access to all human food sources, including cheese. Homeowners should use refuse bins with secure, locking lids or place them inside a secured structure like a shed or garage. This prevents foxes from easily knocking over containers and rummaging through the contents.
It is also important to remove any other potential food attractants from the yard or garden. This includes promptly cleaning up fallen fruit, ensuring pet food is not left outside overnight, and securing compost piles. These measures prevent the habituation of foxes to human environments and encourage them to rely on their natural foraging instincts.