Animal food

Horses are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of forage such as hay, grass and other plants. The type and amount of feed horses need depends on several factors such as age, weight, activity level and general health of the horse. In addition to forage, horses also require a balanced diet of grains...

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...

Corn is a widely consumed food and a very versatile ingredient for many recipes. You have probably been in the situation where you have corn in the house and wonder if it is safe for your cat. The truth is, yes, corn is safe for cats. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain corn because it is non-toxic...

Figs are the fruit of the fig tree, although more specifically they are their infructescence. This is because they are not one fruit, but an arrangement of fruits which are naturally adapted for better seed dispersal. They are a delicious fruit which are often considered a delicacy. Although some people...

Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. You have probably thought more than once about whether or not the food you are about to give your dog is good for them. While there are some general rules about what you should or should not feed your dog, each dog is an individual....

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...

Hazelnuts belong to the group of nuts that are very rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants, but they are also very rich in calories. Although they are unsaturated and healthy, they contain a high percentage of fat. For this reason, they are not food that you should offer...

Gelatin is a clear, tasteless protein obtained from cows or pigs. Gelatin is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medicines. It is also used in personal care products, cosmetics, drug capsules and photography. It should not be confused with jelly or Jell-O, the...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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,...

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,...

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”...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Guinea pigs must take vitamin C because they cannot synthesize it in their bodies. Therefore, it is imperative that these animals be fed a vitamin C- rich diet that will allow them to meet their nutritional needs and prevent the onset of hypovitaminosis or other diseases. A daily supply of vitamin C is obtained...

Raspberry fruit is the fruit of the raspberry bush, which belongs to the Rosaceae family. Raspberry fruits contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant substances that dogs can eat safely. However, raspberries also contain a xylitol, which is compound that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. It is important...

The lemon is a hybrid species of the plant genus Citrus and is also the common name for its popular edible fruit. Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds that have positive effects on health, such as heart health, weight control, and digestion.While lemons are beneficial...

A Lovebird is a species of psittaciformes bird belonging to the Psittaculidae family that was introduced to Europe during the early nineteenth century. Lovebirds are a popular choice as a companion animal. They are small, delicate, easy to care for and have a life expectancy of 15 years. Lovebirds are...

Sweet potatoes, also known “yams”, are starchy root vegetables with a high nutritional value. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are grown worldwide. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a number of health benefits not only for you, but for your...

Olives have great nutritional value. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, olives do not contain any component that could potentially be toxic for dogs. In fact, both green and black olives can make a great snack or reward in moderation. However, it...