Healthy diets for animals

If you find you have to take care of a raccoon, knowing what to feed them is vital. Raccoons are gregarious animals and are becoming common fixtures even in urban environments as they search out food. They are generally very intelligent animals with dexterous paws, making them capable of looking after...

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?...

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...

An adult cat's diet needs to be in careful balance for them to receive proper nutrition. A kitten's diet is even more delicate than that of an adult due their their vulnerability and development. A balanced diet not only allows a cat to survive, but to thrive. When we adopt a cat, it is our responsibility...

Many people overlook the existence of snails. They are small animals that move slowly in the garden or also found in marine environments. These mollusks are characterized by having a shell and leaving behind a kind of drool that they use to move. How much do you know about them? Do snails have teeth? What...

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,...

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,...

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....

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...

It is an unfortunately common sight to see fledgling birds on the ground, especially during feeding season. Whether they have been orphaned, rejected or simply fall due to inclement weather, many don't survive. If we happen upon them in enough time, they might just have a chance. While finding somewhere...

Toads are amphibians that belong to the order Anura. Physically, toads carry rough and dry skin, contrary to the smooth and moist texture of a frog’s body. Toads are experts in camouflage but also remain easy to recognize for their unmistakable croaking. Toads can be found almost anywhere in the world...

Gradually, pigeons are losing their "bad reputation" as flying rats and re-gaining popularity as pets. Pigeon breeding has been taking place for centuries, mainly thanks to the fact that pigeons can adapt easily, are incredibly intelligent birds, and carry a great predisposition to learning when positive...

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...

Tomatoes are used in all kinds of classic dishes, such as salads or stir-fries, among others. This fruit (which is often confused as a vegetable) carries many health benefits, including its high content of natural antioxidants and vitamins. But, can dogs eat tomatoes or are tomatoes toxic for dogs? Dogs can...

Did you know that starfish are among the most widely distributed marine animals in the world? Most starfish, or sea stars, live among deep ocean floors and for this reason, their habitat is unknown to many people. Starfish are incredibly interesting echinoderms who eat, reproduce and move in fascinating...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A cat's nutritional needs are specific to their species, but there are many times we give them human food which they find delicious. Whether your particular gluten filled favorite is pizza, sandwiches, French toast or another, it is reasonable to ask yourself can cats eat bread? The simple answer is...

When it comes to feeding rabbits, many people immediately assume that lettuce and carrots will do the trick. However, feeding rabbits, specifically dwarf rabbits, is actually a little more complicated than a simple two ingredient diet. These rabbits require a specific diet in order to grow properly and healthil. If...

Hamsters are burrowing rodents who are also considered to be lovely pets. It is true that these little animals are easier to care for than other pets like dogs or cats, however, this does not mean that they need no care. Hamster owners need to pay attention to their basic needs, especially their diet. A...

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) is a vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This vegetable family also includes the cauliflower, varieties of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and kale. Other than its common uses in cooking, broccoli has numerous beneficial properties for the health of...

The Newfoundland is a giant, massive and imposing dog that exhibits a privileged muscular mass and an exuberant beauty. Of course, it is important to understand that all dogs, regardless of their age, race or sex, need a complete and balanced diet to maintain good health and to allow their physical, cognitive,...

There are many types of rewards or treats for dogs that we can find in specialized shops and supermarkets, as well as many we can find in our own home. The problem appears when we have to choose. Can my dog eat the same food as me? What is recommended to use as a reward when training? To answer all these...

From the earliest stages of life, feeding a kitten should be balanced so that deficits do not generate problems in the future. A good diet will lead to great health and well-being for our cat. Whether you've been bottle-feeding a kitten or your cat has been breastfeeding her own kittens, you'll be interested...

It's green, it's healthy and you were probably encouraged to eat a lot of it when you were a child. Do you enjoy eating broccoli now? This green vegetable is praised for its benefits for us humans, but there is a lot of speculation around whether it's suitable for our dogs. Some think dogs can eat raw broccoli...

Oats are one of the most popular breakfasts on the planet, being one of the healthiest and richest herbs around, whilst also offering plenty of health benefits. It is also a very economical food product, so it's a win win! But can dogs have oats? Actually, the best thing about them is that not only...

Cats are carnivorous animals that prefer to eat several times a day instead of once, as if they did in the wild. In addition, they do not eat more than what they need. Even so, the amount of daily cat food depends on several factors, such as age, size, physical activity or personality of the animal. It...

If you have recently adopted a beagle you should know that you have gained a faithful, affectionate, active and energetic companion. If you have a spacious home and time to provide your dog with all the exercise they need, congratulations, you've found your ideal dog! The specific care that beagles...

When such an endearing pet like a German Shepherd puppy arrives home, it's hard not to fall in love immediately. As a particularly affectionate breed, the German Shepherd will reciprocate this love in abundance. Since they will grow up to be a medium to large dog breed and their diet is an essential way...

When we welcome a pet into our home, we know that one of our primary responsibilities as owners is to offer them adequate food to ensure they enjoy a good quality of life. However, diet is not static: nutritional intake must always be adapted to our pet's different life stages. One of the possible stages...

Kangaroos are herbivorous animals: they only consume vegetables and never meat. However, there are actually four different kangaroo species and they all have slightly different diets, of which different plant types are consumed. As you know, kangaroos are native to the Land Down Under - that is, Australia....

As you can probably guess, white-tailed deer are not carnivores. These gentle herbivorous animals consume leaves, fruits, twigs, grass and acorns; they also have a diet of corn, lichens and alfalfa. In fact, the white-tailed deer's diet changes based on what kinds of foods are present in its environment and...

Are treats for dogs good? Are they healthy? How many times can you reward your dog with treats? Is giving treats the best method to train dogs? We're sure you've heard these questions many times; you should know that the best way to educate, feed and care for your dog is by learning about their behavior and needs....

Elephants may be known for their memory, but there is yet another distinction that differentiates them in the animal world – their enormous appetite. Elephants consume between 150 to 170 kg of food on a daily basis. In fact, they spent most of their day feeding - up to 18 hours! These huge mammals eat...

Pet foxes are a rarity, although many people want the novelty of caring for one. As we explained in our article on foxes as pets, the fact remains that 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...

The pot-bellied pig has become an increasingly present pet in our homes: both for its likeable and loving personality and for its intelligence that makes it very receptive to training. Furthermore, the pot-bellied pig is an animal with a special charm and each pot-bellied pig has a well defined personality. If...

The gray wolf (Canis Lupus), much like its close relative the domestic dog, is a predatory carnivorous mammal, although not exclusively so. Gray wolves are controversial animals; their wild beauty and power has fascinated humans for centuries, but they have been a major threat - and many people still...

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...