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Pet Health Articles

Diet & Nutrition

  • African greys are vulnerable to both calcium and/or vitamin A deficiencies, as well as obesity. Feeding a well-balanced diet and making sure your parrot consumes the proper proportions of foods offered will help prevent the development of these conditions. Pellets are the ideal food for your pet African grey and should represent approximately 75-80% of your bird's diet. The remainder of the diet should be comprised of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of seed (if any).

  • Alternative diets for cats may include or exclude certain ingredients, but there is no clear evidence that they are healthier than appropriate conventional diets for most cats. This handout explains the options and what to discuss with your veterinarian when choosing food for your cat.

  • Alternative diets for dogs may include or exclude certain ingredients, but there is no clear evidence that they are healthier than appropriate conventional diets for most dogs. This handout explains the options and what to discuss with your veterinarian when choosing food for your dog.

  • Amazons are vulnerable to calcium and vitamin A deficiencies, and when fed a predominantly seed-based diet, they are prone to obesity. Feeding a well-balanced diet in the proper proportions will help prevent the development of these conditions. This handout provides guidelines for providing your Amazon parrot with an optimal diet to thrive and flourish.

  • A cat that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a cat with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your cat to eat or lose her appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.

  • A dog that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a dog with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your dog to eat or lose his appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.

  • Bearded dragons are susceptible to several health problems; understanding them will help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. Problems described in this handout include salmonellosis, avascular necrosis, tail rot, abscesses, and dystocia (egg binging).

  • Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal-based foods, including insects. A bearded dragon's diet should generally be 50% plant-based and 50% animal-based, although it varies depending on their age. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a balanced and healthy diet.

  • Breed-specific diets are pet foods designed to accommodate features or predispositions associated with particular dog or cat breeds. This article provides information about these diets, their benefits for some pets, and the importance of discussing your pet's diet with your veterinarian.

  • Budgerigars (parakeets) originated in the grasslands of Australia. In the wild, they eat a variety of seeds as well as natural vegetation. Pet budgies fed an all-seed diet may develop a number of nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended to feed a mix of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.