What Do Pteranodons Eat in ARK

ARK Dinos

Pteranodons in ARK Survival Evolved servers are one of the first flyers most survivors rely on. They are fast, easy to move around with, and perfect for scouting, supply runs, and learning the map without committing to bigger tames.

If you just want the short answer: Pteranodons are carnivores. They eat meat, and they tame best on the right kibble or high-quality meat.

TIP

How To Get Fiber in ARK

Finding the Pteranodon

You will usually spot Pteranodons in open areas where they have room to land and take off. Beaches and wide, flat stretches are common, but you will also see them near treelines and along coastlines.

They spook easily. If you sprint straight at one, it often takes off, circles, and lands farther away. A slow approach helps, and it is usually easier to wait until it lands before you commit.

Effective Taming Strategies

Pteranodons are fragile compared to many other dinos, so the goal is control, not damage.

• Here is a simple, reliable approach:
• Restrain first: use a Bola when it lands so it cannot escape.
• Sedate carefully: use tranquilizer darts or arrows, aiming for the body. Avoid overdoing it, because low health tames can die from extra hits.
• Keep it asleep: watch torpor and use Narcotics or Narcoberries if needed until taming finishes.

Optimal Diet for Your Pteranodon

Pteranodons are carnivores, so their food is meat-based.

For taming, these are the practical tiers:
- Best choice: Regular Kibble.
- Strong alternatives: Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat, especially if you do not have kibble ready.
- Common options: Raw Meat and Fish Meat work, but taming is slower and less efficient.

After the tame, keeping meat in its inventory or a feeding trough is enough for day-to-day use.

TIP

How to Get Obsidian in ARK

Breeding for better flyers

Breeding is the long game if you want a Pteranodon line with better stats for stamina, weight, or travel.

• Put one male and one female in a safe enclosure.
• Enable mating and stay nearby until the egg drops.
• Incubate the egg by keeping it warm and stable until it is ready to hatch.
• When it hatches, keep meat available and watch the early stages closely. A feeding trough helps once it can eat from it reliably.

Raising times vary by server settings. On default-style rates it can take a while, so do not start a breeding run unless you have time to keep the baby fed and protected.

Equipping and riding your flyer

Once tamed, you will need a saddle to ride it. The Pteranodon Saddle unlocks at survivor level 38.

Common materials needed:

• 230 Hide
• 125 Fiber
• 75 Chitin, Keratin, or Shell Fragments

After you craft and equip the saddle, you can start using the Pteranodon for fast travel, scouting, and quick supply runs.

FAQ

What do Pteranodons eat in ARK?

Pteranodons are carnivores. they eat meat, including raw meat and raw fish meat.

What’s the best food to tame a Pteranodon?

Higher-quality meat (and kibble if you have it) tames faster than basic raw meat. Bring plenty to avoid running out mid-tame.

What do you feed a tamed Pteranodon to keep it alive?

Keep raw meat (or raw fish) in its inventory. A feeding trough near your base makes upkeep easier.

How do you knock out a Pteranodon safely?

Use tranq arrows/darts and avoid over-damaging it. Pteranodons are fragile, so use a weaker weapon and aim carefully.

Why won’t my Pteranodon eat?

It may already be full, may not have the right food in inventory, or it could be stressed by combat/unsafe conditions during taming.

Do baby Pteranodons eat the same food?

Yes, they grow on meat as well. Keep food stocked continuously during the early growth stages.

Result

Pteranodons prefer Regular Kibble, crafted from eggs, cooked jerky, vegetables, and fiber, which ensures fast and effective taming. Alternatives like Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat also work efficiently, while basic meats (Raw Meat and Raw Fish Meat) prolong taming and reduce effectiveness.

Enjoyed reading the guide? Visit our Blog section and learn even more exciting things about your favorite games! Play together with GODLIKE.