Homemade diets
Learn more about homemade diets 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.
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Egg food is the staple food for hatchlings and chicks until they can eat birdseed alone. As their diet at this stage is extremely important for them to grow healthy, you must ensure your canary chicks get egg food that is of good quality, balanced and nutritionally complete.
In order to provide a diet...
Many of the foods we humans eat regularly are also suitable for cats. However, one basic premise that should always be observed is that these foods should not be raw or overly seasoned. Salt, sugar, pepper, vinegar and various other condiments are harmful to your cat's health. Even if your cat loves a...
Olive oil is a very healthy product for both humans and dogs, provided it is used in moderation. In the case of your pet, you can give it simply by adding olive oil to dog food. It can also be used externally for some diseases, such as a treatment for epidermal areas.
Besides being good and healthy, olive...
The arrival of spring brings many joys, with artichokes coming into season being one of the tastiest. These edible thistles require a lot more preparation than many other vegetables, but the resulting delicacies are worth the effort. They are tasty on their own, but can also be incorporated into a wide...
Cats are obligate carnivores and need animal protein to survive. This doesn't mean they cannot eat other types of food. In fact, fruits and vegetables can help provide health benefits for felines. Not all fruits and vegetables are beneficial. In fact, some can be toxic or cause other problems if not...
While chickpeas have been a valuable food source for humans since pre-Neolithic times, they aren't suitable for our feline companions. As obligate carnivores, cats have evolved to thrive on a meat-based diet, making their nutritional needs fundamentally different from ours. Many cat owners wonder about feeding...
Just like humans, cats need proper hydration to stay healthy and active. Cats evolved as desert animals, which affects how they drink and process water today. While they might seem independent when it comes to managing their thirst, dehydration in cats can lead to serious health issues, from urinary problems...
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...
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,...
Gelatin, a colorless and flavorless substance derived from animal collagen, is widely used in human food products, but it’s also gaining popularity as a supplement for pets, including cats. Known for its rich amino acid profile, gelatin has been linked to benefits like improved joint health, better digestion,...
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...
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,...
While we can enjoy them as part of a healthy diet, some may wonder if chickpeas are good for dogs. Dogs can eat chickpeas, but it is important to know that the canine diet is different to our own. If we do give chickpeas to our dog, we need to ensure we do so in such a way as to maintain their digestive...
Betta fish are colorful fish originally from Southeast Asia. Their vibrant colors and flowing fins have made them popular pets worldwide. While a clean tank is essential, a balanced diet is equally important for maintaining their vibrant appearance and overall health. Understanding their dietary needs is...
Jicama, often referred to as the "Mexican turnip," is a crisp and refreshing root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America.Its crisp, white flesh has a mild, sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it a popular addition to salads, salsas, and snacks. While primarily enjoyed by humans, many...
Guava is a tropical fruit that is native to the Americas and comes from the tree of the same name. Ripe guava is characterized by having a partially rounded shape, similar to that of a pear or a lemon. Its skin color ranges between greenish and yellowish, but its flesh is a contrasting bright pink color. It...
Hailing from North America, zucchini is a versatile summer squash beloved by humans and, fortunately, safe for dogs to enjoy in moderation. This summer squash, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family alongside pumpkins, offers a wealth of health benefits for both humans and canines. Packed with essential...
Ensuring our dog receives a proper diet means avoiding the wrong food as much as it does providing the right food. Many of the foods we enjoy are simply not suitable for our canines. This could be due to providing the wrong kind of nutrition, but it can also be due to potential toxicity. For example,...
Nectarines are known for being delightfully sweet and juicy, making them a refreshing summer treat. We all love treating our pets, and sharing a bite of our own food can seem like a natural way to show affection and strengthen the bond. However, what's perfectly healthy for us humans can sometimes be harmful...
Apples are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, known by their crisp texture, sweet flavor, and versatility in cooking and baking. Cats are notorious for their curious nature, sometimes leading them to explore unusual food options. One such curiosity might be apples, a popular and readily available...
