Veterinary Nutrition & Proper Diet

for Optimal Wellness

Maintaining an ideal body weight can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. From 2007 to 2011, there was almost a 100% increase in the number of obese or overweight cats in the US. Obesity can contribute to joint damage, diabetes, and other medical problems in cats, just like it does in humans. 

Proper nutrition is an important component of your pet's wellness regime. Your veterinarian will help you make healthful adjustments to your pet's diet based on his or her age, weight, activity level, and the existence of any special medical conditions. Observing your pet's eating habits and fluctuations in weight and appearance are critical in the early detection of medical conditions and any significant changes should be reported to your veterinarian.

We have access to a large variety of prescription and non-prescription diets and we can special order a diet for your pet if we do not carry it. In addition, you can have your cat's prescription diet shipped directly to your home through VetSource. Our hospital carries feline diets and supplements from the following companies and categories:

• Royal Canin Feline Prescription Diets
• Hills Feline Prescription Diets
• Iams Feline Prescription Diets
• Purina Feline Prescription Diets
• Dental care diets
• Food allergy and Limited Ingredient diets
• Joint support diets and supplements
• Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Support Diets
  
• Skin, hair and coat supplements

All of our veterinarians are trained in the area of nutrition, and can help you evaluate the current diet that your pet is eating. Our veterinarians offer guidance in the following areas of nutrition:

• Life stage diets - Our veterinarians can help you provide the nutrition your pet needs for every stage of his or her life, from a 6-week-old Maine Coon kitten to a senior Siamese cat. We want your pet to live a long and happy life and nutrition is an important factor in that.
• Nutritional counseling and education - Our veterinarians can evaluate your pet's current diet and will help you select a balanced diet that will meet your pet's specific needs. Our veterinarians will also discuss with you how to prevent certain diseases through a balanced diet.
• Special-needs diets - There are many diets that aid in the management of diseases and afflictions, including urinary tract disease, joint disease, gastrointestinal disease, dental disease, liver disease, sensitive stomach, and allergies.
• Weight management - Maintaining a lean body weight can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Our veterinarians will help you choose the right diet to help your pet maintain the correct body weight and receive the nutrients he or she needs.

For all cats, our doctors recommend 3-6oz or more canned diet daily in order to help maintain healthy kidneys, prevent the formation of urinary crystals and bladder stones, and maintain a healthy body weight. As an added benefit, most cats LOVE their daily canned food!

For more information, read our three-part article on feline nutrition:

Part 1: All About AAFCO

Part 2: Reading Food Labels

Part 3: Naming Cat Foods, FeedingTips