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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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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...
Seals are an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of marine mammals, comprising over 30 different species found worldwide. Seals play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help to regulate prey populations, preventing the overexploitation...
Whether cats can eat olives is not a concern about toxicity, but one of nutritional benefit. The safety of cats consuming olives is dependent on how it occurs. Olives are a type of fruit from the olive tree which are very bitter when raw. For this reason, they are cured and preserved to allow them to...
For many dog owners, the act of mealtime is often as straightforward as filling a bowl and witnessing their dog joyfully consume its contents. However, for some, this routine takes an intriguing twist. Despite being otherwise enthusiastic eaters, their dogs flatly reject their food unless it's presented...
The Belgian Shepherd is a large dog with an athletic frame and a muscular build. They are beautiful dogs, but they can also be imposing. With such a large dog, you might expect a large appetite. You would be correct. These dogs will eat more than the average dog and this is something we need to bear in...
During the first few months of life, puppies undergo a remarkable period of rapid growth and development. This critical phase lays the foundation for their future health and well-being. Their bodies are constantly changing and adapting, and they demand a specialized diet to support their nutritional needs....
Apples are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, known by their crisp texture, sweet flavor, and versatility in cooking and baking. Cats are notorious for their curious nature, sometimes leading them to explore unusual food options. One such curiosity might be apples, a popular and readily available...
Dry dog food is a type of compound food known as kibble. It is an economical way to provide nutrition and cover the dietary needs of our dog. Not all kibble is the same. It can vary greatly in terms of quality and composition, something that is often reflected in the price. However, price is not the best...
If you are wondering what is the best diet for dogs with liver disease, the first thing you will need to do is speak to a veterinarian. Liver disease is a general term for many health conditions which can impede the functionality of the liver. Some of them can be minor and allow the liver to have the...
The European pine marten (Martes martes) is a member of the order Carnivora, meaning they are specially adapted to eating the flesh of other animals. Some consider the pine marten to be omnivorous since they can eat non-animal sources of food. Undoubtedly cute and far from an apex predator, the pine...
Cats can have tomatoes, but only in the right circumstances. There are ways you can give tomato to cats that will do them harm, so we cannot give them to cats indiscriminately. The tomato is a fruit from the Solanaceae family. Although its cultivation began in Peru, the tomato is now one of the most...
Cats are known for being independent and low-maintenance pets, but they are not so independent when it comes to food. Most cats love to eat and can be quite vocal about their hunger if not fed on time. However, overfeeding your cat can lead to digestive problems and obesity, while underfeeding can lead...
The popularity of ferrets as pets has grown in recent years, with a greater awareness of how best to care for them. Despite such popularity, there is still a lot to learn about how to best care for these animals. Fortunately, through the long process of domestication, we know a lot about a pet ferret's...
Cats, like all living beings, rely on essential nutrients to stay healthy. One crucial nutrient is vitamin A, but unlike treats or kibble, a little goes a long way. While vitamin A is vital for feline health, it's a micronutrient, meaning too much or too little can have negative effects. Since cats can't...
Hypothyroidism in dogs is an endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones for optimal function. When a dog's organism does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones, we will observe various repercussions in their physical and behavioral health. The resultant...
Although the mango was first cultivated around 5,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, it is now grown almost anywhere in the world with a suitably warm or tropical climate. When we factor in importation and commercial greenhouses, mangoes are pretty much available everywhere. Their nutritional benefits are...
Whether you are starting your dog on a natural diet, or want to supplement processed food with natural treats you probably have many questions. Should you only feed them meat? What fruits and vegetables can dogs eat? Perhaps more specifically, can dogs eat celery? If so, is celery good for dogs? The short...
Vegetables are an essential when it comes to a rabbit's diet. These furry little animals spend most of their day munching on leafy greens and other vegetables, so it's important we know which are safe for them to eat and which are toxic.
In this AnimalWised article we will give you a full list of the...
We often see grasshoppers jumping from one plant to another, blending seamlessly into the lush greenery. Some of us may pause and watch these fascinating insects, pondering the intricacies of their lives.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explore what a grasshopper eats and drinks. We'll also...
Eating is not only a necessity for dogs, but it is one of their favorite activities. Maintaining a balanced diet and proper nutrition is vital for their health and well-being. Problems related to their digestion are very important as they can be symptoms of various health problems, both acute and chronic....