Homemade diets
130 articles
Feeding raw chicken feet to a dog may seem strange or even unappetizing to some dog owners, as it is not common in many Western cultures. Feeding chicken feet can be a healthy and nutritious treat, as they contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help improve joint health. However, keep in mind that...
Although the mango was first cultivated around 5,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, it is now grown almost anywhere in the world with a suitably warm or tropical climate. When we factor in importation and commercial greenhouses, mangoes are pretty much available everywhere. Their nutritional benefits are...
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...
Dogs are known to be some of the most loyal companions, and it only natural that pet owners want to give their furry friends the best care. Many dog owners wonder if dogs can eat sausage. While sausage is a popular food for humans, it is not always the healthiest option for dogs.
In the following AnimalWised...
You may know them as the musical fruit, but beans are actually a legume. There are many different species of bean which we eat regularly in our diet, some varieties being different cultivars of the same species. For this reason, many people may know certain beans by different names. We are discussing...
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...
Also known as mirliton or choko, chayote (Sechium edule) is a vegetable from the family Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as the gourd family. In some areas, it is simply known as a squash. The name derives from the Nahuatl term chayotl which means ‘thorny gourd’. This is due to its similarities with other...
Hazelnuts belong to the group of nuts that are very rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants, but they are also very rich in calories. Although they are unsaturated and healthy, they contain a high percentage of fat. For this reason, they are not food that you should offer...
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...
Cashews are creamy, protein-rich nuts high in fiber, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and immune-boosting nutrients like zinc and magnesium. The health benefits of cashews are well known, but can they benefit our dogs? Like many other healthy foods for humans, cashews are okay for your dog to eat. However,...
Pasta is one of the most widespread and popular foods in the world. We know that some of our favorite human foods can cause serious health problems in pets. So it's only natural for owners to worry that spaghetti or pasta might have the same effect.
In the following AnimalWised article, you'll learn if dogs...
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...
Beet is a vegetable consumed in many parts of the world. It is rich in nutritional benefits, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying potential. However, it also poses a problem, namely the content of oxalates. These are compounds that form substances in your dog's body called...
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they have adapted to both protein-rich foods such as meat and carbohydrate-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits. Dogs can eat certain fruits. Some are healthy and can be part of a balanced diet, while others are toxic and dangerous to them. Others can be consumed, but only...
Also known as an aubergine in some parts of the world and a brinjal in others, the eggplant is versatile vegetable which has many benefits to humans. It can be used to make curries, dips, roasts and all many of dishes, although it is not as appetizing when eaten raw. Despite being better cooked, the aubergine...
As long as it is consumed in the right quantity and form, tuna is a source of high-quality protein and unsaturated fatty acids for dogs. Although it is available both fresh and canned, not all forms of presentation are recommended for dog diets.
Continue reading this AnimalWised article to find out if dogs...
For humans, cherries are not only delicious fresh, but they can be consumed in various ways. Whether dried or as a maraschino cherry, they can be consumed on their own or as a part of various dishes. When eaten fresh, cherries can be nutritious as they contain various beneficial nutrients and antioxidants....
Blackberries are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and natural pigments that are sometimes described as a ‘superfood’ for humans. They are great as a supplement to almost any meal of the day. Unfortunately, not all food that is beneficial to humans provides the same benefits to our dogs. This is because...
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,...
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable which can be produced in two main varieties, green and white. While it is very nutritious for humans, you may ask yourself is can dogs eat asparagus? As it is not a vegetable which is toxic to canines, it is possible for a dog to eat asparagus without getting sick....
Mushrooms are a large and diverse group of fungi. Some mushrooms are very tasty and nutritious, while others are deadly poisonous. Therefore, it is important that you know which mushrooms are which. Fortunately, store-bought mushrooms are safe for people and dogs, and they are a good source of fiber,...
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...
Most dogs have a diet based on dry food, also known as kibble. There are many practical reasons why this is the case. Dry food is relatively inexpensive, it is convenient, it does not require preparation time and a good quality dry food should meet your dog's nutritional and dietary needs. Dry food needs...
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...
Papayas (Carica papaya) are tropical fruits also known as papaws or pawpaws. Native to Central America, these fruits have become very popular around the world because of their sweet taste, bright color, and a number of health benefits. Because of the high nutritional value of this tropical fruit in the...
Throughout history, apple cider vinegar has been used in medicine as a popular remedy. It has healthy properties that are beneficial not only for humans but also for cats. Apple cider vinegar is a safe and non-toxic food for cats when administered in the right dose and in the right way.
In this AnimalWised...
