So, you've managed to tame a Dire Wolf in Ark: Survival Evolved and now you've got a cute little baby Dire Wolf to take care of? Awesome! But, what do these furry little guys eat? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Understanding the dietary needs of baby Dire Wolves is crucial for ensuring their healthy growth and survival in the harsh world of Ark. You wouldn't want your new companion to go hungry, right? Let's dive into the specifics of feeding these adorable predators.

The Preferred Food: Raw Meat

Raw Meat is your best friend when raising a baby Dire Wolf. These little carnivores have a voracious appetite for it. Just like their adult counterparts, baby Dire Wolves thrive on a diet rich in protein. Forget about berries or plant-based foods – these guys are strictly meat-eaters! You might be thinking, "Okay, raw meat, got it!" But there's a little more to it than just tossing any old piece of meat their way. The quality of the raw meat can impact their growth and overall health. So, aim for the best you can get your hands on early on. Regular Raw Meat will do just fine, especially in the early stages. As they grow, you might want to consider upgrading to Raw Prime Meat for a more efficient and beneficial feeding experience. Obtaining Raw Meat is relatively straightforward. You can harvest it from various creatures you encounter throughout the Ark. Dodos, Lystrosaurus and other smaller, non-aggressive creatures are a good starting point, providing a steady supply of meat without too much risk. As you become more confident (and your baby Dire Wolf grows bigger), you can take on larger creatures like Parasaurolophus or Carbonemys for greater yields. Remember to be cautious and avoid dangerous predators like Raptors or Carnos early on, unless you're well-prepared for a fight. To effectively feed your baby Dire Wolf, place the Raw Meat in its inventory. As long as the baby has food in its inventory, it will automatically consume it as its hunger decreases. Monitoring their food level is important, especially during the early stages of their development, as they have a lower tolerance for starvation compared to adults. Regularly checking their inventory and replenishing their meat supply will ensure they grow up big and strong. Keeping a close eye on their health and food stats during this critical phase is essential for raising a healthy and happy Dire Wolf. So, stock up on that Raw Meat and get ready to be the best Dire Wolf parent ever!

Why Raw Prime Meat is a Great Choice

Once your baby Dire Wolf gets a bit bigger, consider switching to Raw Prime Meat if you can. Why? Because Raw Prime Meat provides significantly more food value compared to regular Raw Meat. This means your baby Dire Wolf will get fuller faster and stay full for longer, resulting in fewer feeding sessions and potentially faster growth. Think of it like this: Raw Meat is like a quick snack, while Raw Prime Meat is a hearty, fulfilling meal. Getting your hands on Raw Prime Meat can be a bit more challenging, though. It's typically harvested from larger, more dangerous creatures like Brontosauruses, Stegosauruses, or even Alphas. Taking down these creatures can be risky, so make sure you're well-equipped and prepared for a tough fight. A good strategy is to use a strong mount, such as a Carno or a Raptor, to help you take down these larger creatures. Alternatively, you can set up traps or use ranged weapons to safely harvest Raw Prime Meat from a distance. Remember to use a high-quality weapon or tool when harvesting the meat, as this can increase the amount of Raw Prime Meat you obtain from each creature. A high melee damage stat on your character or mount will also help to increase the yield. Once you've obtained your Raw Prime Meat, storing it properly is crucial. Raw Prime Meat spoils much faster than regular Raw Meat, so you'll need to preserve it to prevent it from going to waste. Refrigerators are ideal for storing Raw Prime Meat, as they significantly extend its spoil time. Alternatively, you can use Preserving Salt or a Preserving Bin to keep the meat fresh for longer, especially if you're on the go or don't have access to a refrigerator. Using a tamed creature with high weight capacity to carry the Raw Prime Meat can also help to reduce spoilage, as it can minimize the amount of time the meat spends in your inventory. While Raw Prime Meat is undoubtedly a superior food source for baby Dire Wolves, it's not always necessary to use it exclusively. Regular Raw Meat is still a viable option, especially during the early stages of their development or when Raw Prime Meat is scarce. However, if you have access to Raw Prime Meat, it's definitely worth using to give your baby Dire Wolf the best possible start in life. It will promote faster growth, better health, and a stronger bond between you and your furry companion. So, gear up, hunt those big creatures, and treat your baby Dire Wolf to a delicious and nutritious Raw Prime Meat feast!

