Treats

Bird foods to avoid

What's your bird's favorite treat? Even when you offer him a selection of foods that usually meet his approval, he always seems to have a hankering for whatever it is you're eating at the moment. You may be tempted to share your snack, but it's not always healthy for companion avians to indulge in certain foods. In some cases, it can be downright dangerous.

Avoid feeding the following foods to your bird, and be sure to keep them out of beak's reach when he's out of his cage:

Bird treats

Polly want a cracker? Maybe. But thanks to the readily available variety of treats for companion avians, we'll bet you can find something much more nutritious and delicious for your feathered friend.

Treats and supplements for your ferret

A high-quality kitten or ferret food should be the "meat and potatoes" of your pet's diet, but every self-respecting ferret appreciates some variety once in a while. You'll need to inform yourself about what's good – and what's not – for your animal companion.

Treats for your gerbils

A commercial gerbil seed mix should make up the basis of your pets' diet, but your little guys will delight in a bit of variety every now and then. Most gerbils aren't too particular when it comes to treats--but you, however, will need to be discerning about what, and what not, to dish out at snacktime.

Treats for your mouse

Who's about three inches long (not including tail) and looks forward to snacktime every day? Your mouse, that's who! While nutritionally complete rodent chow and grass hay should make up the basis of your pet's diet, your little guy will always appreciate a special treat or two. To ensure that he enjoys it in the best of health, you’ll need to know what foods are good for him – and which ones aren't.

Tasty rabbit treats

Unlimited hay, fresh vegetables and pellets are the "meat and potatoes" of your pet's diet, but every self-respecting rabbit will appreciate a delicious treat to eat on occasion. Feeding inappropriate foods, however, can upset your bunny's sensitive digestive system. As a responsible caretaker, you'll need to inform yourself about what's good (and what's not) for your animal companion.

Guinea pig treats

When it comes to snacktime, your guinea pig is pretty easy to please. While commercial guinea pig pellets and grass hay should make up the bulk of her diet, she'll appreciate some daily variety. It's up to you to offer treats that are both delicious and nutritious.

Nutrional needs for hamsters

He may be a little guy, but your hamster's big on food. With their high metabolisms, these animal companions require about 10 percent of their body weight in food every day. In the wild, hamsters scarf down seeds, plants, fruit, and the occasional insect or earthworm. Your pet will do just fine on specially formulated hamster mix, supplemented every couple of days with fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.

Treats for your hamster

Know how to make your hamster happy? Give him a bite--or two--of something special. While commercial hamster mix should make up the bulk of your pet's diet, your little fellow will appreciate some variety every now and then. It's up to you to make his snacktime both delicious and nutritious.

Nutritional needs for cats

Look inside your cat's mouth. Notice her teeth? Shaped for cutting, tearing and slicing, these belong to a carnivore. Unlike dogs, who can get all their nutrients from plant-based proteins, domestic felines need meat to meet their dietary requirements. By feeding your cat the right kind and amount of food, you can keep her happy and healthy.

Treats for your cat

Has your cat trained you to dish out the treats with a flick of her tail and a demanding meow? Unfortunately, many of the kitty treats currently available in pet supply stores contain large amounts of sugar and fat, which can lead to an overweight animal. By opting for nutritionally complete and balanced treats, you can add variety to your pet's diet without packing on the pounds.

Tasty rat treats

What's the quickest way to your rat's heart? Through his stomach, of course. While nutritionally complete lab blocks should make up the "meat and potatoes" of your pet's diet, you'd be hard-pressed to find a rat who doesn't appreciate a little (okay, a lot!) of variety now and then. To ensure that your little guy enjoys his snacktime in the best of health, you'll need to know what treats are healthy – and which ones aren't.

Dog treats

Variety is the spice of a dog's diet, and well-chosen natural treats can provide that spice.