Animal food
310 articles
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...
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...
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...
Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally produced in a dog's body. It has been linked to various functions, with a possibility it is beneficial to building articular cartilage. Its use as a supplement has led it to be incorporated into dog food specialized for dogs with joint and bone problems. These include...
In cats, anorexia is a nonspecific term symptom which can be associated with various medical conditions and pathologies. Similar to anorexia in humans, feline anorexia is a result of the cat not eating, resulting in significant weight loss. Anorexia will progressively weaken the cat with serious consequences...
A voracious appetite is often considered a universal characteristic of all dogs. It is represented in popular culture and anyone with experience caring for a dog will know they can get quite animated when they sense something tasty in the air. However, this does not mean that all dogs are naturally obsessed...
There are many different types of cat food available. We are not only referring to brands on the commercial market. Homemade food, for example, is becoming more popular among feline guardians. The amount of options can make us more confused than should be the case. For some of us, the variety can make it...
Since keeping a hedgehog as a pet is a relatively new phenomenon, there is still a lot we have to learn about their care. We do know that they are an animal which is generally prone to obesity. For this reason, and many others, it is imperative we provide a balanced diet suitable for hedgehogs. While providing...
Cats in the wild feed on small prey such as rodents, birds or lizards. As relatively small predators, they need to hunt and eat at regular intervals. As cats have become domesticated, they have adapted to having their food provided for them. It doesn't mean their hunting instinct has gone away, but they know...
Different cats will have different appetites according to their individual medical picture. When our cat does not eat at all, it is usually due to a serious health problem which causes them a loss of appetite. For example, most will be unable to eat when in extreme pain. However, it is also possible...
Is your dog only eating once per day? You may be asking yourself if that's normal or even healthy. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain why your dog only eats once a day.
We'll also tell you how much a dog should be eating as they grow from puppies to adults and how many meals per day...
Hedgehogs are adorable wild animals. Nowadays, they can also be domestic pets. However, many hedgehog companions ask themselves what pet hedgehogs eat.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what hedgehogs eat. We'll go through their nutrition and complete food list.
Are you thinking of adopting a pet rat? These rodents are intelligent, affectionate, charming and playful, making them the perfect companion pet. When adopting a pet rat we need to understand how to care for them. One of the most important aspects of their care is the proper rat diet.
In this AnimalWised...
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...
Some dogs will wolf down their food in a matter of seconds. They'll do the same to our food if given half the chance. Although not all dogs are greedy, the vast majority will have a healthy appetite. Many are not able to portion control very easily, which is why we need to spread their meals throughout...
When choosing what to feed our cat, wet food is one of the most popular options. This is because not only do cats enjoy wet cat food more than dry food but wet food tends to be a healthier option too. Nevertheless, it's important we know which brands are truly healthy for our cats.
In this AnimalWised...
Parrots are one of the most popular companion birds for humans. Many people have a very specific bird in mind when they think of a parrot, but it is important to remember that the term ‘parrot’ actually refers to almost 400 different species of birds in the Psittaciformes order. In fact, if you are thinking...
Rabbits are herbivorous animals. Their diet is solely and exclusively based on the consumption of foods of plant origin, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it's not uncommon to have certain doubts about their diet.
For example, what kind of lettuce can rabbits eat? Can rabbits even eat lettuce?...
We can read endless features on dietary changes for humans, but many of us don't think the same about our pets. Feeding our dogs commercial dog food is easy and it can be sufficient for the majority of dogs. Even though some of them are marketed as being ‘nutritionally complete’, some may be lacking...
Feeding is a major factor when considering adoption of a Great Dane puppy. While their diet will be similar to dogs of others breeds when young, adult Great Danes will grow to be massive. This is not to say that Great Dane puppies will eat the same as any other dog. A giant-sized dog's development will need...
It is essential our dog follows an adequate diet. This means providing food which apportions the right amount of nutrients to ensure they not only survive, but thrive. While there are many studies which show the necessary nutrients dogs should have in their diet, there are many blogs, websites and other...
St Bernards are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, both due to the legends which surround them and their distinctive large size. Despite their heft, this is a lovable dog which can bond very well to their human companions. Their fame and character mean many people consider adopting them as a pet,...
Guinea pigs are becoming more popular as pets, especially for those who live in cities or have little communal space. Despite this popularity, there are still many caregivers who are missing some basic information about their basic needs. When these needs are neglected, physical and psychological problems...
Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the most common medical problems for cats. They are also one of the most diverse, ranging from mild irritation to life threatening disorders. This is in part due to the varied causes of digestive problems in cats which include ingestion of harmful substances, viral infection,...
Contrary to what some may think, you can't only feed a tortoise lettuce leaves. For them to thrive, a tortoise diet needs to be balanced and sufficient in a wide range of nutrients. This will not only help them to develop physically. A varied diet will help a tortoise to live a more contented life. However,...
Honey, especially raw honey, is one of those natural products that is often recommended to treat multiple ailments in humans. Its excellent properties make it the perfect home remedy to fight a sore throat, provide energy, whet your appetite or heal wounds. So, you might wonder, are the benefits of...
