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Diet & Nutrition

  • Pigs are omnivores that typically eat multiple small meals throughout the day. A mini-pig's base diet should consist of a commercially available, nutritionally balanced pelleted chow formulated for mini-pigs. Treats such as small pieces of succulent fruits or vegetables may be offered once or twice a day and are best used as rewards in training. Feeding guidelines are discussed.

  • Rabbits are herbivores and are considered grazers. Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Over-feeding pellets is a common cause of obesity and soft stool. Rabbits must be fed and provided with fresh water daily. Hay should always be available. A pet rabbit's diet should be supplemented with a variety of leafy green vegetables every day. The high sugar content in fruits (and even carrots) may upset the normal GI tract bacteria if given in excess.

  • The primary nutritional goals for the young adult cat are to maximize health, longevity, and quality of life. The diet should address common health issues that nutrition may influence, such as dental disease, obesity, feline idiopathic cystitis, cancer, and osteoarthritis. Your veterinary healthcare team can help choose a nutrient profile that best suits your individual cat.

  • The primary nutritional goals for the young adult dog are to maximize health, longevity, and quality of life. Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs of all ages. Your veterinary healthcare team can help choose a nutrient profile that best suits your individual dog.

  • Food allergies can be problematic for many cats, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected cats. An 8 to 12-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.

  • Food allergies can be problematic for many dogs, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Some animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected dogs. An eight to twelve-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.

  • Food intolerance covers a large number of adverse food reactions that do not involve the immune system, and generally cause digestive issues. This handout outlines the various types of food reactions, and how you can help your pet.

  • It is suggested that a selection of various fruits and vegetables be fed to your bird every day. A good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, fresh produce should comprise no more than 20%-40% of the diet. Bright yellow, red, and orange vegetables and fruits all contain a great deal of vitamin A, which is a critical nutrient in a birds' diet.

  • This handout discusses the causes and potential treatments for excess gas (flatulence) in dogs. Factors such as diet, speed of eating, exercise, and foods to avoid are outlined.

  • A gastrostomy (G-) tube is a small rubber or silicone tube that passes directly into the stomach through the cat’s skin and abdominal wall. It allows you to deliver food, water, and medications directly into the stomach. This article outlines how to use and maintain a G-tube for your cat.