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Nutrition database

Food & ingredient database

Species-by-species guidance on common foods and ingredients: what they offer nutritionally, who can eat them, and what makes them risky.

Illustrative cover for food

63 entries

Small plain portion of Chicken (plain, cooked) in a dish
Protein

Chicken (plain, cooked)

Lean, highly digestible animal protein with a complete amino acid profile, including taurine in dark meat and organs.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Ferrets

Small plain portion of Salmon (cooked) in a dish
Protein

Salmon (cooked)

Oily fish rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, plus vitamin D and B vitamins.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Ferrets · Read the safety cautions

Small plain portion of Eggs (cooked) in a dish
Protein

Eggs (cooked)

Complete protein with choline, riboflavin, selenium and vitamin A.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Parrots

Small plain portion of Pumpkin (plain, cooked) in a dish
Vegetable

Pumpkin (plain, cooked)

Soluble and insoluble fibre with beta-carotene, potassium and high water content.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Parrots (plain, small amounts)

Illustrative food cover for Carrot
Vegetable

Carrot

Crunchy root vegetable high in beta-carotene and fibre, moderately high in natural sugars.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits (occasional treat), Guinea pigs (small amounts)

Small plain portion of Blueberries in a dish
Fruit

Blueberries

Small fruit with anthocyanin antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K and fibre.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats (some accept them), Parrots

Small plain portion of Timothy Hay in a dish
Other

Timothy Hay

High-fibre, low-protein grass hay that is the foundation of small herbivore diets.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas

Small plain portion of Leafy Greens (romaine, coriander, spring greens) in a dish
Vegetable

Leafy Greens (romaine, coriander, spring greens)

Water-rich greens supplying vitamins A, C and K, folate and minerals with very few calories.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Tortoises

Small plain portion of Complete Commercial Dog Food in a dish
Other

Complete Commercial Dog Food

Nutritionally complete diets formulated to AAFCO or FEDIAF profiles for a stated life stage.

Suitable for: Dogs of all life stages when the correct formulation is chosen

Small plain portion of Complete Commercial Cat Food in a dish
Other

Complete Commercial Cat Food

Complete diets formulated for obligate carnivores, with guaranteed taurine, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A.

Suitable for: Cats of all life stages when the correct formulation is chosen

Crickets, dubia roaches and black soldier fly larvae in a smooth feeding dish as a bearded dragon approaches
Protein

Live Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae)

Whole-prey protein with chitin fibre; calcium to phosphorus ratio varies widely by species.

Suitable for: Bearded dragons, Leopard geckos, Crested geckos

Small plain portion of Cuttlebone in a dish
Supplement

Cuttlebone

The internal shell of cuttlefish, providing calcium carbonate and trace minerals.

Suitable for: Budgerigars, Cockatiels, Parrots

Small plain portion of Rabbit Pellets (extruded, timothy in a dish
Other

Rabbit Pellets (extruded, timothy-based)

Fortified concentrate designed to top up vitamins and minerals alongside a hay-based diet.

Suitable for: Rabbits

Small plain portion of Peanut Butter in a dish
Other

Peanut Butter

Energy-dense paste high in fat and protein, widely used as a training and enrichment food.

Suitable for: Dogs (xylitol-free only), Rats and hamsters in tiny amounts · Read the safety cautions

Small plain portion of Fish Flake and Pellet Food in a dish
Other

Fish Flake and Pellet Food

Formulated aquatic diets available as flakes, sinking pellets, wafers and gels, matched to feeding zones.

Suitable for: Most aquarium fish when the type matches the species

Illustrative food cover for Taurine
Supplement

Taurine

A sulphur-containing amino acid essential in the diets of cats and required in higher amounts by some dog breeds.

Suitable for: Cats, Ferrets, Dogs on certain diets under veterinary direction

Small plain portion of Calcium with Vitamin D3 Powder in a dish
Supplement

Calcium with Vitamin D3 Powder

Fine powder used to dust feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians kept under artificial lighting.

Suitable for: Bearded dragons, Leopard geckos, Crested geckos

Small plain portion of White Rice (plain, cooked) in a dish
Grain

White Rice (plain, cooked)

Easily digested carbohydrate with low fibre and low fat.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats occasionally, Parrots

Small plain portion of Plain Yogurt in a dish
Dairy

Plain Yogurt

Fermented dairy with protein, calcium and live cultures; lactose content is lower than milk but not zero.

Suitable for: Dogs in small amounts, Some cats tolerate a teaspoon

Raw meaty lamb rib section on a stainless steel tray beside a chopping board
Protein

Raw Meaty Bones

Whole bone with attached muscle and connective tissue, supplying calcium, phosphorus and chewing activity.

