Firstly it is important to understand that food is metabolised and that produces the energy needed for bodily fuctionsThere could be a number of reasons for animals going a longer time without eating:1 - the animal may eat a larger amount at one time2- the animal may eat food hat is richer in energy than human food 3- the animal may lead a more sedentary lifestyle than humans, therefore expending less energy 4- the animal may have a slower metabolism than humans, therefore it uses up less energy from food when at rest