do omnivores need a balance between meat and non- meat?

Question

When we find that a badger, for example, eats fruits and grubs alongside small mammals, does this mean it is a case of either or, or would the creature die if its diet was unbalanced?

Answer 1

Whether a creature is a vegetarian, omnivore, or carnivore, all creatures do what they can to survive, usually by instinct (domesticated animals, such as pets and farm animals, rely on man to feed them and would most likely become emaciated, if given free rein; i.e., they may be able to find food, but not a lot of it, and, most likely, not suitable for them). Badgers, along with many other animals, are genetically predisposed to certain foods, though it doesn't mean they won't avail themselves of "goodies" that get thrown their way (e.g., bears in National Parks feasting on carelessly tossed tourist tidbits, or seagulls eating from trash).

Man, an omnivore, is the only creature that makes eating decisions based on externalities, such as money and advertising (i.e., why else would they spend $5 on a single cup of coffee worth less than 50 cents?).

Most creatures will eat only what is sufficient, and many will "take what they can get" if conditions are bad, such as in drought, floods, etc. Again, only man would find himself in trouble when long-term power failures or similar catastrophes occur, and, when there is no catastrophe, man often overeats, even though there is no reason to do so (i.e., "willpower" per se is not a problem with feral creatures). The lessons learned by so-called primitive civilizations (e.g., African tribesmen) could very well teach modern man a few things about proper dietary habits.

So, although there is no technical or bodily need to sustain a balance between any given type of food, all creatures achieve some balance to sustain them, although some definitely go overboard! ;)

P.S. I hope you will give me credit for doing your homework assignment! ;)

Answer 2

No dear, it wont die, neither would a human being die,
but the balanced diet is important in view of keeping up good
health and at the same time some exercise is important too.
When talking about non-veg, one should remain slow on red
meats, specially the white fat portion on the red meats and
the skin of chicken. Amongst seafood, fish is the best.
Other seafoods like shrimps, prawns, crabs, lobsters have
lot of cholesterol. Wish you have a healthy life!

Answer 3

It wouldn't die if it's diet isn't balanced. It can survive regardless if it's eating plants or meat. Just like humans, you won't die if you eat salads more than food with meat or the other way around.

Answer 4

Nope not necessary