Suitable for: Dogs under supervision, Cats (small items such as chicken necks), Ferrets

Small plain portion of Banana in a dish
Fruit

Banana

Soft, energy-dense fruit high in natural sugars, potassium and vitamin B6.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats (rarely interested), Parrots

Peeled apple slices in a pet dish, with the core and seeds set aside on a board
Fruit

Apple (flesh only)

Crisp, water-rich fruit providing fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, with natural sugars.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits (small amounts), Guinea pigs (occasional treat) · Read the safety cautions

Small plain portion of Sweet Potato (plain, cooked) in a dish
Vegetable

Sweet Potato (plain, cooked)

Starchy root vegetable rich in beta-carotene, fibre and complex carbohydrates.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats (small amounts as a carbohydrate source), Tortoises (occasionally)

Small plain portion of Broccoli in a dish
Vegetable

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetable providing vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and glucosinolates.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits (small amounts), Guinea pigs

Small plain portion of Oats (plain, cooked) in a dish
Grain

Oats (plain, cooked)

Whole grain providing soluble fibre, B vitamins and slow-release energy.

Suitable for: Dogs, Horses, Chickens

Bowl of plain cooked quinoa beside a scoop of dry quinoa seeds
Grain

Quinoa (cooked)

Gluten-free seed cooked and eaten like a grain, with a complete amino acid profile and fibre.

Suitable for: Dogs, Parrots, Chickens

Illustrative food cover for Cottage Cheese (plain, low-fat)
Dairy

Cottage Cheese (plain, low-fat)

Soft, mild cheese lower in lactose than milk, providing protein and calcium.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats (small amounts, if tolerated)

Small plain portion of Kefir (plain, unsweetened) in a dish
Dairy

Kefir (plain, unsweetened)

Fermented milk drink containing live bacterial and yeast cultures, with less lactose than fresh milk.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats (small amounts, if tolerated)

Young rabbit eating dried alfalfa hay from a rack beside a separate pile of grass hay
Other

Alfalfa Hay

Legume hay that is higher in protein, calcium and calories than grass hays such as timothy.

Suitable for: Young, pregnant or nursing rabbits and guinea pigs, Underweight small herbivores under veterinary guidance

Illustrative food cover for Orchard Grass Hay
Other

Orchard Grass Hay

Soft, sweet-smelling grass hay similar in nutrient profile to timothy hay, often better tolerated by fussy eaters.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas

Small plain portion of Mealworms (live or dried) in a dish
Other

Mealworms (live or dried)

Larval form of the darkling beetle, providing protein and fat; dried versions are calorie-dense.

Suitable for: Chickens, Wild garden birds, Reptiles (as part of a varied diet)

Small plain portion of Crickets (live, gut in a dish
Other

Crickets (live, gut-loaded)

Common feeder insect for insectivorous reptiles and amphibians, offering protein and moisture.

Suitable for: Bearded dragons, Leopard geckos, Frogs and other amphibians

Small plain portion of Bloodworms (frozen or freeze in a dish
Other

Bloodworms (frozen or freeze-dried)

Midge larvae used as a high-protein treat food for tropical and cold-water fish.

Suitable for: Tropical fish, Goldfish and other cold-water fish, Axolotls

Small plain portion of Brine Shrimp (live, frozen or freeze in a dish
Other

Brine Shrimp (live, frozen or freeze-dried)

Small crustacean widely used as a live or preserved food for fish, especially fry and small species.

Suitable for: Tropical fish, Fish fry, Betta fish

Small plain portion of Complete Commercial Seed Mix (for parrots and finches) in a dish
Other

Complete Commercial Seed Mix (for parrots and finches)

Blended mix of seeds, and in better-quality formulas some pellets, grains and dried fruit, aimed at a species group.

Suitable for: Budgerigars, Cockatiels, Finches

Small plain portion of Complete Commercial Reptile Diet (pellets and canned formulas) in a dish
Other

Complete Commercial Reptile Diet (pellets and canned formulas)

Manufactured pellet or canned diets formulated for specific reptile groups such as tortoises, aquatic turtles or omnivorous lizards.

Suitable for: Tortoises (species-appropriate formulas), Aquatic turtles, Bearded dragons (as part of a varied diet)

Small plain portion of Complete Commercial Ferret Food in a dish
Other

Complete Commercial Ferret Food

High-protein, high-fat kibble formulated for ferrets' short digestive tract and obligate carnivore needs.

Suitable for: Ferrets

Plain chewable joint supplement tablets in a dish, with an older Labrador resting on an orthopaedic bed
Supplement

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplement

Joint-support supplement derived from shellfish or made synthetically, often combined with chondroitin and omega-3s.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Horses

Illustrative cover: Fresh cucumber, whole and sliced, on a cream cloth
Vegetable

Cucumber

A hydrating, very low-calorie vegetable that many dogs and small pets enjoy as a crunchy treat.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits, Guinea pigs

Illustrative cover: Fresh courgettes, whole and sliced, on a cream cloth
Vegetable

Courgette (zucchini)

A mild, digestible vegetable served raw or cooked; also a staple fresh food for many fish and reptiles.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits, Guinea pigs

Illustrative cover: Fresh green beans in a ceramic bowl on a cream cloth
Vegetable

Green beans

A fibre-rich, low-calorie vegetable often recommended by vets as a treat substitute for overweight dogs.

