Monkeys are members of the biological order primates. They are also classified informally as higher primates, or simians. Some monkey species are herbivorous, relying on a diet of leaves, grasses, and other plants. Others are omnivorous, eating fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, and other animal products. Some monkeys have specialized anatomy that allows them to digest hard-to-eat plant nutrients.
Monkeys can live for a very long time with good care and a nutritious diet. Some of them, however, can suffer from obesity and other health problems if fed junk food by their human owners. This is a result of the fact that their urban lifestyle causes them to spend much of their time sitting around and not working for their meals. Urban monkeys are therefore less muscular than their wild counterparts and more susceptible to heart disease and other conditions.
If you’re considering a monkey as a pet, you should know that some locations have banned the practice. Find out the laws in your area and make sure you work with a breeder who has a solid reputation and meets all local regulations.
A typical monkey diet consists of complex carbohydrates and a variety of different fruits. Ideally, you should choose foods that are naturally low in fat and avoid those with added oils and butter. Using a light salad dressing and opting for lean cuts of meat are some easy ways to keep your monkey’s fat intake down. The same goes for pizza — opting for a marinara-based sauce instead of a heavier cheese-based sauce will minimize the number of calories your monkey consumes.