There is no single tooth count for every badger. The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is documented with 38 teeth, while an American badger source reports 34. Those figures belong to different species, so a reliable answer must name the badger first.
Eurasian badgers have small incisors, prominent canines and flattened molars, a combination described as suited to an omnivorous diet. American badgers also have pointed canines and sharp teeth, but the available wildlife sources emphasize their digging-based pursuit of prey rather than a specialized, tooth-by-tooth hunting mechanism.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How many teeth does a badger have?
“Badger” is a common name used for more than one species, and the reviewed sources do not support one universal dental count. Two commonly discussed species have different documented totals:
| Species | Reported total | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Eurasian badger (Meles meles) | 38 teeth | Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology; the retrieved page does not show a publication year. |
| American badger (Taxidea taxus) | 34 teeth | Badger.org; the retrieved page does not show a publication year and identifies four pointed canines. |
These are species-specific source claims, not a range that can be applied to every animal called a badger. If you are identifying a skull, checking the species is more useful than trying to match it to a generic “badger” number.
#1 Best Overall
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
The pages supplying the two counts do not provide publication years for those facts. They should therefore be read as anatomical descriptions from the named sources, not as dated population statistics or a measurement that changes from year to year.
The Eurasian badger’s dental formula, explained
Animal Diversity Web gives the Eurasian badger’s dental formula as I3/3, C1/1, P4/4, M1/2. Dental formulas count teeth on one side of the upper jaw and one side of the lower jaw. The numbers before and after each slash represent the upper and lower jaws respectively.
Reading each part of the formula
- I3/3: three incisors on each side of the upper jaw and three on each side of the lower jaw.
- C1/1: one canine on each side above and one on each side below.
- P4/4: four premolars on each side of both jaws.
- M1/2: one molar on each side of the upper jaw and two on each side of the lower jaw.
How that becomes 38
On one side, the upper jaw has 3 incisors + 1 canine + 4 premolars + 1 molar, for 9 teeth. The lower jaw has 3 incisors + 1 canine + 4 premolars + 2 molars, for 10. The same arrangement occurs on the other side: (9 + 10) × 2 = 38 teeth.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThis notation describes the normal complement reported for the species. It is not a statement that every individual you encounter will have every tooth visible; a damaged, worn or incomplete skull can show fewer teeth.
What do badger teeth look like?
The Eurasian badger description is concise but useful: Animal Diversity Web identifies small incisors, prominent canines and flattened molars. Those three visible categories give a better mental picture than the number alone.
Rank #2
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
Incisors
Incisors sit at the front of the mouth and are described as small in the Eurasian badger. Their relatively modest size fits an animal that does not rely on a single, highly specialized front-tooth function. A skull view may make the canines and rear teeth appear more conspicuous than the incisors.
Canines
Canines are the pointed teeth between the incisors and cheek teeth. They are described as prominent in Eurasian badgers. The American badger source at Badger.org specifically reports four pointed canines in that species. In either case, “prominent” or “pointed” describes shape and visibility; the sources do not provide a measured bite force or a detailed mechanical analysis.
Recommended Free Tools
Premolars and molars
The Eurasian badger’s molars are described as flattened. Premolars and molars are the cheek teeth behind the canines, where food is processed. The available description supports viewing the rear teeth as part of a general-purpose omnivore’s equipment, but it does not establish that one named tooth performs a particular crushing, shearing or grinding action.
Why this dentition fits an omnivorous lifestyle
The Eurasian badger source explicitly connects its small incisors, prominent canines and flattened molars with an omnivorous diet. In practical terms, an omnivore must handle foods that differ in texture and origin. A mixed set of front, pointed and flatter cheek teeth is consistent with that broad feeding role.
That connection should not be stretched into a claim that each tooth has a uniquely proven job. The evidence establishes the overall shape pattern and its association with omnivory, not a laboratory map of forces across every tooth.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
Diet also depends on species and local conditions. A badger photographed in Britain and one studied in the American Southwest may face very different food supplies, even though both are called badgers.
What Eurasian badgers eat
Badger Trust characterizes UK badgers as “opportunistic omnivores”, a phrase it attributes to Professor Tim Roper. The page identifies earthworms as a core food and describes the diet as extremely varied.
What “opportunistic” means here
An opportunistic feeder uses whatever suitable food is available rather than depending on one prey species or one plant. For a badger, that can mean shifting among invertebrates and other foods as seasons, soil conditions and local habitat change. The Badger Trust page includes estimates of earthworms’ importance, but the retrieved material does not provide a publication year for those figures, so they should not be presented as a dated nationwide statistic.
The Eurasian examples explain why a generalized statement such as “badgers eat only meat” is inaccurate. They also explain why a tooth set combining pointed canines with flattened molars is described as compatible with omnivory.
