Animal food
Each species have different needs regarding food. This saction is dedicated to articles on animal nutrition and learning everything about feeding your pet, whether they are completely healthy or require a specific diet due to nutritional needs derived from illness or medical issues. AnimalWised brings all the opinions of different experts together when it comes to commerial amounts, homemade diets and even special treats!
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Parrots are one of the most popular companion birds for humans. Many people have a very specific bird in mind when they think of a parrot, but it is important to remember that the term ‘parrot’ actually refers to almost 400 different species of birds in the Psittaciformes order. In fact, if you are thinking...
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When choosing what to feed our cat, wet food is one of the most popular options. This is because not only do cats enjoy wet cat food more than dry food but wet food tends to be a healthier option too. Nevertheless, it's important we know which brands are truly healthy for our cats.
In this AnimalWised...
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Some dogs will wolf down their food in a matter of seconds. They'll do the same to our food if given half the chance. Although not all dogs are greedy, the vast majority will have a healthy appetite. Many are not able to portion control very easily, which is why we need to spread their meals throughout...
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Are you thinking of adopting a pet rat? These rodents are intelligent, affectionate, charming and playful, making them the perfect companion pet. When adopting a pet rat we need to understand how to care for them. One of the most important aspects of their care is the proper rat diet.
In this AnimalWised...
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Guava is a tropical fruit that is native to the Americas and comes from the tree of the same name. Ripe guava is characterized by having a partially rounded shape, similar to that of a pear or a lemon. Its skin color ranges between greenish and yellowish, but its flesh is a contrasting bright pink color. It...
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Hailing from North America, zucchini is a versatile summer squash beloved by humans and, fortunately, safe for dogs to enjoy in moderation. This summer squash, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family alongside pumpkins, offers a wealth of health benefits for both humans and canines. Packed with essential...
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Hedgehogs are adorable wild animals. Nowadays, they can also be domestic pets. However, many hedgehog companions ask themselves what pet hedgehogs eat.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what hedgehogs eat. We'll go through their nutrition and complete food list.
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Is your dog only eating once per day? You may be asking yourself if that's normal or even healthy. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain why your dog only eats once a day.
We'll also tell you how much a dog should be eating as they grow from puppies to adults and how many meals per day...
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Different cats will have different appetites according to their individual medical picture. When our cat does not eat at all, it is usually due to a serious health problem which causes them a loss of appetite. For example, most will be unable to eat when in extreme pain. However, it is also possible...
Cats in the wild feed on small prey such as rodents, birds or lizards. As relatively small predators, they need to hunt and eat at regular intervals. As cats have become domesticated, they have adapted to having their food provided for them. It doesn't mean their hunting instinct has gone away, but they know...
There are many different types of cat food available. We are not only referring to brands on the commercial market. Homemade food, for example, is becoming more popular among feline guardians. The amount of options can make us more confused than should be the case. For some of us, the variety can make it...
In cats, anorexia is a nonspecific symptom that can be associated with various medical conditions and pathologies. Similar to anorexia in humans, feline anorexia results from the cat not eating, leading to significant weight loss. Anorexia will progressively weaken the cat, with serious consequences for their...
Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally produced in a dog's body. It has been linked to various functions, with a possibility it is beneficial to building articular cartilage. Its use as a supplement has led it to be incorporated into dog food specialized for dogs with joint and bone problems. These include...
Throughout history, apple cider vinegar has been used in medicine as a popular remedy. It has healthy properties that are beneficial not only for humans but also for cats. Apple cider vinegar is a safe and non-toxic food for cats when administered in the right dose and in the right way.
In this AnimalWised...
Papayas (Carica papaya) are tropical fruits also known as papaws or pawpaws. Native to Central America, these fruits have become very popular around the world because of their sweet taste, bright color, and a number of health benefits. Because of the high nutritional value of this tropical fruit in the...
Most dogs have a diet based on dry food, also known as kibble. There are many practical reasons why this is the case. Dry food is relatively inexpensive, it is convenient, it does not require preparation time and a good quality dry food should meet your dog's nutritional and dietary needs. Dry food needs...
