Animal food
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Pasta is one of the most widespread and popular foods in the world. We know that some of our favorite human foods can cause serious health problems in pets. So it's only natural for owners to worry that spaghetti or pasta might have the same effect.
In the following AnimalWised article, you'll learn if dogs...
Avocados have become a staple in many households around the world. Whether in a salad, on toast or as guacamole, avocados are praised as a healthy, creamy alternative to many fattening foods. Their high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidant properties have made them extremely popular in the health and...
Beet is a vegetable consumed in many parts of the world. It is rich in nutritional benefits, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying potential. However, it also poses a problem, namely the content of oxalates. These are compounds that form substances in your dog's body called...
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...
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they have adapted to both protein-rich foods such as meat and carbohydrate-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits. Dogs can eat certain fruits. Some are healthy and can be part of a balanced diet, while others are toxic and dangerous to them. Others can be consumed, but only...
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...
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...
Deer are classified in the Cervidae family of animals, which also includes elk, moose, and reindeer. The different species of deer range from single animals weighing about 20 pounds (ca. 9 kg) to huge animals weighing about 1600 pounds (ca. 726 kg). Originally, cervids are native to the Americas, Asia,...
Zucchini is one of the most important products for a healthy human diet. Zucchini is packed with many essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has a high fiber content and a low calorie count. Many owners wonder if zucchini has the same benefits for dogs as it does for humans. The answer is yes, you...
Dogs are omnivores, which means they can eat certain carbohydrate-rich foods like fruit. In this sense, it is safe to feed plums to dogs, but certain precautions should be taken. For example, there are parts of the plant that contain toxic substances from the group of cyanogenic glycosides, which can...
The term cockroach refers to a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Blattodea, which in turn is divided into three superfamilies, each with distinct species. In fact, there are more than 4600 species. Most have a limited distribution, while others are found throughout the world and are even...
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,...
Banana is perhaps one of the most common fruits in our diet since it is not only delicious but also has many properties and benefits for our health. But, are bananas also beneficial for cats? There is no simple answer to this question, because it depends, among other things, on the ration and on the...
Also known as an aubergine in some parts of the world and a brinjal in others, the eggplant is versatile vegetable which has many benefits to humans. It can be used to make curries, dips, roasts and all many of dishes, although it is not as appetizing when eaten raw. Despite being better cooked, the aubergine...
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...
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 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,...
Lentils are special types of grains that come from a plant in the legume family. Lentils are eaten all over the world because they bring many benefits to human consumption. Cats will eat anything that looks or feels like food. But as responsible pet owners, you should always be careful about anything...
All of us have been there: it's dinnertime and as you go to the kitchen to fill your dog's bowl, you realize you are out of dog food. As you ponder what to do, you decide it's time to get creative with the food you have on hand. You probably have the ingredients for one or two meals for your dog until...
In order for your cat to live a happy and healthy life, it is important that it receives a balanced diet. Cats are carnivores, so meat is an essential part of their diet. Unlike dogs, cats can never be vegetarians or vegans because cats use protein as their main source of energy and therefore require...
We know they love it, but can cats eat yogurt? The answer is yes, some types of yogurt are safe for cats. However, there are some considerations you should keep in mind before offering yogurt to your cat. In general, cats should not eat dairy products because they contain lactose, a component they usually...
There are many things to look forward to when summer is coming round the corner. Along with longer days and more time spent in nature, cherry season certainly has to be up there. While they are one of nature's most delicious and nutritious treats for humans, this doesn't necessarily mean the same applies...
When we talk about eating oranges, we are usually referring to the family of plants Citrus x sinensis. These oranges are commonly known as sweet oranges and they have all share certain characteristics common to citrus fruit. Although originating in China, these oranges can now be found all over the world...
Infusions and teas are a common remedy that we usually resort to in order to alleviate various types of illnesses. Our pets can also benefit from the effects of some medicinal plants in the form of an infusion, as long as they are administered in the proper form and quantity and under the supervision...
