Natural Health for Pets: Nutrition for Dogs, Cats and Birds
by: Anna Fox
Dogs
Mix 1/3 raw vegetables (any except onions, which can be toxic to dogs), 1/3 cooked grains (white rice or pasta are acceptable, but whole grains or brown rice are preferable), and 1/3 raw meat. Add a splash of oil and serve - it's that simple!
* Note that measurements are given as proportions rather than amounts, as serving sizes will vary considerably depending on the size of your dog.
Raw bones are also recommended once a day, especially marrowbone or kangaroo tails.
Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are almost exclusively carnivorous, and will do well on a meat-only diet. Give your cat raw meat, fish (whitebait is the perfect size for cats, and very inexpensive), or organic chicken. Feed in small portions twice a day, and remember to remove uneaten food before it spoils.
When allowed to go outside, cats will normally supplement this diet with herbs and grasses, which, apart from self-medicating, also supply nutrients that are not present in meat, such as chlorophyll. Therefore, it is especially important to supplement the diet of indoor cats who are not permitted to go outside with a good vitamin-mineral supplement.
Birds
Birds should always have a good mix of different grains and seeds as well as fresh water available. I also recommend giving birds some raw fruit and vegetables daily. It's nice if you can give them some access to fresh grasses as well.
Some birds, especially parrots, will happily eat a whole apple or another fruit if you just cut it in half. Others need the fruit and veg to be chopped or pureed on the food processor. Be guided by what your birds like, but please, stick to foods that are naturally eaten by your species of bird!
Never give your chickens "layer pellets" as they are made with fish and meat meal - that is, ground up fish, cow and chicken bones - about as far from a natural diet as a chicken can get! Chickens' diet should consist mainly of wheat, other grains and seeds, fruit and vegetables, grasses, any insects and worms they can capture. Look for "wild bird seed" in your supermarket - it's great to mix in with their wheat and they love it! If you are able to let them out, even if for only a few hours a day, then do so! They will always return to their "coop" by sundown.
What now?
Whether your pet is healthy or has a health problem, try the natural diet recommended above first. Most animals will get better within a few weeks and will not need futher treatment. If problems persist, you can send me your questions and I will email you back (I try to respond to all emails) and also publish your question and my answer in the next article. Comments, follow up questions and pet status updates can be sent to anna@9livespetclinic.com. You can also visit my website at http://www.9livespetclinic.com.
About The Author
Anna Fox is a natural therapist who uses nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, bioresonance, and a number of other natural therapies to help pets (and their human companions!) get over their illness and stay healthy for life. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Psychology (with Honours) degree from the Australian National University and Certificates in Bioresonance Therapy and in Small Business Management. She is currently working towards an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy.
Tags:
natural health dogs cats birds
natural health
natural health dogs cats birds
by: Anna Fox
Dogs
Mix 1/3 raw vegetables (any except onions, which can be toxic to dogs), 1/3 cooked grains (white rice or pasta are acceptable, but whole grains or brown rice are preferable), and 1/3 raw meat. Add a splash of oil and serve - it's that simple!
* Note that measurements are given as proportions rather than amounts, as serving sizes will vary considerably depending on the size of your dog.
Raw bones are also recommended once a day, especially marrowbone or kangaroo tails.
Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are almost exclusively carnivorous, and will do well on a meat-only diet. Give your cat raw meat, fish (whitebait is the perfect size for cats, and very inexpensive), or organic chicken. Feed in small portions twice a day, and remember to remove uneaten food before it spoils.
When allowed to go outside, cats will normally supplement this diet with herbs and grasses, which, apart from self-medicating, also supply nutrients that are not present in meat, such as chlorophyll. Therefore, it is especially important to supplement the diet of indoor cats who are not permitted to go outside with a good vitamin-mineral supplement.
Birds
Birds should always have a good mix of different grains and seeds as well as fresh water available. I also recommend giving birds some raw fruit and vegetables daily. It's nice if you can give them some access to fresh grasses as well.
Some birds, especially parrots, will happily eat a whole apple or another fruit if you just cut it in half. Others need the fruit and veg to be chopped or pureed on the food processor. Be guided by what your birds like, but please, stick to foods that are naturally eaten by your species of bird!
Never give your chickens "layer pellets" as they are made with fish and meat meal - that is, ground up fish, cow and chicken bones - about as far from a natural diet as a chicken can get! Chickens' diet should consist mainly of wheat, other grains and seeds, fruit and vegetables, grasses, any insects and worms they can capture. Look for "wild bird seed" in your supermarket - it's great to mix in with their wheat and they love it! If you are able to let them out, even if for only a few hours a day, then do so! They will always return to their "coop" by sundown.
What now?
Whether your pet is healthy or has a health problem, try the natural diet recommended above first. Most animals will get better within a few weeks and will not need futher treatment. If problems persist, you can send me your questions and I will email you back (I try to respond to all emails) and also publish your question and my answer in the next article. Comments, follow up questions and pet status updates can be sent to anna@9livespetclinic.com. You can also visit my website at http://www.9livespetclinic.com.
About The Author
Anna Fox is a natural therapist who uses nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, bioresonance, and a number of other natural therapies to help pets (and their human companions!) get over their illness and stay healthy for life. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Psychology (with Honours) degree from the Australian National University and Certificates in Bioresonance Therapy and in Small Business Management. She is currently working towards an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy.
Tags:
natural health dogs cats birds
natural health
natural health dogs cats birds
