The digestive system of the fennec fox is characterized as similar to that of other carnivores (Dempsey et al., 2009). They also share the same dentition with the other Vulpes in its genus. In total, the fennec fox has 42 teeth that are made up of 4 reduced canine teeth that they use to puncture and bite prey with. They also have 4 reduced carnassials which allows them to “grind” their food down better (McRee, Wire Fox Terrier Association). They also have molars and incisor teeth that allows them to further break down food before swallowing.
After their food is masticated and swallowed, it begins its way down the upper gastrointestinal tract. When the fennec fox has swallowed its bite, that food begins to make its way down their esophogus, a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is made up of smooth muscles that contract after swallowing to push the masticated food down towards the stomach. The stomach is the main part of digestion, due to its high acidity levels and its ability to secrete digestive juices, it is the perfect place for food to be broken down and nutrients to be extracted. Food is mainly broken down due to the “contraction” of the smooth stomach muscles, this moves the food around in the stomach so that the chemicals released (such as hydrochloric acids and pepsin) can continue to digest the food. This process occurs for about 20 minutes, until the food is “partially-digested.” From the stomach, the food then makes its way to the small intestine in small “waves.” This is so that the food can continue to be digested, but that also any nutrients released during digestion can be taken up by the small intestine. The nutrient absorption is due to the microvilli that cover the small intestines, when nutrients are released they uptake them and deliver them into the blood. This is achieved in three different parts of the small intestine.
The first is the bicarbonate-rich duodenum, due to the high amount of bicarbonate, the chemicals carried over from the small intestine are neutralized. It is here where fatty acids are absorbed. Next, the food goes to the jejunum where carbohydrates and amino acids are absorbed through the lining of the small intestine. Finally, there is the ileum where vitamins are absorbed and carried into the bloodstream. After the nutrients have been absorbed, the remaining waste is carried into the large intestine where any water that is left in the waste is absorbed until it reaches the rectum of the fennec fox until they deficate to remove the waste (Lumen Learning).