What American badgers eat
American badger diets in the cited U.S. sources are presented with a stronger emphasis on animal prey. The National Park Service’s Bandelier National Monument page, last updated April 28, 2025, lists small burrowing mammals including prairie dogs, ground squirrels and pocket gophers. It also notes rattlesnakes as a food source.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources lists rodents, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, snails, invertebrates and eggs of ground-nesting birds. It also says American badgers scavenge and may cache leftovers.
These lists describe regional wildlife information for the American badger; they are not a menu for every badger species. They do show why a 34-tooth American badger should not be treated as anatomically or ecologically interchangeable with the 38-tooth Eurasian badger.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do badgers use their teeth to catch prey?
Badgers certainly have teeth used in feeding, and the National Park Service mentions sharp teeth when describing the American badger. However, the cited sources do not detail a specific tooth mechanism for seizing, killing or cutting each type of prey. It is more accurate to say that teeth are part of the feeding apparatus than to assign an unsupported role to an individual canine or molar.
Digging is primarily a claw-powered behavior
American badgers locate much of their prey underground. The National Park Service describes long claws as the digging adaptation. That distinction matters: badgers do not dig tunnels with their teeth. Claws open the soil and expose burrowing mammals; the mouth then becomes relevant when food is handled and consumed.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why the distinction prevents a common mistake
A photograph of a badger showing sharp canines can tempt an observer to infer a dramatic specialized hunting technique. The evidence supports a narrower conclusion. American badgers are digging predators with sharp teeth and a varied prey diet, while the supplied sources stop short of explaining exactly how each tooth contributes during capture.
Best Value
- Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
- Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
- Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
- Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
- Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.
Eurasian and American badgers: the useful comparison
| Comparison point | Eurasian badger | American badger |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name used in the cited source | Meles meles | Taxidea taxus |
| Reported tooth count | 38, according to Animal Diversity Web | 34, according to Badger.org |
| Tooth details reported by the source | Small incisors, prominent canines and flattened molars | Four pointed canines; the National Park Service also notes sharp teeth |
| Feeding description in the cited regional sources | UK badgers are described by Badger Trust as opportunistic omnivores; earthworms are identified as a core food | U.S. sources list burrowing mammals, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, snails, invertebrates, bird eggs, carrion and cached leftovers |
| Digging information | The cited feeding page does not provide a tooth-mechanics description | The National Park Service identifies long claws as the digging adaptation |
The table is intentionally limited to the two species and regions covered by these sources. It is not a complete survey of every badger species or every population.
How to identify badger teeth in a skull or illustration
- Establish the species first. A count of 34 and a count of 38 can both be correct when they refer to different badgers.
- Separate the tooth classes. Look from the front backward: incisors, canine, premolars and molars. Do not count a broken socket as a missing normal tooth without checking the surrounding pattern.
- Use the Eurasian formula when appropriate. For Meles meles, check for the I3/3, C1/1, P4/4, M1/2 arrangement reported by Animal Diversity Web.
- Expect shape differences across the mouth. The Eurasian description calls the incisors small, the canines prominent and the molars flattened; a uniform row of identical-looking teeth would not match that description.
- Treat incomplete specimens cautiously. Wear, damage, age-related loss or an obstructed view can make a real set appear to have fewer teeth than the species’ documented complement.
Common misconceptions about badger dentition
“Every badger has 38 teeth.”
Not supported. Thirty-eight is the documented count for the Eurasian badger in Animal Diversity Web. The American badger source reports 34.
“Badgers are strictly carnivorous because they have canines.”
Canines do not determine the entire diet. Badger Trust describes UK badgers as opportunistic omnivores, and the Eurasian source links the complete dentition—including flattened molars—to omnivory.
“Badgers dig with their teeth.”
The National Park Service identifies long claws as the digging adaptation of the American badger. Teeth are involved in feeding, but the cited source does not describe them as digging tools.
“A sharp tooth proves a specific bite technique.”
The available sources mention pointed or sharp teeth but do not provide tooth-by-tooth capture mechanics, bite-force measurements or a validated shearing analysis. Shape alone cannot supply those missing measurements.
What the evidence can—and cannot—tell you
The strongest supported conclusions are straightforward: the Eurasian badger has a documented 38-tooth formula; the American badger source reports 34 teeth and four pointed canines; Eurasian teeth are described as small-incisored, prominent-canined and flat-molared; and diet varies by species and place.
The cited material does not establish a dated tooth-count statistic, a universal count for all badgers, a tooth-replacement schedule, a measured bite force, dental disease rates or a detailed mechanical role for each tooth. Keeping those boundaries visible prevents a plausible-sounding description from becoming an unsupported claim.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Sources for the species and feeding details
- Animal Diversity Web: Meles meles (Eurasian badger)
- Badger Trust: About UK Badgers and their fascinating lives—Feeding
- U.S. National Park Service: American Badger
- Badger.org: American Badger—Taxidea taxus
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Fish and Wildlife—Badger
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply