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Pet Health Articles

Diet & Nutrition

  • Pigeons and doves are a diverse group of birds, but they share some clinically significant anatomy and physiology, including a large, bilobed crop or ingluvies, and crop milk production. Poor nutrition is a common reason for many health problems in birds. Bone structure, feather condition, and health of the liver, heart, and kidneys all depend on how well your birds are fed, so it is essential you know their proper diet.

  • Wild Quaker parrots eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and vegetation such as leaf buds and blossoms. Some eat insects and their larva. They also like to raid farmers' crops. Like other birds, Quaker parrots need to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy. Quaker parrots are prone to obesity and high cholesterol issues.

  • Senegal parrots consume a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and some vegetation in the wild. Occasionally, wild Senegal parrots will feed on grain crops. As with all other animals, Senegal parrots need a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Pellets are the ideal base diet for most pet birds.

  • Senior cats should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older cats stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior cat diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.

  • Senior dogs should be assessed by a veterinarian at least every six months. A nutritional assessment can help the veterinarian identify changing energy or nutrient requirements, which may warrant a diet change. Senior diets vary widely in nutrient profiles as there are no established standards. It remains vital that older dogs stay well hydrated. Recommendations for senior dog diets need to be based on regular evaluations and discussion between veterinarian and owner.

  • Interactive feeders that require a pet to think and work for their food call upon pets’ natural instincts to hunt or forage. Besides being fun, these food puzzles may help both physical and behavioral problems in cats and dogs. When used correctly, interactive feeders may benefit pets that eat too quickly, become bored when alone, or suffer from separation anxiety.

  • It's important to ensure your pregnant cat receives adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her kittens thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.

  • It's important to ensure your pregnant dog receives adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her puppies thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.

  • Special attention must be given to a cat's nutrition during her pregnancy to ensure the birth of healthy puppies. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy; this is achieved with regular monitoring. This handout outlines a pregnant cat’s unique nutritional needs and how to meet them, ensuring a healthy mother and kittens.

  • Special attention must be given to a dog's nutrition during her pregnancy to ensure the birth of healthy puppies. It is important to maintain a good body condition throughout pregnancy; this is achieved with regular monitoring. This handout outlines a pregnant dog’s unique nutritional needs and how to meet them, ensuring a healthy mother and pups.