Healthy diets for animals
Learn more about healthy diets for animals by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
112 articles
The largest mammal on Earth, the blue whale, has a feeding method that is just as incredible as the size of its body. These giants primarily consume krill, tiny shrimp-like creatures, through a method known as filter feeding. By taking in enormous gulps of seawater and filtering out their prey using...
Found in habitats ranging from ocean depths to rainforest floors, crabs have developed an astounding diversity of feeding strategies that allow them to thrive in almost every corner of the planet. With more than 6,700 species, these resilient crustaceans exhibit an outstanding capacity to locate and consume...
Sea lions are skilled marine predators whose diet and hunting strategies have evolved to thrive in diverse ocean environments. From the cold waters of Alaska to the warm seas of the Galápagos, these members of the Otariidae family have developed sophisticated feeding behaviors that combine speed, agility,...
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...
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...
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help some dogs to balance their gut biome. They can help to support the natural microbiota of the animal, especially for dogs which experience certain digestive disorders. While they are not considered an essential treatment, some veterinarians may recommend...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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.
In...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
Seagulls, with their graceful flight and characteristic calls, are a common sight along coastlines and inland bodies of water. These versatile avian creatures have adapted to a diverse range of habitats, displaying remarkable flexibility in their feeding habits. But have you ever wondered what seagulls...
Porcupines, with their spiky exteriors and intriguing demeanor, captivate the curiosity of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. These remarkable creatures have evolved to thrive in various habitats around the world, displaying unique adaptations to their environments. One key aspect of porcupine...
Cockatiels make great pets with their captivating personalities and beautiful plumage. They are also granivorous birds, which means that their diet primarily consists of seeds. However, it's important to provide them with a balanced and varied diet to meet their nutritional needs and keep them mentally...
Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), also known as the weero/weiro, are delightful granivorous birds with an appetite for a diverse range of foods. To ensure their optimal health and well-being, it's essential to provide cockatiels with a balanced and varied diet that includes feeds, fruits, vegetables,...
Donkeys are hardy and resilient animals that have been domesticated for thousands of years. As herbivores, they have unique dietary needs that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health and optimal performance. Donkeys are known for their ability to thrive in arid environments with...
Owls have fascinated people around the world for centuries due to their captivating nature. Their allure is only enhanced by their nocturnal habits and mysterious behavior. Moreover, their unique appearance, characterized by their large forward-facing eyes and round faces, makes them instantly recognizable....
The European pine marten (Martes martes) is a member of the order Carnivora, meaning they are specially adapted to eating the flesh of other animals. Some consider the pine marten to be omnivorous since they can eat non-animal sources of food. Undoubtedly cute and far from am apex predator, the pine...
Cows and bulls are herbivores that feed mainly on plant food. The diet of cows and bulls consists mainly of roughage such as hay, grass, silage, and straw. These animals are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach designed to digest and extract nutrients from fibrous plant material. The nutritional...
Hares are herbivores and feed mainly on vegetation such as grasses, clover, and other leafy plants. Their diet may vary slightly depending on the season, availability of food, and location. Studying the diet of hares is an important aspect of understanding their ecology and behavior and can tell us much...
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...
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....
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...