Animal food
310 articles
Butter is a dairy product which is known for its richness, something which makes it unsuitable for cats. Even humans should limit butter intake, but the small size and sensitive gastrointestinal system of the feline means that consumption of butter in large amounts can have a deleterious effect on their...
Christmas is a time of year when homemade recipes take center stage. The Christmas spirit is one of giving and taking the time to make something special by your own hands is a great way to spread holiday cheer. While they won't understand the exact reason behind the festive celebrations, few people will...
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...
Many of us are aware of the risks in overfeeding our cats. Obesity in cats can seriously affect many aspects of their health and well-being. However, if a cat is too thin, similar health problems will occur. Not only is an undernourished cat ill-equipped to withstand threats to their health, it could...
Canada geese are a type of goose native to North America, easily recognizable by the white stripes which bestride their black heads. Although native to the North American continent, they are migratory birds and have also been introduced to areas as far afield as New Zealand and Argentina. As with all...
You have have heard that dogs can't eat peppermint, but this is not quite true. Dogs are able to enjoy the leaves of this mint plant in moderation, but they cannot eat it in any form. In fact, some forms of peppermint can be toxic to dogs.
Peppermint is an aromatic herb that is widely consumed by humans and...
Whether dogs can have mint will depend on the type of mint species, since not all are the same. generally speaking, mint leaves are safe for dogs, but this will depend on how they are consumed. Due to their strong flavor and not being part of a dog's natural diet, mint leaves may not be particularly...
Potatoes are a common staple in many households, but as a pet owner, you might wonder, Can cats eat potatoes? The simple answer is that while cats can eat small amounts of cooked potatoes, they shouldn't. Cats are carnivores with specific dietary needs that potatoes don't meet. While cooked potatoes aren't...
As carnivorous animals, dogs need animal protein in the form of meat to gain their necessary nutrients. Although they have adapted to include some plant-based foods into their diet, there are essential nutrients which can only be found in animal protein or synthesized from animal protein. For this reason,...
Is it safe for dogs to eat hot or warm food? Many pet owners don't pay too much attention to food temperature, but serving meals at the right warmth can enhance a dog’s eating experience and even support digestion. While warm food (at or slightly above room temperature) is generally safe and appealing...
Chicken feet have become a popular addition to pet diets, especially for cats. Feeding your cat unconventional snacks like chicken feet might sound odd, but these treats are packed with collagen, glucosamine, and other beneficial compounds. However, while they might offer potential benefits, it's important...
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit enjoyed by many, especially during the summer months. But if you're a cat owner, you may wonder whether this sweet treat is safe for your feline friend. While cats are obligate carnivores and don't require fruits in their diet, watermelon, when given in moderation,...
When it comes to choosing healthy snacks for your dog, peas may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but these little green veggies actually are very nutritious. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, peas can be a great addition to your dog's diet—if served correctly. However, while peas offer many...
When it comes to our pets' diets, ensuring their safety is always a top priority. As dog owners, we often wonder whether certain fruits or foods we enjoy are safe for our furry companions. One fruit that raises curiosity is mamey sapota, a tropical fruit known for its sweet flavor and rich texture. While...
With garden peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas and many other varieties, you will be forgiven for thinking peas come from many plants. In actuality, they are all from the same organism known as the pea plant (Pisum sativum or Lathyrus oleraceus). The differences derive from the use of cultivars, as well as method...
Pizza is an umbrella term for various types of food, but all of which contain dough and some sort of topping. Often this topping contains cheese, but not always. It can be thick crust, thin crust, stuffed crust or no crust, but the basic concept is the same. While it is one of the most beloved foods around...
Monkeys live in a wide range of environments, from tropical rainforests to savannas and even urban areas. While most monkeys are omnivores, their diets vary significantly depending on the species and the available food sources. Some rely on fruits and seeds, while others eat more leaves or insects....
Dragon fruit, with its vibrant colors and unique appearance, has become a popular health food for humans, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. But as a dog owner, you might wonder if this exotic fruit is safe for your furry friend. While some fruits are beneficial for dogs, others can be harmful.
In this...
Marzipan is a food which is not suitable for dogs. When giving any of our own food to our canine, there are two major considerations we need the make. The first is whether there are any toxic compounds which can cause poisoning in the dog. These can vary in intensity, but they all need to be avoided....
If you are thinking of offering fruit to your dog, it is essential that you first know which ones are beneficial and which can cause harm. Certain fruits may be potentially lethal due to the presence of compounds which are toxic for dogs. Others are harmful because they provide the wrong nutrition for the...
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,...
Pet foxes are a rarity, although many people want the novelty of caring for one. Despite many of us wanting to keep them as pets, the best home for foxes is the wild. Although they make for interesting pets, it is always necessary to check whether you can keep one based on the laws in your country or state....
When we decide to bring a cat into our home, we accept responsibility for their entire well being. This means housing in a safe place to live, caring for their health and providing their all important diet. Of course, the best starting place for cat ownership is one of love. This can include wanting to...
Guinea pigs should eat varied fruits and vegetables to ensure their diet is properly balanced. Eating the same fruits and vegetables day after day can cause intestinal problems; for instance, eating to much lettuce can cause diarrhea.
As such, you must make sure that you offer your guinea pig small daily...
The freshwater green spotted puffer (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis) is undoubtedly one of the most valuable specimens for fish keepers due to its beautiful colors and strange shapes. This appearance may vary from fish to fish. In order for your pet pufferfish to live for a longer time, you should read...
There are some fruits and vegetables which you shouldn't give your pet under any circumstances, because they can seriously affect its health.