Opossums are a group of marsupial mammals that are endemic to the Americas. Those who live in the United States and Canada will most likely be familiar with the Virginia Opossum as this is the only species which lives in these areas. Others who live further south may be aware of other species. Differentiating...
Watermelon is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, especially in the hot months due to its high water content. Fresh fruits like watermelon can be very refreshing when temperatures rise. But is watermelon safe for dogs? When it comes to feeding dogs, doubts always arise because studies have shown that...
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....
More tomatoes are produced worldwide than any other fruit. Currently, there are more than 20,000 different varieties of tomatoes. They are also low in calories and rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and vitamin K. But what is healthy for humans is not always advisable for our pets, especially guinea...
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,...
Blackberries are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and natural pigments that are sometimes described as a ‘superfood’ for humans. They are great as a 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...
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....
Although phylogenetically more closely related to cats and viverrids, hyenas resemble canids in some aspects of behavior and morphology, for example, in the way they hunt and feed. With only four extant species (each in its own genus), it is one of the smallest biological families within the class of...
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...
Although the digestive system of dogs is unable to digest and absorb dietary fiber, it is a necessary nutrient in their diet that provides important benefits to their intestinal health. Fiber is often fermented into fatty acids by the beneficial bacteria found in your dog's intestines. As a general rule, dogs...
Chard is a herbaceous plant of the Chenopodiaceae family, cultivated by the Assyrians in Upper Mesopotamia since 800 BC. Throughout history, it has been credited with a variety of medicinal benefits. In addition, it is a highly recommended vegetable for people on a slimming diet, as it is very filling,...
Strawberries are a beautiful spring fruit which are valued for their naturally sweet taste, as well much as their nutritional value. We humans use them in various dishes and recipes, but can equally enjoy them on their own. Thanks to different growing techniques, strawberries can often be found all year...
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...
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable which can be produced in two main varieties, green and white. While it is very nutritious for humans, you may ask yourself is can dogs eat asparagus? As it is not a vegetable which is toxic to canines, it is possible for a dog to eat asparagus without getting sick....
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,...
If we look at a dog's mouth, we see they have teeth which are well-suited to eating meat. Our own canine teeth are named after the much longer and sharper teeth of canines which are used to tear through animal protein. Much of a dog's nutrition is required from animal protein. Not only do they derive their...
Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is often used as an ingredient in many dishes and recipes, especially salads. It is considered very healthy, as it is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. If you have ever wondered if it is safe for dogs to eat spinach, the answer is yes. However, it is advisable...
Foxes are small to medium-sized omnivorous mammals that belong to several genera in the family Canidae. There are numerous species of animals commonly referred to as foxes, but in fact there are only 12 species that belong to the monophyletic group of “true foxes” of the genus Vulpes, which means “fox”...
Dogs should be fed proteins of animal origin and, to a lesser extent, fruits, vegetables, and certain cereals to supplement their diet. Fruits and vegetables provide the dog with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. Therefore, a healthy dog receives supplements from different food groups, which is...
B-complex vitamins play an important role in numerous bodily functions and are necessary micronutrients in the cat's diet to maintain its health and normal physiological state. In general, cats fed a complete diet and receiving the recommended amount of food daily should be able to all the vitamins in this...
Coconuts are the fruits of the coconut palm, a tree of the palm family originally from the Pacific islands. Their many nutrients and pleasant flavor make them a popular ingredient in many desserts and beverages. However, coconut is the fruit with the highest caloric content, so it should be added to our...
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...
There are a number of tasty human foods that can make your cat very ill. Any food that is not designed for cats can affect the digestive system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Some foods are more dangerous than others and the severity depends on how much a cat ingests of a particular...
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...
We should monitor a pet turtle's diet and provide it with a food tailored to the turtle's nutritional needs, which vary from species to species. Various health problems can be caused by inadequate nutrition, such as eye problems, lack of energy or lethargy, respiratory problems, and serious mineral and vitamin...
It can be difficult for us as people to eat the correct amount of fruit and vegetables. They are very important sources of various nutrients we require to stay alive. Many of us apply this same rationale to our felines, but to do so is a mistake. Cats are obligate carnivores and need the vast majority...
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