Questions tagged [diet]

Food or overall nutrition comprising "what" is being intentionally fed to a pet.

Diet refers to what is being intentionally fed to a pet.

Food choices can have major impact upon the , happiness, and even of a pet.

Applicable questions refer to methods of food selection, portion control, weight control through food choices, and use of dietary supplements such as vitamins.

For concerns regarding the act of providing food for consumption, apply .

For concerns regarding the act of a pet consuming food (inappropriate or not), apply .

Both and may be used in conjunction with as appropriate.

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Can cats safely eat raw meat?

Is it safe to feed my cat raw meat, or should we cook the meat first? Or should we stick exclusively to factory produced cat food instead?
Timtech
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What to feed kittens that are only a few weeks old? (Their mother died)

There are 2 kittens outside our house, only a few weeks old (perhaps a month) but their Mom died in an accident. Now there is no one to take care of them. We have decided to step in and take care of them but I don't know what to feed them as they…
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How can I help my obese cat lose weight?

My oldest cat is obese. She was a rescue (as were my other cats), and was recovering from starvation when we adopted her. Ever since, she's had food issues. She gets noticeably stressed whenever her food dish gets empty, even if she's just eaten. …
Beofett
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Can I feed my cat whenever she wants?

My cat does not have any specific schedule or amount for eating. I feed her dry cat food available at market. Whenever she gives me a particular call, which I know is her "please feed me call", I give her food. Sometimes it comes to food every 30 to…
Sonevol
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Is dry food better for pets’ teeth?

I had always heard that dry food was better for my dog and cat because it helps keep their teeth clean, I even remember TV commercials about dry treats that would clean the dog’s teeth. In the question Is there anything beyond preference that…
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What happens if cats drink coffee?

I was drinking my coffee the other day and I accidentally spilled some on the floor (a couple of drops). My cat licked them. I don't really think this is a big deal because it was only two drops, but can anything happen to cats if they drink a…
Shev
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Is it okay to feed my cats canned tuna?

I opened a can of tuna today and my cats went absolutely insane over the smell. I let them have a very tiny piece and they absolutely loved it. What I'm concerned about is that it's canned tuna. There's already another question about whether or not…
Spidercat
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Can I feed my cat a vegetarian or vegan diet?

I have a few friends who are vegetarian or vegan, who have considered putting their pets (mainly cats, which is why I specified in the title) on a similar diet. I feel like that might not be good for the animal, but I feel like I can't discuss it…
user53
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Why is iceberg lettuce bad for rabbits?

I have read that rabbits should not be given iceberg lettuce. Why is that?
James Jenkins
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How long can a healthy cat go without food?

I am trying to change the kind of food my cat is getting, and he is refusing to eat it. He is completely healthy, he passed his last annual physical without issue. If I give him some of the old food, he eats it no problem. But he turns up his…
James Jenkins
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Is there benefit to feeding my cats cat food that incorporates fruits and vegetables?

At the pet store this weekend, we were approached by a sales representative marketing a "gourmet" pet food brand. One of the biggest selling points was apparently that the food contains "wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and healthy fruit", in…
Beofett
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How can I ensure that homemade dog food is healthy for my dog?

I am interested in getting my dog on a more natural diet. I've been wondering whether homemade dog food is safe and healthy for my dog. Which specific vitamins & minerals should I ensure are included to be as healthy and well-balanced as possible?
psubsee2003
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My cat loves coconut oil. Is it safe to give him some?

I use coconut oil to moisturize my skin everyday. If my cat happens to be around me by the time I'm using the coconut oil, he goes nuts and tries to lick it from the jar. Occasionally I give him just a tiny bit (around the size of a pea) but he eats…
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Are chicken bones dangerous for dogs?

I often heard that chicken bones are dangerous for dogs as they may break, splinter and damage the internal organs. Is there any truth to this claim?
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Should my cat follow daylight savings?

I feed my cat twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. He is of the type that is always willing to eat, so I try and maintain a strict feeding schedule by feeding him exactly at 7am and then again at 6:30pm. As a result, he will…
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