If you've decided to initiate the BARF diet, or you like to make homemade food for your dog, you must remember that dogs are carnivorous animals, and that green food...
Introducing fruits and vegetables to zebra finches requires patience and thoughtful presentation. It is a process with requires us to gradually incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Remember that finches have individual preferences, so persistence and...
Parrots are not a species, but a family of birds. Their scientific name is Psittacidae. This group contains approximately 300 species which possess similar characteristics. The family is subdivided into two subfamilies, Psittacinae (Afrotropical parrots) and Arinae (Neotropical parrots) depending on...
If you have just rescued or adopted a kitten, you should know how to help it do its business. After a kitten drinks cat milk, it should empty its intestine by defecating. We must make sure the kitten does this every time it gets fed.
It is very important to pay attention to this detail whether you have...
There are actually different species of sloth, although they are all characterized by their lack of incisor teeth. This odd feature is shared by anteaters and armadillos. Sloths are known for spending most of their time dozing on tree branches; when they move to feed or simply change their posture, they...
Chihuahuas are loyal, lively and sympathetic pets, which are also very easy to look after and care for thanks to their small stature. Of course, the amount of food required for a Great Dane will be incomparable to that for a Chihuahua.
It is a dog with an average need for exercise, which means it does not...
As a general observation we can say that the daily amount of food that a dog should eat will vary according to age, daily physical activity and the quality of the food it is given. Usually we can find specifications on the product packaging regarding feeding amounts, but it is always good to have additional...
Two of the most common questions regarding dog food are: how much should I feed my dog? And how often should a dog eat? The answers to those two questions will depend on many factors such as the dog's age, level of physical activity, diseases or clinical conditions, the kind of dog food you offer it...
Many people have to face the issue of their dog refusing to eat its food; in some cases, the food remains in its bowl for days. This is actually quite common and can happen with any dog.
If you're worried about this situation and want to deal with this problem for good so that everything returns to normal,...
Are you worried about providing your dog with the best possible food?
You're not alone in your doubts; luckily, we are becoming increasingly conscious of the fact that the food we give our pets will have a huge influence on their state of health, since adequate nutrition not only allows us to prevent...
Rabbits love food. If it was up to them they would spend the whole day eating, especially if the food is natural or has a touch of green. A good diet for rabbits is the cornerstone for keeping them properly healthy; many rabbits have intestinal tract problems and issues with their teeth and molars as...
Horses are just like dogs, only bigger. Over the centuries, they have formed a very special connection with humans. Many people keep horses as companion animals instead of a dog or a cat, and they develop very strong bonds with them. However, horses are more challenging and demanding than smaller pets...
Half of a parrot's diet is made up of fruit and vegetables, which must be supplemented by the other half in dry food, completing its nutritional intake. A good quality, varied and balanced diet will make your parrot happy and healthy. Of course, you should research the specific requirements of your particular...
A natural diet is an excellent way of controlling your pet's weight. It usually contains fewer additives and is also more digestible. Overall, this is a healthy and beneficial option that you monitor yourself.
One of the most concerning issues for most dog owners opting to give their pet a natural diet...
The green iguana, also called common or American iguana, is truly green in color when it is young. At two years old, these lizards reach adulthood and slowly lose their pigmentation, turning a grayish green or brown.
In some aspects, a young iguana's diet is different to that of an adult iguana. For instance,...
If you have decided to welcome a hamster into your home it is very important that you know its dietary requirements so that it doesn't suffer from nutritional deficiencies. First and foremost, fiber and protein form the basis of a hamster's diet.
Therefore, you also need to know what are the forbidden...
The whale shark is a very peculiar animal that arises many questions. One of the most common doubts about this species, of course, is whether it is a shark or a whale. If that's what you were wondering, here is your answer: The whale shark is, without a doubt, a shark - that is, a fish and not a mammal.
Whale...
Maintaining a dog's health is based on various factors, but many of us neglect one of the most important. Diet is fundamental in maintaining a dog's health and preventing potential problems, but dietary changes are also used to treat health issues in dogs. Heart problems in dogs are a particular issue...
Penguins are some of the most well-known flightless marine birds because of their endearing appearance. There is not a single kind of penguin; in fact, there are between 16 and 19 species within the penguin family, which is scientifically known as Spheniscidae.
Adapted to cold climates, penguins are distributed...
The American Akita is one of the most loyal breeds in existence. They show total devotion to their family; faithfulness is one of their most important behavioral traits. Holding up all these valuable virtues is a very robust and strong body, with male American Akitas weighing up to 66 kilos (145 pounds).
To...
Although felines are carnivorous animals, it is recommended to occasionally provide cats with fruit and vegetables. You should be cautious. Don't try to be adventurous as certain fruit and vegetables, like grapes for instance, are very harmful to cats.
Read the rest of this AnimalWised article to inform...
There are many opinions about what is the best diet for dogs; some experts defend organic foods and homemade meals, while other experts defend the nutritional balance of dry feed. You can find many different types of dog food in the market, and depending on who you ask some of them aren't at all recommended.
Choosing...
Have you ever heard of the BARF diet for dogs?
The acronym stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food". This term is used because not all food types are appropriate for a dog's health; you must always keep it in mind. Even though these types of diets have many detractors, there are more and more people...
Animals are classified according to different criteria, but one of the most common categorizations is their diet. Since few birds pose a direct threat to us humans, it can be easy to forget there are carnivorous birds who will eat other animals. Some will even eat small mammals in the right circumstances....
If you are wondering how many forbidden foods for dogs there are, you've come to the right place. This AnimalWised article includes a comprehensive list of everything you should avoid giving your pets.
If you want to start a BARF diet or just wish to prepare your dog's food, it is very important that you know...
