2. Any animal belonging to the order Carnivora, which includes predominantly flesh-eating mammals; such as, dogs, cats, bears, wolves, and weasels.
3. Any flesh-eating predatory organism; such as, a bird of prey or insectivorous plants: Venus-flytrap, pitcher plant, sundew, and butterwort; among others.
True carnivores are not the same as omnivores
True carnivores are animals that subsist on a diet consisting of meat. They may consume other products presented to them, especially animal products like cheese and bone marrow, or sweet sugary substances like honey and syrup; however, as these products are not essential to their existence, they do not need to consume them on a regular basis.
It's also said that true carnivores lack the physiology required for the efficient digestion of vegetable matter, and in fact some carnivorous mammals eat vegetation specifically as an emetic (vomiting) or forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach.
Carnivores anticipating their next meal of flesh
I'm ready for prime stuff; not just the weak, sickly, or the lame.
A special article about carnivorous plants.
2. An obligate, or true carnivore, is an animal that subsists on a diet consisting almost exclusively of meat.
They may consume other products presented to them, especially animal products like cheese and bone marrow or sweet sugary substances like honey and syrup; but, as these items are not essential they do not consume them on a regular basis.
True carnivores lack the physiology required for efficient digestion of vegetable matter; in fact, some carnivorous mammals eat vegetation matter specifically just as an emetic (for vomiting).
3. An animal that by its genetic makeup must eat the tissue of other animals in order to thrive.
Obligate carnivores may eat other foods; such as, vegetables, grains, or fruit, but they must eat meat as the main source for their nutrients.