Raspberry fruit is the fruit of the raspberry bush, which belongs to the Rosaceae family. Raspberry fruits contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant substances that dogs can eat safely. However, raspberries also contain a xylitol, which is compound that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. It is important...
The lemon is a hybrid species of the plant genus Citrus and is also the common name for its popular edible fruit. Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds that have positive effects on health, such as heart health, weight control, and digestion.While lemons are beneficial...
Sweet potatoes, also known “yams”, are starchy root vegetables with a high nutritional value. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are grown worldwide. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a number of health benefits not only for you, but for your...
Olives have great nutritional value. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, olives do not contain any component that could potentially be toxic for dogs. In fact, both green and black olives can make a great snack or reward in moderation. However, it...
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...
Parrots are one of the most popular companion birds for humans. Many people have a very specific bird in mind when they think of a parrot, but it is important to remember that the term ‘parrot’ actually refers to almost 400 different species of birds in the Psittaciformes order. In fact, if you are thinking...
We can read endless features on dietary changes for humans, but many of us don't think the same about our pets. Feeding our dogs commercial dog food is easy and it can be sufficient for the majority of dogs. Even though some of them are marketed as being ‘nutritionally complete’, some may be lacking...
It is essential our dog follows an adequate diet. This means providing food which apportions the right amount of nutrients to ensure they not only survive, but thrive. While there are many studies which show the necessary nutrients dogs should have in their diet, there are many blogs, websites and other...
Guinea pigs are becoming more popular as pets, especially for those who live in cities or have little communal space. Despite this popularity, there are still many caregivers who are missing some basic information about their basic needs. When these needs are neglected, physical and psychological problems...
Contrary to what some may think, you can't only feed a tortoise lettuce leaves. For them to thrive, a tortoise diet needs to be balanced and sufficient in a wide range of nutrients. This will not only help them to develop physically. A varied diet will help a tortoise to live a more contented life. However,...
Honey, especially raw honey, is one of those natural products that is often recommended to treat multiple ailments in humans. Its excellent properties make it the perfect home remedy to fight a sore throat, provide energy, whet your appetite or heal wounds. So, you might wonder, are the benefits of...
Whether you are starting your dog on a natural diet, or want to supplement processed food with natural treats you probably have many questions. Should you only feed them meat? What fruits and vegetables can dogs eat? Perhaps more specifically, can dogs eat celery? If so, is celery good for dogs? The short...
Out of all the names for peanuts (Arachis hypogaea),such as the groundnut, monkey nut or earth nut, it is the American term goober which might be most accurate. This is because peanuts aren't nuts at all. Peanuts are legumes, a plant family also known as pulses and which includes beans, chickpeas, lentils...
As puppies grow and develop, what they eat will be a big determining factor in their health. If we want to ensure their diet is one of quality and beneficial to their health, homemade dog food for puppies might be a good option. It allows us to carefully select the ingredients, ensure no additives are...
Although fruit can be part of a dog's diet, its consumption should not be abused. For example, pears for dogs may have certain health benefits, but too much can cause them harm. Offering your dog pear requires quality over quantity.
If you’re wondering, can dogs eat pears?, or what other fruits are suitable...
If you want to know can cats eat rice, the short answer is yes. Of the many different human foods cats can eat, rice is one which shouldn't provide any harm to your feline. This, of course, depends on how it is eaten and how it affects the rest of their food intake. It is also important to know that...
The Anatidae family is the collective term for what we commonly know as ducks. Within this family are many different breeds, such as the commonly represented Mallard or less well known breeds like the Muscovy duck. While we might think ducks consist on a steady diet of stale bread and crusts, they are actually...
The phrase ‘dog food’ conjures an image of either dry kibble or wet canned food. Even if we find them distasteful, our dogs often lap them up as if it were their last meal. Due to busy schedules and a sometime difficulty to even feed ourselves properly, the convenience of commercial dog food is important....
As you may already know, every species has its own nutritional requirements. Rabbits, for example, need to be fed an appropriate rabbit diet in order to live a happy rabbit life. Some foods are beneficial for species while others can be toxic for animals. There are foods that can in fact kill your rabbit...
For many people, chicken eggs are a staple food. They are also one of the most hotly contested foods in terms of nutrition. Public service campaigns have been created in various countries both extolling the virtues of eggs and decrying their potential harm. The main concern appears to be the worry over the egg...
Cats are what is known as obligate carnivores. This means their digestive system is adapted in a way which requires animal protein to get all of the nutrients their body needs. They may be able to benefit from a small amount of certain fruits and vegetables in their diet, but their body is not designed...