Suitable for: Dogs

Illustrative cover: Fresh spinach leaves in a ceramic bowl beside a dog's food bowl
Vegetable

Spinach

A nutrient-dense leafy green that is safe in small amounts but contains oxalates, so moderation matters.

Suitable for: Dogs (small amounts), Rabbits (rotated with other greens), Guinea pigs (small amounts)

Prepared seed-free watermelon flesh cubes with rind separated in the background
Fruit

Watermelon

A hydrating summer fruit that dogs can enjoy in moderation — flesh only.

Suitable for: Dogs

Illustrative cover: Ripe strawberries in a green ceramic bowl on a cream cloth
Fruit

Strawberries

A safe, vitamin-rich berry for dogs and small pets in small quantities.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits (small amounts), Guinea pigs (small amounts)

Whole pear and cut half beside prepared core-free flesh pieces
Fruit

Pear

A safe, fibre-rich fruit for dogs when the core and seeds are removed.

Suitable for: Dogs

Illustrative cover: Plain sardines in water in a small ceramic dish
Protein

Sardines (plain, in water)

Small oily fish packed with omega-3 — one of the most nutritious occasional additions to a dog's or cat's diet.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Illustrative cover: Slices of plain cooked turkey breast on a ceramic plate
Protein

Cooked turkey (plain)

A lean protein that is safe for dogs and cats when cooked plainly and served without skin, bones or seasoning.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Plain unseasoned flaked white fish in a shallow pet dish
Protein

Cooked white fish (plain)

Cod, haddock and similar white fish, plainly cooked — a light, digestible protein for dogs and cats.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Illustrative cover: A bunch of fresh dandelion greens on a cream cloth
Vegetable

Dandelion greens

A free, nutrient-rich forage green loved by rabbits, guinea pigs and many tortoises.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Tortoises

Fresh dark blackberries with clustered drupelets in a small dish
Fruit

Blackberries

A safe, fibre-rich berry for dogs and, in tiny amounts, small pets.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits (tiny amounts), Guinea pigs (tiny amounts)

Fresh red raspberries with their hollow centres visible in a small dish
Fruit

Raspberries

A safe berry in small amounts; contains trace natural xylitol, so portions stay modest.

Suitable for: Dogs (small amounts), Rabbits (tiny amounts), Guinea pigs (tiny amounts)

Peeled mango flesh cubes with the removed stone set separately beside the plate
Fruit

Mango

Plain ripe mango flesh can be an occasional extra for a healthy dog. The stone and skin are not part of the serving, and mango is not a complete diet.

Suitable for: Healthy adult dogs, occasionally

Sweet bell peppers with cut flesh and removed stem and seeds
Vegetable

Bell peppers

A crunchy, vitamin C-rich vegetable — a daily staple for guinea pigs and a low-calorie dog treat.

Suitable for: Guinea pigs, Dogs, Rabbits (small amounts)

Fresh ribbed celery stalks and short pieces cut across the fibres on a board
Vegetable

Celery

A low-calorie crunch for dogs and rabbits; the strings need care.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits, Guinea pigs (small amounts)

Illustrative cover: Slices of lean cooked beef on a ceramic plate beside a dog bowl
Protein

Lean cooked beef

A plain, cooked protein useful as a high-value training treat for dogs and cats.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats, Ferrets

Plain popped corn in a bowl with hard unpopped kernels separated on another dish
Grain

Plain air-popped popcorn

Occasional plain popcorn is safe for dogs; buttered and salted versions are not.

Suitable for: Dogs (occasionally)

Plain cooked chicken liver lobes and small cut pieces on a ceramic plate
Protein

Cooked chicken liver

Nutritious but very rich in vitamin A — strictly small amounts.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Illustrative cover: An open tin of sardines in water beside a small dish
Protein

Tinned sardines in water

An oily fish rich in omega-3 — a useful occasional addition for dogs and cats.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Fresh curly kale leaves showing curled margins and prominent pale midribs
Vegetable

Kale

Safe in moderation; best rotated with other greens rather than fed daily.

Suitable for: Dogs, Rabbits, Guinea pigs

Fresh flat-leaf culinary parsley sprigs with toothed green leaves
Vegetable

Parsley

Safe in small amounts for rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs; a flavourful garnish, not a staple.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Dogs

Illustrative cover: Cubes of plain cooked pumpkin in a ceramic bowl
Vegetable

Cooked pumpkin

Plain cooked pumpkin is a gentle fibre source often used for mild digestive upsets.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Illustrative cover: Green-lipped mussels in their shells on a ceramic plate
Supplement

Green-lipped mussel

A shellfish supplement with some evidence for joint support in dogs.

Suitable for: Dogs, Cats

Washed elongated romaine lettuce leaves with pale central ribs on a plate
Vegetable

Romaine lettuce

Romaine can be one leafy ingredient in a suitable rabbit or guinea pig diet. It does not replace grass hay, balanced feeding or guinea pigs' vitamin C needs.

Suitable for: Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Dogs as an optional plain extra