Healthy diets for animals

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...

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....

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...

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....

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...

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...

Judo, Opeoluwa Oluwaseun stands at a rare intersection of veterinary science, agricultural biotechnology, and laboratory systems innovation. Her work recently received formal recognition from the Intellectual Property Office of the Government of the United Kingdom through the approval and registration...

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 get all the vitamins in...

Jellyfish are very interesting sea creatures that live in all ocean waters, from warm tropical oceans to the coldest Arctic oceans. In this AnimalWised article, we uncover what jellyfish eat, how they hunt, and other fun facts!

Spiders (Araneae) are one of the most diverse orders within the animal kingdom, with more than 42,000 species known to us. They are related to mites, scorpions, and opilions, among other groups. Spiders are distributed throughout the world and have adapted to living in very different habitats. As a...

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...

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 to 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 are 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?...

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...

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...

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....

Toucans are one of the most recognizable birds in the world thanks to their characteristic and very colorful well-developed beak. Toucans are arboreal, that is, they live in trees. They also have a very long tongue, and their feet have four claws, with two claws pointing forward and two pointing backwards;...

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...

There are three families of crocodiles, which include a total of 23 species. All of them, however, are reptiles - cold-blooded animals with hard scales and plates on their skin. Crocodiles have adapted to be able to stay underwater for an hour through structural and physiological evolution; they have...

Do you want to find out about the diet of frog tadpoles? Frogs are fairly common household pets. In fact, many small children love frogs - and they love the oddly round shape of tadpoles even more. Keeping such a small pet that's easy to look after is a perfect opportunity to teach children how to take...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) live in the frozen regions of the Northern Hemisphere, in the Arctic Circle. There is currently an estimated population of 20,000 polar bears, and their numbers have fallen drastically in recent years. These bears have solitary habits and don't hibernate, except for mothers with...

Many people keep canaries (Serinus canaria) as pet birds, as they make beautiful and cheerful companions. Giving a canary a good diet is a fundamental part of its care, as it directly affects the quality of its plumage, its health and its desire to sing. Taking care of your pet's diet is one of your main responsibilities...

Taurine is one of the most important essential amino acids for the proper functioning of a cat's heart muscle, vision, digestive and reproductive system. Unlike other mammals, cats do need this amino acid to be present in their organism. Unfortunately, cats cannot synthesize sufficient amounts of taurine...

These floppy-eared rabbits have become common pets in many homes. However, many people are unaware that French Lops are very delicate and need specific care. Caring for their fur or making sure they have the space and exercise they need are aspects that should always be considered before adopting one of...

The zebra finch is a really popular exotic bird, probably thanks to its sweet appearance and how easy it is to look after. Still, caring for this pretty bird is not at all that simple; they require a balanced diet beyond merely eating birdseed. A zebra finch's diet should be much more complete in order...

Cats are obligate carnivores and need a high amount of protein in their diet to meet their nutritional needs. This does not mean it is the only important nutrient for cats. While fiber is most associated with vegetables and grains, it is necessary in the diet of a domestic cat. This might seem contradictory,...

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...

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...

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....

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....

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 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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...