Well known animal behaviorist Fred Provenza presents his research on animal food choices, and his theory on how similar choices can improve human health in “Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us About Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom.”

He focuses on the inherent nutritional wisdom of animals. Provenza has spent years studying animals and their nutritional choices – all the way down to the cellular level – researching the resulting impact on their health. He determined that animals will eat foods their bodies need and it can be animal specific. These food choices can also vary from day to day. As a result, he calls into question human choices of food, and what we could be doing differently to promote our own health and wellbeing.

Temple Grandin, who wrote “Temple Grandin’s Guide to Working with Farm Animals” said the following about Provenza’s book: “In Nourishment, a wise observer of the land and the animals becomes transformed to learn the meaning of life. Fred Provenza’s reflections on his long, fruitful career in behavior-based management of landscapes include his joy in observing the natural world around him.”

Fred Provenza is professor emeritus of Behavioral Ecology in the Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University. He is a distinguished figure in the field of animal behavior, particularly in the areas of animal nutrition, foraging behavior, and the interactions between plants and animals. Throughout his career, Provenza has made significant contributions to our understanding of how animals select and consume food, as well as how their choices can influence their health and overall well-being.

Provenza’s research has focused on the complex interactions between animals and their environment, with an emphasis on how animals learn to make dietary choices that optimize their nutrition. His work has challenged traditional views of animal feeding behavior by highlighting the role of learning, memory, and social interactions in shaping dietary preferences. One of his notable contributions is the concept of “nutritional wisdom,” which suggests that animals possess an innate ability to select foods that provide the nutrients they need.

His studies have spanned a wide range of animal species, including domestic livestock, wildlife, and even humans. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed Provenza to draw connections between animal behavior, ecology, and agriculture. He has also investigated the effects of plant secondary compounds on animal foraging choices, shedding light on how animals can adapt their preferences to changing environmental conditions.

Fred Provenza’s career includes numerous publications in scientific journals, books, and collaborative projects. His book “Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom” is particularly influential and has garnered attention beyond the scientific community due to its implications for human nutrition and agriculture. He has also been involved in teaching and mentoring, shaping the perspectives of future researchers and practitioners in the field of animal behavior and nutrition.

Overall, Provenza’s career is characterized by his innovative thinking, his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, and his dedication to exploring the intricate relationships between animals, plants, and their environment. His work has not only advanced our understanding of animal behavior but has also inspired new approaches to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and human nutrition.

“Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom” is available on Amazon and other stores where books are sold including https://bookstore.acresusa.com/.