Keeping Food in the Trough

As your baby Dire Wolf grows into an adolescent, you can start using a feeding trough. A feeding trough is a container that automatically distributes food to nearby creatures. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you have multiple baby dinos to care for. Instead of manually placing meat into each Dire Wolf's inventory, you can simply fill the trough and let them help themselves. It's like setting up a buffet for your growing pack! To use a feeding trough effectively, place it within a reasonable distance of your Dire Wolves. Make sure they can easily access the trough without getting stuck or wandering too far away. A good rule of thumb is to place the trough in the center of their enclosure, ensuring that all of them can reach it. When filling the trough, prioritize Raw Meat or Raw Prime Meat, depending on what you have available. The trough can hold a large quantity of food, so you can stock up and leave it unattended for a while, but remember to check it periodically to make sure it doesn't run out. The range of the feeding trough is something to keep in mind; creatures outside of its range will not be able to access the food. Also, be aware that other creatures, including wild dinos, can also eat from the trough if they can reach it. To prevent unwanted guests from stealing your Dire Wolves' food, make sure their enclosure is secure and well-protected. Building walls and fences around the trough can help to keep out intruders and ensure that only your Dire Wolves have access to the food. In addition to providing food, it's also important to keep the trough clean and free of spoiled meat. Spoiled meat can attract unwanted pests and potentially make your Dire Wolves sick. Regularly remove any spoiled meat from the trough and replace it with fresh supplies. This will help to maintain a healthy and hygienic environment for your growing pack. Automating the food supply to the feeding trough using methods such as a dedicated farming setup and a system for automatically transferring meat can greatly simplify the feeding process. Using a feeding trough is a convenient and efficient way to feed your adolescent Dire Wolves, allowing you to spend less time micromanaging their food and more time bonding with your furry companions. So, build a trough, stock it up with meat, and watch your Dire Wolves thrive!

Other Important Tips for Raising Baby Dire Wolves

Besides food, there are a few other things you should keep in mind when raising baby Dire Wolves. Imprinting is a crucial aspect of raising baby dinos in Ark. Imprinting involves performing specific actions, such as feeding, cuddling, or taking them for a walk, at regular intervals. These actions increase the baby's affinity towards you, resulting in a stronger bond and improved stats when they grow up. The imprinting process is time-sensitive, so you'll need to be diligent and attentive to your baby Dire Wolf's needs. Missing an imprinting opportunity can result in a lower imprinting percentage, which can negatively impact their stats. Be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to imprinting, especially during the early stages of their development. Keeping your baby Dire Wolf safe is also paramount. Baby dinos are vulnerable to predators and environmental hazards, so you'll need to provide them with a secure and comfortable environment. Building a sturdy enclosure with walls and a roof can help to protect them from wild dinos. You may also want to consider adding defensive structures, such as turrets or guard dinos, to deter potential threats. Environmental hazards, such as extreme temperatures, can also pose a risk to baby Dire Wolves. Provide them with shelter from the heat and cold, and make sure they have access to water to stay hydrated. Monitoring their health and intervening when necessary can help to prevent them from succumbing to these hazards. Socialization is another important aspect of raising baby Dire Wolves. Dire Wolves are pack animals, so it's beneficial to raise them in a group. This will help them to develop social skills and form bonds with their siblings. Allowing them to interact with other tamed dinos can also be beneficial, as it can help them to learn and adapt to different environments. Proper socialization can lead to a more well-adjusted and obedient Dire Wolf in the long run. Finally, be patient and understanding when raising baby Dire Wolves. They require a lot of attention and care, especially during the early stages of their development. There may be times when they're fussy or demanding, but remember that they're just babies learning to navigate the world. With patience, love, and dedication, you can raise a healthy, happy, and loyal Dire Wolf companion that will be by your side through thick and thin. So, embrace the challenges and joys of raising baby Dire Wolves, and enjoy the rewarding experience of watching them grow into magnificent creatures!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Feeding baby Dire Wolves in Ark: Survival Evolved is all about providing them with plenty of Raw Meat (or Raw Prime Meat if you can swing it), keeping an eye on their food levels, and utilizing a feeding trough as they grow. Don't forget about imprinting and keeping them safe, too! With a little bit of effort, you'll have a loyal and powerful Dire Wolf companion by your side in no time. Good luck, and happy taming!