This is the heartbreaking moment an emaciated tiger was spotted chewing on grass at a zoo in China.

Worried visitors noticed the skinny wildcat grazing on plants within its enclosure at Beijing Zoo in Xicheng District.

Footage shows the feline nibbling grass near a puddle inside its habitat on July 27.

The shocking sight led concerned onlookers to question whether the tiger was being starved and not properly cared for at the facility.

The establishment denied the allegations and clarified the tiger's condition.

A Beijing Zoo spokesperson said: 'The animals are fed according to strict breeding regulations, with diets tailored to each tiger's specific needs. All animals' weights remain within normal limits.'

Beijing Zoo, founded in 1906, is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country and is home to over 14,000 animals representing more than 950 species.

It is known for housing rare species including Bengal and Siberian tigers, though the zoo has not confirmed how many tigers are currently on site.

While tigers are strict carnivores, wildlife experts say they sometimes eat grass to aid digestion, relieve discomfort, or help purge indigestible material such as fur or bone.