Humans adore blueberries - their sweet, juicy burst and packed nutrition are hard to resist. But can our beloved pets share this love? After all, there are several berries that are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or even death if ingested. Before sharing your snack, let's explore the potential...
Bell peppers, with their vibrant colors and crisp textures, are not only a visually appealing addition to your kitchen but also a versatile and nutritious treat for your canine friend. These colorful vegetables offer a wealth of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and potassium....
Whether cats can eat olives is not a concern about toxicity, but one of nutritional benefit. The safety of cats consuming olives is dependent on how it occurs. Olives are a type of fruit from the olive tree which are very bitter when raw. For this reason, they are cured and preserved to allow them to...
Nuts are a popular snack for humans, but many dog owners wonder if their furry companions can safely enjoy these crunchy treats. While some nuts are perfectly safe for dogs to consume, others pose potential risks that should be carefully considered. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks...
Cats, as obligate carnivores, derive their primary nutrition from animal-based proteins. Unlike humans, their ability to digest and utilize plant-based nutrients is limited. Therefore, understanding what cats can and cannot eat is essential to safeguard their health and prevent potential dietary complications.
In...
While leeks may be a nutritious and flavorful addition to our meals, they pose a significant health risk to our canine companions. Leeks belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes other toxic plants for dogs, such as onions, chives, and garlic. The harmful effects of leeks stem from their disulfide...
Corn is a popular food that is often used in commercial dog foods. However, many pet owners are wondering if corn is safe for dogs to eat. The short answer is yes, corn can be a safe and healthy snack for dogs in moderation. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before giving corn to...
In recent years, chickens have become beloved pets, leading to a surge in questions about their health, hygiene, and nutrition. While commercial options for chicken care products are readily available, they are often designed with the focus on laying hens or those raised for meat consumption. As a result,...
Chickens, being omnivorous creatures, have a wide-ranging diet that encompasses cereals, vegetables, fruits, seeds, meats, fish, legumes, and even eggs. However, this dietary diversity doesn't mean they can consume everything we do. Some common human foods are not recommended for them, primarily due to...
The best time of day to feed a dog will depend on many factors. These include the age of the dog, their health status and activity levels, among others. What is most important is that we establish a regular schedule that allows the dog to meet their basic needs such as ensuring the right amount of sleep...
Cats can eat papaya, but it is not a food they will need to eat regularly. Papaya contains many beneficial nutrients for humans and is noted for being a particularly sweet tropical fruit. Unfortunately, not all the benefits of papaya for humans can be applied to cats. This is partly due to the nutritional...
For millennia, garlic has been cherished not solely for its culinary allure but also for its diverse medicinal attributes. Its profile boasts qualities such as expectorant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic properties. However, does this storied reputation extend...
Grapes, those succulent and vibrant fruits that delight our taste buds, have long been an emblem of nature's bounty. However, grapes have long been recognized as a red flag for dogs due to their high toxicity to this species. In dogs, ingestion can trigger dire consequences, including the onset of acute...
Dogs can eat lettuce, but it is important to know how to give it to them as part of a healthy diet. When we refer to lettuce, we are talking about the range of leafy vegetables which are cultivars of the plant species Lactuca sativa. All the types of lettuce such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce,...
In our roles as responsible pet owners, we often have to consider whether certain foods are suitable for our beloved pets. We may consider feeding our dogs octopus due to its nutritional value. This intriguing marine creature has long been a staple in various cuisines, captivating not only food enthusiasts...
As the importance of nutrition gains more recognition, people are increasingly considering natural alternatives or exploring the idea of sharing their food with their dogs. This shift in perspective raises questions about which foods are suitable for a dog's diet. It is understandable to have doubts when...
When it comes to feline nutrition, it's essential to understand what our beloved cats can and cannot eat. As pet owners, we constantly strive to provide them with a well-rounded and balanced diet that meets their specific dietary needs. Amidst the array of human foods available, one particular vegetable...
Broccoli, a member of the Brassicaceae family, boasts an impressive nutritional profile, earning it the title of the vegetable with the highest nutritional value per unit weight. It's no wonder that it is highly recommended as a beneficial ingredient in human diets. But what about our furry friends? Have...