A common cause for concern among animal guardians is when your pet stops eating or refuses food. Has your cat recently stopped eating? Are you worried and wondering what to do? In this AnimalWised article we explain what to do if your cat is not eating, possible causes for this behavior, and cases in which...
We love to pamper our dogs. Giving into their adorable imploring eyes means we often give them too many snacks and treats. Canine obesity is often the result. All this means a dog being underweight seems rare, but this is not necessarily the case. There are many reasons a dog may need to put on weight....
Out of all the names for peanuts (Arachis hypogaea),such as the groundnut, monkey nut or earth nut, it is the American term goober which might be most accurate. This is because peanuts aren't nuts at all. Peanuts are legumes, a plant family also known as pulses and which includes beans, chickpeas, lentils...
The nutritional diversity that we can find among insects is extremely varied. Insects are a group of animals within the phylum of arthropods that are characterized by having three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings. Additionally, there are almost over a million different insect species in the world....
As puppies grow and develop, what they eat will be a big determining factor in their health. If we want to ensure their diet is one of quality and beneficial to their health, homemade dog food for puppies might be a good option. It allows us to carefully select the ingredients, ensure no additives are...
Knowing when a puppy will start eating food is something mother dogs know instinctively. Even with first-time mothers, they will know to meet all the dog's needs. These needs include ability to eliminate, keeping warm and, importantly, food for sustenance. The mother's body provides this sustenance through...
Because rats are often associated with the transmission of various diseases, they are unfortunately not particularly popular. Contrary to what many believe, rats are excellent pets and companions to have. So, if you’ve just adopted a rat as a companion animal and are wondering about their feeding, this...
Frogs are one of the most widely known amphibians, being found almost everywhere on the planet. They come in a wide range of varieties and colors, but they share certain characteristics. Their natural habitat is often very specific to their various needs. Unfortunately, human encroachment on frog habitat is...
Although fruit can be part of a dog's diet, its consumption should not be abused. For example, pears for dogs may have certain health benefits, but too much can cause them harm. Offering your dog pear requires quality over quantity.
If you’re wondering, can dogs eat pears?, or what other fruits are suitable...
A mother cat provides everything for her newborn kittens. A newborn cannot regulate their temperature, see, hear or even defecate without the help of their mother. Importantly, neither can they feed. Female cats are mammals, so-called because they have mammary glands. These glands allow them to feed their...
Eating dirt is not an abnormal behavior of dogs, but it doesn't mean it is healthy. We need to look at the context. If they munch up a little loose dirt while rummaging in the garden, this could simply be due to curiosity. This is a different behavior to repeatedly eating dirt and provoking serious gastrointestinal...
In the first stage of life, newborn kittens don't need anything more than their mother's milk to develop. They don't yet have the skills or physical capability to feed for themselves. This stage does not last forever and eventually they will need to gain independence and eat solid food. It is a process...
To ask the question ‘are dogs carnivores or omnivores?’ implies there is some confusion over the answer. This implication is correct. The debate involves many parties, including the commercial pet food industry, veterinarians, zoologists and pet owners. If we have adopted a dog into out family, we will know...
If you want to know can cats eat rice, the short answer is yes. Of the many different human foods cats can eat, rice is one which shouldn't provide any harm to your feline. This, of course, depends on how it is eaten and how it affects the rest of their food intake. It is also important to know that...
As with any dog breed, nutrition is incredibly important. While some people think dogs are straight carnivores, they are actually omnivorous animals. This means they eat various types of food for sustenance. However, meat contains a lot of the protein, fats and minerals dogs need for survival. Pugs are...
There are many reasons why a dog may lose their appetite. Since food is essential for their basic care needs, it is a problem that needs resolved and resolved immediately. The reasons vary from severe illness to issues with the type of food you provide. Knowing the reason why your dog isn't eating is imperative,...
Have you noticed that your newborn puppy won’t nurse? If so, this is a cause for concern. The first stage of a puppy’s life is delicate, it is crucial that it feeds and drinks correctly to make sure it doesn’t fall ill. Newborn puppies, having just come out of their mother’s uterus, HAVE TO learn how...
Sometimes known as a Mexican salamander or Mexican walking fish, the axolotl is an amphibian which has grown in popularity thanks in part to its adorableness. Memes and viral videos may have started the ball rolling, but genuine interest has followed suit. Unfortunately, such interest is a double edged...
The Anatidae family is the collective term for what we commonly know as ducks. Within this family are many different breeds, such as the commonly represented Mallard or less well known breeds like the Muscovy duck. While we might think ducks consist on a steady diet of stale bread and crusts, they are actually...
Rabbits can eat tomatoes, but this doesn't mean they should. When we think of an appropriate diet for rabbits, we need to be considerate of both their eating habits and how different foods can affect their health. To do this, we need not only to ask can rabbits eat tomatoes?, but we need to look at...
The phrase ‘dog food’ conjures an image of either dry kibble or wet canned food. Even if we find them distasteful, our dogs often lap them up as if it were their last meal. Due to busy schedules and a sometime difficulty to even feed ourselves properly, the convenience of commercial dog food is important....
