Homemade diets
133 articles
Rabbits are herbivorous animals that can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of their diet. Blueberries are a nutritious fruit that contain antioxidants, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, not all fruits are safe for rabbits, and some can even be harmful. Therefore, it's important...
The popularity of salmon has steadily increased over the years, and it should not come as a surprise. Salmon is a type of fish known for its nutritional benefits, including being a good source of protein and healthy fats. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to wonder if dogs can eat salmon and if...
Sheep are important animals in many cultures and are often used in religious and cultural traditions. Often raised for meat and milk, they are best known for their fluffy wool, which is used to make clothing and other textiles. Sheep are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Australia, New...
Also known as an aubergine in some parts of the world and a brinjal in others, the eggplant is a versatile vegetable which offers numerous benefits to humans. It can be used to make curries, dips, roasts, and a variety of other dishes, although it is not as appetizing when eaten raw. Despite being better cooked,...
Chard is a herbaceous plant of the Chenopodiaceae family, cultivated by the Assyrians in Upper Mesopotamia since 800 BC. Throughout history, it has been credited with a variety of medicinal benefits. In addition, it is a highly recommended vegetable for people on a slimming diet, as it is very filling,...
Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is often used as an ingredient in many dishes and recipes, especially salads. It is considered very healthy, as it is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. If you have ever wondered if it is safe for dogs to eat spinach, the answer is yes. However, it is advisable...
Have you run out of your dog's usual feed? Are you looking for an occasional substitute? No matter why you've decided to cook for your dog, rice can be a good option for homemade dog food. However, rice alone won't be enough for a healthy dog. There are certain special diets which may be required for...
Kidney failure in cats is a condition that affects their daily lives. It causes pain, affects their appetite, and can lead to depression, among various other symptoms. Not only do we have to manage the cat's symptoms, but we need to do our best to ensure the disease doesn't progress. Not every cat will...
Dogs are susceptible to contracting many diseases that also affect us, since there are very few diseases that can only be diagnosed in humans. As your dog ages, there will come a time when you must pay closer attention to its care and plan some dietary and hygiene measures. This is done with the end goal...
Kidney disease is relatively common in dogs, especially in old age. The function of the kidney is to eliminate waste substances and toxins from the body. Animals, like people, generate toxins throughout the day and then expel them through their urine. When a dog suffers renal failure, the kidneys fail to...
The benefits and properties of coconut oil for dogs are diverse, for that reason it is not strange to find this ingredient in a great quantity of products or as an extra ingredient in certain homemade recipes. While it is true that most people use it to improve the appearance of a dog's skin and hair,...
A cat’s diet is incredibly important in order to ensure its health and well-being. Every feline requires a complete and balanced diet to ensure optimal development of their: physical, cognitive, emotional and social capacities. Therefore, it is vital to provide your cat with a diet that integrally meets...
Can cats drink cow's milk? Is it good for them or is it harmful? Without a doubt, these are some of the first questions that assail us when we decide to adopt a cat, no matter how old they are. Maybe this is thanks to the numerous times we have seen the stereotypical image of a cat enjoying a good bowl...
The advance of veterinary medicine has allowed us to currently verify the numerous benefits of probiotics for our dogs. While there are commercial supplements that can offer such probiotic action, natural probiotic ingredients are always considered better options for our animals, such as kefir. kefir is a...
KONG Clássic ™ is a toy designed to entertain and stimulate dogs, while providing them with their favorite food. The KONG was designed as an enrichment method for dogs suffering from anxiety or behavioral problems. However, this toy can benefit any dog by providing them with mental stimulation.
If you...
Cats are wild animals that can adapt to domestic life without any problems. However, despite their natural resilience, they are susceptible to certain health problems, and it is not difficult for these animals to manifest digestive disorders.
As owners, you must be informed about the most common diseases...
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...
Corn is a widely consumed food and a very versatile ingredient for many recipes. You have probably been in the situation where you have corn in the house and wonder if it is safe for your cat. The truth is, yes, corn is safe for cats. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain corn because it is non-toxic...
Figs are the fruit of the fig tree, although more specifically they are their infructescence. This is because they are not one fruit, but an arrangement of fruits which are naturally adapted for better seed dispersal. They are a delicious fruit which are often considered a delicacy. Although some people...
Gelatin is a clear, tasteless protein obtained from cows or pigs. Gelatin is a common ingredient in soups, broths, sauces, gummy candies, marshmallows, cosmetics, and medicines. It is also used in personal care products, cosmetics, drug capsules and photography. It should not be confused with jelly or Jell-O, the...
Avocados have become a staple in many households around the world. Whether in a salad, on toast or as guacamole, avocados are praised as a healthy, creamy alternative to many fattening foods. Their high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidant properties have made them extremely popular in the health and...
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...
