Guide
Nutrition: real food, not marketing
Kibble, seed and hay are not interchangeable.
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Nutrition is part of the exam.
Ask for a nutritional assessment at every visit.
Where: Ask at the clinic.
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“Premium” or “holistic” do not describe quality.
Choose a complete food for that species and life stage.
guide WSAVA, selecting a food · FEDIAF
Where: Ask at the clinic.
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Treats and table food: under 10% of calories.
Count what is not in the bowl.
guide WSAVA, dogs · WSAVA, cats
Where: Ask at the clinic.
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AAHA does not recommend raw or non-sterilized dehydrated animal protein. WSAVA: no documented benefit that offsets the risk.
Do not switch to raw “because it is healthier.”
Where: Ask at the clinic.
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Most homemade recipes are incomplete.
If you cook, use a boarded nutritionist — not a web recipe.
guide AAHA homemade
Where: Ask at the clinic.
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AAV: formulated diet (pellets). Seed is high in fat and poor in vitamins, minerals and protein.
Ask an avian veterinarian for a pellet plan.
guide AAV basic care
Where: WildVet, La Reina. Or ask at your clinic.
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Hay is the meal. Muesli is inappropriate. Guinea pigs need daily C; do not use rabbit pellets.
Fill the rack with grass hay.
guide AEMV rabbit · AVA · reviewed fact · Merck guinea pig
Where: Ask at the clinic. Shop homes (not recommended) are in the directory.
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Reptile diet changes with species. Do not feed live rodents.
Identify the species before filling the bowl.
reviewed fact Merck reptiles
Where: WildVet, La Reina. Or ask at your clinic.
Grain-free and DCM in dogs: AAHA treats this as open research. Conservative approach: avoid and discuss — not a closed cause. guide · AAHA DCM