Decreased appetite (hyporexia) or complete absence of appetite (anorexia) is a clinical sign that can appear relatively frequently in older dogs. The reasons are varied, but can be due to pathological, psychological or neurological causes. Generally speaking, senior dogs have less physical resistance...
Mushrooms are a large and diverse group of fungi. Some mushrooms are very tasty and nutritious, while others are deadly poisonous. Therefore, it is important that you know which mushrooms are which. Fortunately, store-bought mushrooms are safe for people and dogs, and they are a good source of fiber,...
Felines are obligate carnivores. In the wild, cats are capable of obtaining all their essential nutrients from their prey. In the domestic environment, it is their caregivers who need to provide the right diet to meet their nutritional needs. Commercial feed is formulated in such a way as to ensure these needs...
The dog probiotic market has evolved dramatically, with pet parents now having access to sophisticated formulations that combine multiple bacterial strains, prebiotics, and digestive support ingredients. With CFU counts ranging from 1-10 billion and prices varying significantly, choosing the right probiotic...
Tooth loss is relatively common in older dogs, especially when their oral health and hygiene have not been well maintained throughout their lives. A dog may still have some teeth, but even some tooth loss can make eating difficult. If a dog loses their canines, they can have difficulty tearing tough...
Iron in cats, just like in humans, is a very important mineral for the proper functioning of the body. When iron is deficient, red blood cells do not develop as they should. When there is not enough iron in the bone marrow, the cells produced are too small and their capacity to carry oxygen is too low....
Blackberries are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural pigments that are sometimes described as a ‘superfood’ for humans. They make a great supplement to almost any meal of the day. Unfortunately, not all food that is beneficial to humans provides the same benefits to our dogs. This is because...
As summer approaches, we often look for watery and refreshing fruits to help cool us down. One of the most popular summer fruits is watermelon, an ancient fruit believed to have been first domesticated in northeast Africa over 4,000 years ago. This large, round fruit has a green rind and bright red flesh,...
For humans, cherries are not only delicious fresh, but they can be consumed in various ways. Whether dried or as a maraschino cherry, they can be consumed on their own or as a part of various dishes. When eaten fresh, cherries can be nutritious as they contain various beneficial nutrients and antioxidants....
The pancreas is a small but very important organ. Its main function is to secrete digestive enzymes and other substances that help in the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It is also responsible for the production of hormones that are extremely important for the regulation of a dog's metabolism,...
As long as it is consumed in the right quantity and form, tuna is a source of high-quality protein and unsaturated fatty acids for dogs. Although it is available both fresh and canned, not all forms of presentation are recommended for dog diets.
Continue reading this AnimalWised article to find out if dogs...
The orca or killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a marine animal that belongs to the cetacean group (Cetacea). Although commonly called whales, they belong to the Delphinidae family, which includes dolphins. Killer whales live in all the oceans of the world and migrate from place to place depending on the availability...
Vitamin D is an essential and fundamental vitamin for numerous functions in a dog's body. It is particularly useful in synthesizing other vitamins as it helps to address the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the bones. It also affects the function of the kidneys and parathyroid gland, as well as bone mineralization,...
Vitamin K is one of the vitamins that both dogs and humans need to consume in their diet to stay healthy. This fat-soluble nutrient is crucial for the synthesis of clotting proteins in our dog's body that allow them to recover from injuries. In other words, vitamin K has the ability to clot blood, which...
Kidney disease is relatively common in dogs, especially in old age. The function of the kidney is to eliminate waste substances and toxins from the body. Animals, like people, generate toxins throughout the day and then expel them through their urine. When a dog suffers renal failure, the kidneys fail to...
Frogs are one of the most widely known amphibians, being found almost everywhere on the planet. They come in a wide range of varieties and colors, but they share certain characteristics. Their natural habitat is often very specific to their various needs. Unfortunately, human encroachment on frog habitat is...
Zebras belong to the family Equidae, which includes a total of three living species. Their similarity to other mammals such as donkeys and horses is no coincidence, as they share the same genus, Equus. Zebras are known for their distinctive black and white striped coat that is unique to each animal. They...
