Dog FeedingNUTRITIONAL ADVICE

We recognise the importance to our patients of having a good diet.

Healthy individuals live a happier and more productive life, and having a top quality well balanced diet is of great importance in achieving this goal. Most of our nurses and receptionists are qualified Nutritional Advisors, and are only too happy to discuss your pet's needs at any time. The best time to start a healthy diet is with a new puppy or kitten, but it is never too late to change, and our staff will be able to discuss with you the best way to feed your particular pet.

Every individual is different, so the advice will always be tailored for you. Animals' lifestyles and nutritional needs change throughout the various stages of life - from juvenile, to adult, to OAP. Some are very energetic and always look thin, others tend to put on weight too easily. A well-balanced complete food is available for all types, and our Nutritional Advisors will help you decide what is best for you.

Obesity is a problem for many dogs, and leads to many of the same problems which affect overweight people - arthritis, diabetes, breathing difficulties, to name but a few. If you are concerned about your pet's weight, (or if the vet has said that you should be!) ask for guidance on how to cut down the calorie intake. There are a number of low-calorie complete dog foods available, and they make dieting much easier for all concerned.

There are many other examples of illnesses which can be influenced by diet:

  • Sugar diabetes in dogs can be much easier to control if a high-fibre diet is used.
  • Chronic kidney failure needs a restricted phosphate & protein diet
  • Chronic colitis often responds to a high-fibre diet
  • Some skin allergies are caused by proteins in the food - hypo-allergenic diets can be very beneficial
  • Acute gastro-enteritis cases need a highly digestible, low-residue food with low fat levels
Your veterinary surgeon may advise a particular diet for your pet to help with an illness. This is often a very important part of the treatment, and should be strictly adhered to. If this poses any particular problems, then discuss them with the vet - there may be alternative strategies.