Resources
Quick help and trustworthy links for feeding your pet safely.
🚨 Think your pet ate something toxic?
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away — or a poison line:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
A consultation fee may apply.
Introducing a new food safely
Offer one new food at a time, in a small amount. Wait about 24 hours and watch for soft stools, gas, or a change in appetite before trying anything else. Build up variety slowly.
Signs something may be wrong
Call your vet if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual lethargy, drooling, tremors, or a pet that stops eating or passing stool. For rabbits and guinea pigs, not eating or pooping for 12+ hours is an emergency.
Diet basics by pet
Dogs & cats
A complete, balanced pet food should be the core of the diet. Treats — including "people food" — are best kept under about 10% of daily calories.
Rabbits & guinea pigs
Unlimited grass hay is roughly 80% of the diet, plus daily leafy greens. Guinea pigs also need vitamin C from food every day.
Hamsters
A quality hamster mix plus small amounts of safe veg. Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes — go easy on sugary fruit.
Birds
A formulated pellet base with fresh veg and some fruit. Keep away from avocado, chocolate, and anything salty or caffeinated.
Trusted reading
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