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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Can dogs eat tamarind candy? Tamarind snow? Or even tamarind itself? These are common questions for dog owners, especially in regions like South America and Asia, where tamarind is widely consumed. While tamarind is a fruit packed with health benefits, it also contains substances that are harmful to dogs,...
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While we can enjoy them as part of a healthy diet, some may wonder if chickpeas are good for dogs. Dogs can eat chickpeas, but it is important to know that the canine diet is different to our own. If we do give chickpeas to our dog, we need to ensure we do so in such a way as to maintain their digestive...
Betta fish are colorful fish originally from Southeast Asia. Their vibrant colors and flowing fins have made them popular pets worldwide. While a clean tank is essential, a balanced diet is equally important for maintaining their vibrant appearance and overall health. Understanding their dietary needs is...
Jicama, often referred to as the "Mexican turnip," is a crisp and refreshing root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America.Its crisp, white flesh has a mild, sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a popular addition to salads, salsas, and snacks. While primarily enjoyed by humans, many...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Just like humans and other animals, tortoises rely on this essential vitamin for a variety of crucial bodily functions. In fact, vitamin A plays a vital role in keeping your tortoise healthy and thriving. Just like humans and other animals, tortoises rely on this essential nutrient for various bodily functions....
Armadillos, instantly recognizable by their unique armored shells, are fascinating mammals native to the Americas. These diligent diggers and nocturnal foragers play an important role in their ecosystems, contributing to soil health and seed dispersal. Despite their familiarity, many aspects of armadillo...
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...
The jaguar (Panthera onca) reigns supreme as the largest cat species native to the Americas. These magnificent creatures are not just awe-inspiring predators; they play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Jaguars boast a remarkably diverse diet, consuming over 85 different animal species. Being...
Humans adore blueberries - their sweet, juicy burst and packed nutrition are hard to resist. But can our beloved pets share this love? After all, there are several berries that are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or even death if ingested. Before sharing your snack, let's explore the potential...
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...
Bell peppers, with their vibrant colors and crisp textures, are not only a visually appealing addition to your kitchen but also a versatile and nutritious treat for your canine friend. These colorful vegetables offer a wealth of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and potassium....
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
Nuts are a popular snack for humans, but many dog owners wonder if their furry companions can safely enjoy these crunchy treats. While some nuts are perfectly safe for dogs to consume, others pose potential risks that should be carefully considered. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks...
Cats, as obligate carnivores, derive their primary nutrition from animal-based proteins. Unlike humans, their ability to digest and utilize plant-based nutrients is limited. Therefore, understanding what cats can and cannot eat is essential to safeguard their health and prevent potential dietary complications.
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Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are mainly herbivorous animals, but their diet does include some animal-based food. Whether this makes them truly herbivorous animals is something which has resulted in some debate. Also known as the woodchuck, groundpig and many other common names depending on region and preference,...
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...
While leeks may be a nutritious and flavorful addition to our meals, they pose a significant health risk to our canine companions. Leeks belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes other toxic plants for dogs, such as onions, chives, and garlic. The harmful effects of leeks stem from their disulfide...
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...
Celery is a popular snack for humans, but what about rabbits? Can rabbits eat celery? The answer is yes, but it is important to feed it to them in moderation. Celery is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it can also have a laxative effect in rabbits.
In this AnimalWised article, we'll...
Giraffes, with their towering height and graceful long necks, are among the most iconic creatures on Earth. These gentle giants are herbivores, meaning their diet consists solely of plants. But their unique feeding habits, characterized by both elegance and versatility, set them apart from other animals.
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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...
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...
In recent years, chickens have become beloved pets, leading to a surge in questions about their health, hygiene, and nutrition. While commercial options for chicken care products are readily available, they are often designed with the focus on laying hens or those raised for meat consumption. As a result,...
Chickens, being omnivorous creatures, have a wide-ranging diet that encompasses cereals, vegetables, fruits, seeds, meats, fish, legumes, and even eggs. However, this dietary diversity doesn't mean they can consume everything we do. Some common human foods are not recommended for them, primarily due to...
The best time of day to feed a dog will depend on many factors. These include the age of the dog, their health status and activity levels, among others. What is most important is that we establish a regular schedule that allows the dog to meet their basic needs such as ensuring the right amount of sleep...
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...
For millennia, garlic has been cherished not solely for its culinary allure but also for its diverse medicinal attributes. Its profile boasts qualities such as expectorant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic properties. However, does this storied reputation extend...
Grapes, those succulent and vibrant fruits that delight our taste buds, have long been an emblem of nature's bounty. However, grapes have long been recognized as a red flag for dogs due to their high toxicity to this species. In dogs, ingestion can trigger dire consequences, including the onset of acute...
Dogs can eat lettuce, but it is important to know how to give it to them as part of a healthy diet. When we refer to lettuce, we are talking about the range of leafy vegetables which are cultivars of the plant species Lactuca sativa. All the types of lettuce such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce,...
In our roles as responsible pet owners, we often have to consider whether certain foods are suitable for our beloved pets. We may consider feeding our dogs octopus due to its nutritional value. This intriguing marine creature has long been a staple in various cuisines, captivating not only food enthusiasts...
Kiwis are packed with various nutrients, including vitamin C, folic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, they are the top fruit source of vitamin C, surpassing even oranges, which are renowned for their vitamin C content. While these aspects might make kiwi seem like a valuable addition...
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,...
A slow feeder for dogs is a type of dish which helps the dog to eat more slowly. Sometimes known as anti-voracity feeding dishes, they make access to the food more difficult, but not impossible. For dogs that eat too fast and too greedily, slow feeders can help pace their meals in a way which is better...
Camels are animals ruminant herbivores, meaning they derive their nutrition from plants and they process it through fermentation in a specialized stomach. They also belong to the order Artiodactyla, meaning they are even-toed ungulates. This is in relation to their hooves, since not all hoofed animals stand...
As the importance of nutrition gains more recognition, people are increasingly considering natural alternatives or exploring the idea of sharing their food with their dogs. This shift in perspective raises questions about which foods are suitable for a dog's diet. It is understandable to have doubts when...
Dogs can eat mussels, but not in all circumstances. While seafood is not a common part of their wild diet, the nutritional needs of dogs means that mussels can provide the protein which makes up the largest part of their diet. Shrimp, crab, mussels and even lobster would be appetizing to dogs. In addition...
Hamster owners have the obligation to ensure the well-being of these wonderful creatures. In terms of their health and happiness, proper hydration is vital. Just like us humans, hamsters need an adequate water intake to support their bodily functions and overall vitality. However, there may be times when our...
When it comes to feline nutrition, it's essential to understand what our beloved cats can and cannot eat. As pet owners, we constantly strive to provide them with a well-rounded and balanced diet that meets their specific dietary needs. Amidst the array of human foods available, one particular vegetable...