Our cat's playtime often manifests behaviors related to hunting. They can chase a feathered lure or even strike at moving shadows, just as a cat in the wild would attack their prey. This behavior implies animal-based protein is part of their diet, but it doesn't tell us everything about their nutritional...
Ensuring our dog receives a proper diet means avoiding the wrong food as much as it does providing the right food. Many of the foods we enjoy are simply not suitable for our canines. This could be due to providing the wrong kind of nutrition, but it can also be due to potential toxicity. For example,...
Nectarines are known for being delightfully sweet and juicy, making them a refreshing summer treat. We all love treating our pets, and sharing a bite of our own food can seem like a natural way to show affection and strengthen the bond. However, what's perfectly healthy for us humans can sometimes be harmful...
Cashews are creamy, protein-rich nuts high in fiber, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and immune-boosting nutrients like zinc and magnesium. The health benefits of cashews are well known, but can they benefit our dogs? Like many other healthy foods for humans, cashews are okay for your dog to eat. However,...
Also known as mirliton or choko, chayote (Sechium edule) is a vegetable from the family Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as the gourd family. In some areas, it is simply known as a squash. The name derives from the Nahuatl term chayotl which means ‘thorny gourd’. This is due to its similarities with other...
You may know them as the musical fruit, but beans are actually a legume. There are many different species of bean which we eat regularly in our diet, some varieties being different cultivars of the same species. For this reason, many people may know certain beans by different names. We are discussing...
Feeding raw chicken feet to a dog may seem strange or even unappetizing to some dog owners, as it is not common in many Western cultures. Feeding chicken feet can be a healthy and nutritious treat, as they contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help improve joint health. However, keep in mind that...
As a cat owner, you want to make sure that your furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. While cats have a reputation for being picky eaters, there are some human foods that they may be tempted to try, such as sausages. But can cats safely consume sausages, or are...
Chicken broth has been a common ingredient in human cuisine for centuries, thanks to its comforting and nourishing properties. It's often used as a base for soups, stews, and other dishes. However, many pet owners may wonder if it's safe for their furry companions to consume. Although chicken broth may...
If a dog is hungry all the time, many people will simply think they are being a dog. The voracity of canines is well known to anyone who shares their life with one, especially when there is something they consider particularly tasty around. This won't be the case with all dogs and no dog is likely to maintain...
Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), also known as the weero/weiro, are delightful granivorous birds with an appetite for a diverse range of foods. To ensure their optimal health and well-being, it's essential to provide cockatiels with a balanced and varied diet that includes feeds, fruits, vegetables,...
Cats can eat chayote without it causing them any harm. This does not mean it is necessary for their diet, but it is possible it can be given as an irregular treat. Although chayote alone will not meet their nutritional needs, cats eating chayote can provide certain benefits when given as part of a balanced...
As pet owners, we often find joy in offering our feline companions a taste of our favorite treats. Coconut, with its exotic allure and potential health benefits, might pique our curiosity about whether it can be enjoyed by our cats too. While coconut does contain some nutrients that could appeal to cats,...
Cats can eat papaya, but it is not a food they will need to eat regularly. Papaya contains many beneficial nutrients for humans and is noted for being a particularly sweet tropical fruit. Unfortunately, not all the benefits of papaya for humans can be applied to cats. This is partly due to the nutritional...
Corn is a popular food that is often used in commercial dog foods. However, many pet owners are wondering if corn is safe for dogs to eat. The short answer is yes, corn can be a safe and healthy snack for dogs in moderation. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before giving corn to...
Choosing the right diet for a dog with cancer is something which will need to be assessed with your veterinarian. Various treatments are used to treat cancer, the strength of which varies according to different factors. Whether the cancer has metastasized is one such important consideration. With treatments...
Dogs can have serious trouble digesting bones. The idea of a dog chewing a bone is something which has been reinforced by popular culture, especially in cartoon depictions of dogs. Many pet stores and online retailers will still offer real animal bones for chewing. It is a practice which likely originated from...